2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Garden of Neuro Institute

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Arts & Culture, Leadership Development, Women, Women's Centers, Womens Studies

Mission: "The Mission of the Garden of Neuro Institute is to provide a safe space for women to create their own lives, by cultivating voice, developing agency, and incubating and practicing leadership skills, in whatever field they choose. This is how we Build Better Communities."

Community Stories

17 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

DanielleM. Client Served

Rating: 5

02/26/2025

Once again, a whole year later, I still do not hesitate to promote the virtues and positive experiences generated within this organization. I am attending zoom workshops, being inspired, writing poetry, prose and interacting with women from all over the globe. I highly recommend the Garden of Neuro Institute - as a space to build and grow.

Danielle Martin, Trinidadian Poet and Author.
Kissing Shadows: Caribbean Love Poems & Sweet Talk: Caribbean Culture

Previous Stories
5

Client Served

Rating: 5

04/09/2024

Hi, I’m Danielle Martin, the poet/writer of “Kissing Shadows: Caribbean Love Poems,” currently available on Amazon.

I was introduced to this wonderful online female curated creative community a few years ago through my debut poetry collection, which caught the attention of one of the members.

Honestly I was skeptical, but I’m happy to say any doubts as to the credibility and genuine intent of this organization immediately disappeared after the first zoom meeting.

Susan, the founder along with Lisa and the others, are open, friendly and encouraging. This organization is a great “garden” to grow, as you are fertilized with a plethora of information via workshops both free and paid.

You are also provided with opportunities for getting your writing published and promoted. It encompasses not just the writer in you but the you that needs to be given the potential and opportunity to breathe.

I can personally vouch for the poetry, as several of my poems have since been published in a few of their anthologies. Additionally, the workshops have boosted my confidence and allowed for a broader scope and influence, by having conversations with women from diverse backgrounds. This nonprofit is highly recommended as a safe space to connect and improve, as a writer, woman and human being.

Barbara_Leonhard Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/24/2025

This is my second review of the Garden of Neuro Institute. I’m a volunteer. I host a Zoom Open Mic each month. Nanci Arvizu, a Board member, has been incredibly supportive, helping participants register and receive the Zoom link. I create a Facebook event. Although Nanci is very busy, she is always willing to step up and support women to create community in the Garden. The same can be said for the Founder of the Garden, Susan Brearley. She offers writing workshops weekly. One is Gratitude Journaling, which has been deeply meaningful for me. If you go to the website, you can see the many events she offers. Others I’ve attended are poetry workshops led by Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld. You can learn about poetry forms and get inspired to write poems to submit to an anthology that the Garden of Neuro Publishing or Prolific Pulse Press plan to launch later in the year. I also signed up for a self-study course on journaling. It includes videos and readings on the history and importance of journaling. I highly recommend that women explore the Garden. There are events there for writers, poets, and artists. You can join in groups discussing life and faith, and other topics. Mainly you can be part of a growing community, and in these uncertain times, we need to unite and not isolate.

Previous Stories
4

Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/12/2024

I found out about Garden of Neuro Institute from a fellow writer, Nolcha Fox, and we will soon have a book published by the Garden called Too Much Fun to be Legal. I appreciate this group because of the dedication of the founders, whose hearts are filled with fierce compassion to provide a safe place for women to thrive. At the Garden, you can find writers, artists, publishers, and many groups / circles to join that suit your interests, such as poetry, writing, drawing, book clubs, and others. I access the Garden using the Mighty App, and it was easy to navigate the tutorial showing how to access all the groups and activities. I am a writer/ poet, and have enjoyed the poetry circle’s activities. I was able to do a presentation about my book Three-Penny Memories: A Poetic Memoir, and now I volunteer to host a monthly open mic/ critique group for poets and writers. The Garden provides poets with daily prompts and the opportunity to have works published in anthologies or books on Amazon. I’m the Editor for MasticadoresUSA, and I notice that several writers I publish are also members of the Garden. If you write on Medium, you can submit your work to Garden of Neuro, Prolific Pulse, Connections, Muddyum, or Contemplate. All of these publications were created by the founders of the Garden. A huge shout out to Susan Brearley, (host, founder) Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld (host, publisher for Prolific Pulse Press), and Nanci Arvizu (host, publisher for Garden of Neuro) for their tireless hours of work to create and nurture this safe haven for creative women. The people I have met there are all kind and loving.

