The Yellow Tulip Project has brought together more than a dozen organizations across Nelson County as they work together to smash the stigma for youth mental health.
This week, hundreds of tulip bulbs were planted. Students at Bloomfield Elementary created a small plot for the flowers. Flaget Memorial Hospital placed the bulbs by their front entrance. New Haven dug a garden in a city park.
All of the bulbs and future tulips are a part of a new initiative from WellCare of Kentucky and Tri-County United Way’s Community Impact Council. The council came together to focus on mental health, specifically youth mental health, aiming to bring awareness and break the stigma.
The Yellow Tulip Project is the council’s means to bring the community together behind the issues plaguing youth. The project was created by young adult who had experienced the loss of two friends from suicide and was struggling with her mental health — the project has seen been implemented in numerous communities across the U.S.
“We thought starting young was a good idea as well to have that conversation,” Laura Vessels, WellCare of Kentucky Community Engagement Team Member said. “Tulips are looked at as a symbol of hope, hope for a bright future. … But they go into the dark grounds in the wintertime. The symbolism of darkness to light and bringing light to mental health, and knowing that there is hope no matter your situation. Starting conversations is the big piece right now.”
Yellow Tulip Project Hope Gardens are being planted across the county at over 20 different locations, with many other partnering organizations ready to shine a light on mental health. Some of the garden will also feature a Yellow Hope Bench, sponsored by those invested in the program.
The Hope Garden locations in Nelson County are located at: Bardstown Community Park, Bardstown Police Department, Bethany Haven, Bethlehem High School, Bloomfield Elementary School, Boston School, CHI Saint Joseph Health – Flaget Hospital – Green Dot Program, Cox’s Creek Elementary School, Foster Heights Elementary School, the Old Courthouse in Bardstown, Old Kentucky Home Middle School, Department of Community Based Services, Guthrie Opportunity Center, Heartland Youth Village, Nelson County Correctional Center, Nelson County Justice Center, Simms Park in New Haven, State Farm Insurance – Kasey Willett VanVactor, St. Monica Church and Wee Care Day Care.
Vessels said there are site coordinators for every garden who are implementing their awareness and education. Nelson County Schools has their Family Resource and Youth Service Center (FRYSC) Coordinators working with students. At Flaget Memorial, Misty Roller with the Green Dot Program is excited for their message of hope to reach more young people across the county.
Each community partner is working together to smash the stigma, Vessels said. The goal of the program is to show young people there is hope on the other side. Roller said she hopes this community-wide project encourages those experiencing mental health struggles will reach out.
“We are losing kids,” Roller said. “They’re too embarrassed to say anything, and they think their only way out is to end their life. That’s not true, and that’s the purpose of the Hope Garden. Even in your darkest hour … there’s hope.”
To learn more about the Yellow Tulip Project in Nelson County and how to get involved visit tricountykyuw.com/youth-mental-health.html.
