A budding sense of community and a touch of nature have taken root at the Gafney Home, a senior living facility in Rochester, thanks to the leadership and dedication of Alex Farr, a senior at Dover High School and Life Scout with Scouting America.

As part of his Eagle Scout Leadership Project, Farr led the design and construction of four handcrafted wooden garden boxes and two durable poly lumber benches, which were installed in the Gafney Home’s backyard just ahead of the facility’s one-year anniversary on September 23. The project aimed not only to enhance the outdoor space but also to inspire social connection and personal pride among residents.

Working alongside family members, fellow Scouts, and community volunteers, Farr managed every aspect of the project—from planning and design to construction and installation. “Each of the boxes and benches was made to be long-lasting,” Farr said, noting that durability and aesthetic appeal were both priorities throughout the project.

Even the landscaping was thoughtfully planned, according to Farr’s father, Michael Farr, who said every detail—from layout to execution—was carefully considered by Alex. On installation day in August, the team completed the project in a single afternoon under sunny skies, as residents eagerly watched from their windows.

At the request of residents, the benches were placed on the facility’s patio, where they are now frequently used. “We see residents sitting and connecting every day,” said Danielle Holt, Senior Services Coordinator at the Gafney Home. “After tending to the new garden boxes, they’re gathering, talking, and enjoying the space in a way they hadn’t before.”

The new garden has quickly become a source of pride for the Gafney Home community. “The residents have really owned it,” Holt added. “The project has even inspired them to plant more on their own.”

Betsey Andrews Parker, Chief Executive Officer of Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC), which manages the Gafney Home, expressed deep gratitude to Farr for his contribution. “The residents didn’t have that sense of community before,” she said. “But this garden has helped build it—and we thank Alex for that.”

In recognition of his work, Farr was presented with a handcrafted thank-you card signed by every resident.

Farr’s project serves as a strong example of youth leadership and community impact, reflecting the core values of Scouting America. It also marks a key milestone in his journey to earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

For more information about the Gafney Home and CAPSC’s senior housing programs, visit: https://straffordcap.org/senior-housing.

About Community Action Partnership of Strafford County
Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC) is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization established under the provisions of the Equal Opportunity Act of 1964 and founded locally in Strafford County in 1965.

The mission of CAPSC is to reduce barriers and help clients improve their economic stability and well-being through education, advocacy, and partnerships. With a vision to eliminate poverty, CAPSC upholds the values of communication, collaboration, client-focus, and accountability through all of its local efforts.

CAPSC remains the sole provider of a broad range of programs and services designed to promote the welfare of people experiencing low incomes. The organization employs nearly 150 people across its offices in Dover, Farmington, Rochester, and Somersworth. More information can be found at straffordcap.org.