LisaTZ Board Member

Rating: 5

02/24/2025

I have been a part of Garden of Neuro Institute almost from inception. Within this platform I have found the tools to help with skill building, encouragement for independent thinking, opportunities to build on my strengths and more. When I joined, it was not long when I was offered the opportunity to improve the Poetry Circle, where poets or seekers come to build their craft and support one another. Since that time, after serving and handing over the distinction of Poet Laureate, I have worked toward the publishing sector. From assisting with creation of publications to mentoring, this has helped build the confidence of many members. We are capable and just need to put that to the test. This is a safe, brave space to do this.

ulloa327

ulloa327 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/05/2024

Joining the Garden in 2022 was a pivotal moment in my life. I met the founder, Susan, and during our conversation, I felt an immediate pull to be part of this empowering project. Since becoming a member, I've cherished the deep connections I've formed within this nurturing environment. The Garden is a place where I can truly be myself, sharing openly within the respectful bounds of our community guidelines. What I value most is being surrounded by like-minded women and learning from individuals from all walks of life. The Garden is a source of inspiration and empowerment, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.

1

QueenofSnark75 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

04/16/2024

This group of women has been instrumental in my life. I'm not sure where I'd be without them. From far and wide, our global sisters gather to support and encourage each other. We need to rise together!

This group has it all! Hugs to the founder and all my sisters in all stages of life. :) ❤️.

3

Patricia_Jeanne General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

04/16/2024

Spending time in the Garden of Neuro is like having coffee with your most creative, impressive friends.

Without the noise of pop-up ads and complicated distractions, friendships and mentorships are formed with individuals willing and able to share ideas and support one another. Artists, poets, writers, filmmakers, educators, women in tech, and more continuously help build a nurturing environment where all can benefit.

4

Nanci_Arvizu Board Member

Rating: 5

04/13/2024

I've been a part of the Garden Of Neuro Institute since the beginning, and it has been a journey of transformation every step of the way. The founder, Susan Brearley, has created an incredible space where we have learned new ways of seeing ourselves, each other, and the world by learning how to be in true community.

The Garden has personally enriched my life with friendships that span both place and time. When we gather there can be women from all parts of the globe in that one space a different times of the day or night, depending on where we sit on this planet. The experiences and perspectives we share have changed the way I see myself in the world. Knowledge like this is powerful, in more ways than we can begin to understand. In the Garden, we're not just working on it, or practicing it.

Gatherings in the Garden are what makes this space so special. Even as an online community, we find connection and support. And it spills over into real life and in-person retreats or discovering that our paths might cross during a trip for business or a vacation.

I look forward to many more years of exciting adventures with my Garden Sisters.

6

RubyToo Donor

Rating: 5

04/11/2024

I enjoy the most incredible experiences at the Garden of Neuro Institute. As someone who has struggled with finding a supportive community, this place is a true blessing. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed with open arms by the wonderful women who run the institute and the diverse group of participants from all walks of life.

The workshops and courses offered are truly transformative. There is an opportunity to explore meditation, art therapy, and creative writing, giving us a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. The facilitators are knowledgeable and compassionate, and create a safe space for us to be vulnerable and grow.

What I love most about the Garden of Neuro is the sense of sisterhood and connection. I met so many amazing women who I now consider lifelong friends. We share stories and laughter and support each other through the challenges and breakthroughs we experience in our lives

If you're looking for a supportive community and a chance to explore your potential, I cannot recommend the Garden of Neuro Institute enough. It truly changed my life, and I know it can do the same for you. Give yourself the gift of this incredible experience – you won't regret it!

