Bench for the Garden of Angels

August 18, 2025 | Portage, WI

Farmer Angel Network's volunteer Sandy Kracht has gone above and beyond to help us donate a bench in honor of the network for the Garden of Angels in Portage, WI. FAN will hold our monthly planning meeting at the Garden for a formal dedication of the bench.

Farmer Angel Network had the bench custom-made at Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center (SRSTC) in Mauston, WI. SRSTC is considered a national center of excellence in the evaluation and treatment of people who have a history of sexual violence and mental health needs.

Joanne Alt, farm/garden owner, shared with us how the garden came to be after the death of her child and then soon after her husband to suicide. She converted her farm into the garden in 2015/16 to raise awareness about suicide and give people a comfortable place to grieve. The flower gardens and walking paths are free to the public. More about her story in this news article and on her web page.

Visitors are encouraged to gather a flowers or a bouquet. Donations of time, small bud vases and funds are always welcome. She regularly gathers flowers and shares them with neighbors, residential facilities and others that may need a lift.

Thank you to Joanne for raising awareness and her suicide prevention efforts.

Photos courtesy of Sandy Kracht