Together We Are Healing from Generational Trauma

I think a lot of times the community forgets about the Elders, especially the Hmong Elders who are left alone by themselves. The language and cultural barriers our Hmong Elders face every day have created even more isolation for them in this country. Having the opportunity to garden with hydroponic machines from Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin gives them something to do and enjoy.

Hydroponic farming is not a new concept to the Hmong Elders. Back in Laos or China, you had vegetables and rice fields in water. Gardening is a way of life and you don’t even think twice about farming in water or having nothing to grow over the winter months. In our hydroponic project, these machines allow our Hmong elders to do something they are familiar with and love to do year-round.

NEW Hmong Professionals has been very intentional in providing culturally-relevant opportunities where our elders can come together in a safe space where they feel comfortable among
themselves, socialize, and get physical exercise at the same time. Another critical component of this project is giving them dignity and self-worth. This project illustrates how they are able to give a lot back to society by sharing the vegetables they grew, share their lived experience, and teach the younger generation not just how to grow greens, but about their wisdom in life. As a result, this program helps them feel that they are still an important individual member of our community.

Hmong Elders consistently have high levels of depressive symptoms that are often transferred to their children and grandchildren in the forms of historical and generational trauma. Positive
interactions like gardening between Hmong Elders, professionals, and students in a cocreated safe space can dramatically reduce the amount of historical and generational trauma that is passed on from generation to generation. NEW Hmong Professionals hopes to continue and sustain this hydroponic growing project as we strive to meet the emerging needs of our community and  Hmong elders with the support of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.

Long Vue
NEW Hmong Professionals, Food Leaders Lab graduate