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Enrichment Focus leep Up the Good Work The Larsons Find Work Therapeutic for Themselves and Others "I like work,"says Reuben Larson. He spent 38 years working in human resources for 3M. Rather than retire, he ran his own consulting business for another 10 years. "The sense of accomplishment and self-worth derived from work is the key to life." When his wife Gerry suggested that they restore the Dalbo, Minnesota farm built by Reuben's grandfather in 1868, Reuben wasn't wild about the idea, but his Swedish appreciation for work prevailed. The Larsons took over the farm and have been working the land—literally—for the past 14 years. Between planting gardens,restoring the farmhouse, maintaining the prairie, and harvesting 50 acres of hay,the Larsons have enough work to go around. Gerry giggles as she admits -to being pretty good with a tractor. Horticulture,long recognized as a healing practice,is In addition to working hard, the Larsons look out for those around them. "The used to teach independence and decision making importance of giving to others is carried on through the generations,"notes Gerry through the Arboretum's Horticulture Therapy Program. as she remembers taking their three daughters to participate in neighborhood outings for individuals with developmental disabilities. Wanting to share the satisfaction of a good day's the Larsons began opening their farm to groups of handicapped and disabled adults and children and at-risk youth. Reuben and Gerry have also aligned their charitable giving with their passion for working the earth; through The Reuben and Gerry Larson Family Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation,they make grants to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Horticulture Therapy department. A program of the University of Minnesota Extension Service, Horticulture Therapy promotes independence,healing, and self- esteem by helping to connect people of varying abilities to plants and the earth. Daughter Jeannie Larson shares her parents'passion; she was hired to start the Horticulture Therapy program in 1992 and has launched dozens of related programs in the last 10 years. The Larsons invite groups of varying abilities to their 120-acre farm to share the satisfaction of cultivating � In addition to aligning their values with their charitable giving, Reuben and Gerry vegetable and flower gardens. find that their Donor Advised Fund at The Saint Paul Foundation streamlines their philanthropy and gives them an opportunity to connect to like-minded individuals. About the experience of working the land at the farm or at the Arboretum, Reuben asserts, "It's not just therapy for the groups that attend—it's therapy for us!" 3