Argrow’s House Field Trip
Dr. Joseph Lohmuller, a well-known and highly respected retired surgeon in the Quad Cities, taught me about the healing power of nature’s beauty.
He and his wife, Ann, were the force behind two successful fundraising campaigns to transform unsightly, gravel roofs at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus into spectacular rooftop gardens enjoyed in every season by patients, families, staff and visitors.
Rooftop garden at Genesis East Campus, Davenport
Given Dr. Lohmuller’s passion for these projects, it’s natural to assume his motivation was a love for gardening. He may very well have a green thumb, but it was never a topic of conversation for us.
We talked mostly about providing an uplifting view for his patients while they recovered from surgery. I believe Dr. Lohmuller was driven to act by his love of mankind — the definition of philanthropy.
What I greatly admired in Dr. Lohmuller, I also recognized in Dr. Kit Evans-Ford, when I was introduced to the dynamic founder of Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope.
Both of these visionary leaders exhibit a love for humanity. Both have created beautiful spaces to heal minds and bodies, and restore hope.
The women who come to Argrow’s House are survivors of domestic abuse or sexual violence. They can come for a day or a lifetime to build community, gain stability, and receive survivor services. Argrow’s House offers free support groups, counseling, art and massage therapy, movie nights, yoga, financial education and meaningful employment.
Argrow’s House social worker Kathleen Patrick
Better Health Foundation funding is underwriting the cost of one year of free therapy services for Argrow’s clients.
Part of the healing journey for survivors includes creating and selling lovely bath and body products to provide the women with a living wage and to sustain the organization’s mission.
Dr. Kit has built a successful social enterprise that includes attractive store fronts, a subscription service, and product placement in area gift shops. She plans to expand Argrow’s in a renovated strip mall the organization purchased this summer in Davenport and to use the new facility to inspire others to engage in social innovation.
When BHF Board member Dr. Karen Wickwire and I visited Argrow’s Moline store, I was struck by the beautiful mural along the back wall painted by an Argrow’s client. Dr. Kit said the women bring — or discover — many talents to benefit the organization. This creativity was on display during our visit as we watched clients create handmade bath balms and essential oils.
Dr. Kit’s goal is to help women find sustainable solutions, not simply to receive charity. The original Argrow’s House is now used to accommodate a client or family rent free for one year to allow a woman to grow more self-sufficient without the stress of living expenses.
Dr. Kit’s vision of wholeness and healing for women survivors is coming to life. And it’s beautiful.