About this Sacred Place
In a neighborhood where the dome of the U.S. Capitol can be seen just blocks away, there live 250 low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities, a community that supports residents in acquiring basic needs of food, housing, adequate health care and human dignity. A Wider Circle is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help end poverty. The introduction of a Sacred Place for the residents of Sibley Plaza was met with enthusiasm. Residents were excited to see their vision of a shared space where they can feel “sunshine on their face” come to life.
The garden’s dedication in 2011 of Sibley Plaza introduced the community to their peaceful new gathering place, unlike any other they’ve ever experienced in this area of D.C. The space includes raised garden beds filled with flowers and vegetables available for neighbors to enjoy. For these seniors, a Sacred Place in nature not only improves their health, it helps to facilitate feelings of self-worth, spiritual well-being and provides an emotional uplift, while lessening the deleterious effects of life in underserved areas.
The 1,500-square-foot Sacred Place at Sibley Plaza remains “a space set aside from everyday life, which is meant to invite you into a deeper and more peaceful relationship with yourself, your neighbor and the created world.” Today, the Sibley Plaza community refers to the space as their Peace Garden.
Designer: Clinton & Associates.
