Garden of Hope Heals and Inspires Those With HIV

At the New Jersey AIDS Service Organization Buddies of NJ, Inc., one local resident has found a way to conquer the HIV virus. The Garden of Hope was created two years ago as a tribute to former executive director Stephen Scheuermann, who gave 12 years of service before dying suddenly. Now, local resident Joe Gonzalez has expanded the small tribute into a lush garden that he hopes will help others with their physical and mental recovery.

"When I first came to this house, everything seemed sad and unwelcoming. People in the house seemed negative; it didn't feel like home," said Gonzalez. "I was really lucky when the new house manager, Ray, gave me the opportunity to change this. He told me I didn't have to, but I said to him that I wanted to make the home nice for everyone. Now, even people who drive past or come feel welcomed and comment on how beautiful everything is. It makes this house feel like a home."

Gonzalez, a resident of the Harrison House in Paramus, transformed a small part of earth into a wonderful garden that fills the entire walkway and lawn area of the Harrison House. His wish is to honor Steve and inspire those living with HIV to not give up.

Five hundred hand painted rocks emphasize the beauty of the thousands of flowers ranging from the five species of marigolds, petunias, tulips, lilies, lilacs, xenia, salvias and a 7-foot tree filled with red roses in October. From the curbside trash, Gonzalez rescued a little white rabbit, the owl, Rosie the scarecrow and more to become the guardians of a long season of healthy flowers.

"Through time, and the work of his hands, it has become largely admired. It is amazing to see families bring over relatives who reside in the hospital to share in just a bit of its beauty and inspiration," wrote Harrison House Manager Raymond J. Welsh. "Joe has been commended by many neighbors, colleagues, and county officials on the garden's beauty."

Gonzalez said that he learned how to make things work from his father, a chef, who stressed that, "We only use fresh ingredients. No canned anything. All soups and sauces need to be fresh. They taste better that way."

Growing up on his grandfather's farm in Puerto Rico, Gonzalez learned about plants and the proper techniques to grow and harvest food. When he returned to New Jersey, Joe used the passion for food that he gained from his father to pursue his own career as a chef. He became father to two beautiful girls, Alicia and Gisettem, and is now a grandfather as well.

But contracting HIV led Joe into a deep depression. He had lost everything he had -- his family, his job, and his home. Welsh said that Buddies accepted Gonzales into the Harrison House and he regained a healthy perspective on life.

"In many ways, this Garden of Hope has been an avenue for Joe to express himself: his pain, his joy, and his journey through life. It is a way of not giving up but giving back to the community," said Welsh.

Buddies of NJ, Inc. provides NJHS-licensed substance abuse counseling and treatment services; case management; medical case management, housing and housing assistance, dental services, counseling services, support groups, transportation and a food bank.

They are supported with federal grants from the Ryan White Care Act and HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS). Additional funding is also provided through private foundations, fundraising efforts, and generous contributions from the community at large. Donations are gratefully accepted.