How Our Story Began
A Home, Not an Institution
1962
After years of fundraising and saving, Lillian Petock Crowley makes the decision to move Freedom Gardens to its permanent home in the hamlet of Mohegan Lake, NY.
With room to grow over five acres, the new location was perfect for the community that would expand to 12 units (and counting) today.
Freedom Gardens Grows
2011
With the help of volunteers and supporters, the first major addition to Freedom Gardens - three resident apartments and a community center - breaks ground.
​
Named in memory of Gary Kleiber, a former board member who worked tirelessly for nearly a decade to make it happen, the new building strengthened our community and gave three more residents & their families a place to call home.
Passing the Torch
2019
Starting as a volunteer in the 70's, Jeff Held dedicated a significant part of his life as treasurer of Freedom Gardens. His important work ensured the organization could support all the residents who called it home.
​
At the 60th Annual Freedom Gardens Day, friends, volunteers, and residents honored him by planting the Jeff Held Memorial Garden in his honor. Jeff's son, Kevin, continues his legacy in service of Freedom Gardens today.
Seen & Heard
1977
Lillian Petock Crowley authors a book titled Handbook for Helpers, a guide for those that provide care for folks with disabilities like herself.
​
A year later, her book and Freedom Gardens are featured in the Rehabilitation Gazette, an influential magazine authored by independent-living activist Gini Laurie.
Honoring Lifelong Service
2015
The 53rd Annual Freedom Gardens Day celebrates Frank Harris, who stepped down from his role of President at age of 93.
After escaping the holocaust in his native Germany as a teenager, and returning to serve for the United States Army shortly after, Frank's kindness and generosity found a home at Freedom Gardens, where he volunteered his time for 57 years.
​
His work is now carried on by our current president, Ed Herzog.
A Return to Normal
2021
After over a year of isolation and lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Freedom Gardens is able to welcome back friends and families to its annual celebration, filled with live music, food, and laughs between old friends.
Our journey hasn't always been easy, but it's always been worth it.
Here's to the next 60 years, where we hope we can give the gift of home to many, many more.
Help us continue to maintain and improve Freedom Gardens now & for years to come.
One Big Idea
1958
Realizing her dream of providing paraplegics like herself a home, instead of being forced to a state institution, Lillian Petock Crowley incorporates Freedom Gardens for the Handicapped in Yonkers, NY.
​
"When I started, these things weren't being done," she told a local reporter in 1975. "It was a pioneering idea."