Sagamore Children's Center Mindfulness Garden

The Friends of Sagamore, Inc. is requesting donations to build a Mindfulness Garden for patients and their families at the Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center in Long Island, New York. This initiative commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center. Since 1969, Sagamore has been a leader in provision of psychiatric services for youth with significant emotional disturbances on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Psychiatric hospitalization of a child is often a traumatic experience for that child as well as the family. In order to provide effective treatment, it’s crucial to offer an environment that is calming, pleasing, and fosters therapeutic growth. 

The Mindfulness Garden will provide a tranquil and reflective space that will, 1) serve as a calm and serene visiting area for patients and their family members; and, 2) provide a special area for therapeutic staff to work with patients on stress-reduction and enriching strategies involving reflection, meditation, relaxation, and similar skills. 

The Mindfulness Garden will honor the memory of Dr. Robert Schweitzer, who was Executive Director at Sagamore from 1982-2003. Under Dr. Schweitzer's leadership, Sagamore established itself as a leader in both inpatient and community-based treatment for children with serious emotional difficulties on Long Island.  

You may make donations as follows: 1) a donation of any amount that will go towards construction of the garden; 2) donation of $100 for an engraved 4”x8”paving stone; 3) donation of $200 for an engraved 8”x8” paving stone; 4) donation of $500 for sponsoring a Meditation Stone; 5) donation of $1000 for sponsoring a bench, glider, or fountain. 

Engraving options can include the name of the donor (individual(s), group, or organization), a stone in memory of an individual, or a quote or message appropriate to the purpose of the garden. 

If you wish to donate towards a paving stone or other item, please send an email by clicking the CONTACT button below. We will provide you with instructions on the engraving options. Please email for any other questions.  

Thank you for your support!