When Newman Y members Donna and Steve lost their mother, Elsie Chin Yan in 2012, they sought meaningful ways to honor her memory. Elsie Chin Yan was a supporter of the Newman Y and a local restaurant owner who believed no one should go hungry. With this in mind, Donna and Steve chose to have donations in her memory go towards expanding and enhancing the Newman Y community garden, now called the Elsie Chin Yan Memorial Garden in her honor.
For the past decade, Donna and Steve have turned the garden into a hands-on learning space for kids of all ages. Children actively participate in the entire gardening process, from planting seeds to harvesting their crops, gaining hands-on experience along the way. They learn about nature’s cycles and the basics of gardening, building curiosity, knowledge, and a love for vegetables. The garden has become more than just a green space—it’s a place where kids can actively explore and connect with the natural world.
Earlier this week, children at the Newman Y’s Kid’s World Preschool harvested cherry tomatoes, and in October they will harvest sweet potatoes with Donna and Steve.
The garden’s impact has extended beyond education. Every year, Donna and Steve harvest between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds of fresh vegetables, which they donate to local organizations and Newman Y members. They work closely with We Share Hope in Rumford, an organization distributing food to local pantries across Rhode Island. This annual contribution is a testament to Donna and Steve’s ongoing commitment to helping their local community thrive.
For Steve and Donna, the garden is more than just a plot of land; it’s a ‘labor of love’ that they hope will continue to give back for years to come. Steve, a member of the Newman Y for 37 years, and Donna, who has served on the Newman Y Branch Council for many years, are both steadfast in their dedication to the Y’s mission of promoting healthy living.
The Elsie Chin Yan Memorial Garden is a direct embodiment of the Y’s commitment to healthy living. It provides opportunities for community members to engage in activities that promote physical wellness and connection, helping the community achieve a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Steve and Donna are deeply grateful for the chance to embrace the Y’s mission by making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Donna and Steve are incredibly thankful to all the members of the Newman Y community and beyond who have generously contributed their time, energy, and resources to the garden. They would like to give a special thank you to Bailey Adams and the Berube Family, whose dedication and hard work have been invaluable to the success of the Elsie Chin Yan Memorial Garden.
As they look to the future, Donna and Steve remain committed to supporting the Newman Y and its community outreach, ensuring their mother’s legacy of nurturing both people and plants will continue to grow.