5

lemaymel Client Served

Rating: 5

04/11/2024

I found Garden of Neuro through friends in the blogosphere. I understood it was a platform for women. Since I became a member of the community, I have seen that is just the tip of the iceberg.
I am getting to know my way around the website. I take part in writing challenges, and I plan to attend some writing groups via Zoom and submit poetry for an anthology that will be published. Maybe more than one!
The women in Garden of Neuro have been totally welcoming. It is made known that it is a safe space. I feel included in and see the inclusivity here. All women are welcome.
Since joining, I’ve made connections with other women, from all walks of life, who have in common a shared purpose to help other women succeed.

4

ViviSojorhn Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/11/2024

In the four or five years since I joined Garden-of-Neuro, I have found a community of encouraging and supportive women as I've negotiated the halls, the empty halls, of Empty Nest to find some pretty interesting doors with unique women and their refreshing perspectives. The long lost talents of writing poetry and painting watercolors and spending extra time in an actual garden have been such a healing to my heart. Susan Brearely's leadership and the great volunteers continue to grow the GofN in vision and experience. There is even a group that understands Chronic Illness support and this has been a life's journey for me and will be the next group I join. After an hour's commitment to decluttering every week circle. You don't have to commit all your time to GofN, but you'll want to soon!

6

Anu Anniah Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/11/2024

I've been associated with the Garden of Neuro for over 2 years. The Garden is always buzzing with activities and new ideas to empower and encourage women from all over the world.

Each time I visit the Garden, I am blown away by how much more it has grown. Just like any other beautiful garden, the growth and abundance in the Garden of Neuro is a testament to the love and care provided by the chief gardener, Susan, and her amazing team.

I would encourage women of different backgrounds and ethnicities to explore the Garden, draw some inspiration, and leave something of themselves for others to be inspired by.

5

V.S.J. Client Served

Rating: 5

04/08/2024

The Garden of Neuro has many things to offer but the word that comes to mind is sanctuary. I've explored many of the Circles and met women of all ages from all over the world. Each one has been kind, supportive and encouraging. When my outlook differs, my opinions are met with curiosity never derision. The support that they offer on women's issues and leadership development is inspiring. I encourage all women to check it out.

5

DollarsandSense4Nonprofits Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/08/2024

I was on my way to FDR's Presidential Library following a pilgrimage to Seneca Falls to soak in the herstory of the first Women's Rights Convention when I found the Garden. The women seek to inspire and support one another in their hopes, dreams and ambitions. Whether publishing books, sharing subject matter expertise or asking questions in a safe space, the Garden grows a bountiful female-centered community. Every woman is welcome to join their personal as well as the collective journey.

Nonprofit Coach and Consultant
Illinois Member

5 ABLUEBUNNYSTUDIO

ABLUEBUNNYSTUDIO General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

04/08/2024

I stumbled into the Garden of Neuro Institute during COVID. A writing submission came across my feed and I submitted a short piece. It was only my work’s acceptance that I delved into this non-profit and discovered the depth of breadth of their offerings. Support is the keyword, though. Whether it is an online group meeting about chronic illness, creativity with art, writing in a variety of formats, book clubs and author speakers, it gives voice and encouragement to its participants. Membership costs nothing yet the yield in terms of virtual friendships is abundant. I joined and have invited several others along with me hoping that they will find their niche. Programs do include retreats, in-person, among its several publications in print and online. I would encourage anyone to step into the garden and flourish!

5

LisaBolin Donor

Rating: 5

04/08/2024

I have been part of the Garden of Neuro since its inception and I’ve made friends all over the world! It’s a place for cultivating creativity, trying new things, sharing ideas, expanding your world, developing Neuro plasticity, and a great place for a laugh! The women I’ve met and made friends with are friends for life. I’ve even had poetry and art published in multiple anthologies. It’s a wonderful place to play and learn!

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