Then everything changed. 

Lindsay had slipped through the cracks and became a number. I’m sad to say she existed in this program and within four walls without connection, without growth, and without purpose. As my family and I advocated for Lindsay in wanting MORE, it was clear this was not going to be the place. 

I then decided to do something about it.

After talking with other families like ours, many of them had the same challenges that my family and I were now facing. How can there be a lack of resources in a city of this size?

Well, there are resources. There are really wonderful organizations in Las Vegas that do A LOT of good for A LOT of people.

But none of those were the right fit and offered a positive and inclusive environment, smaller by design, focused on personalized goals and connection, allowed for engagement in the community in a 1:1 or small group setting, offered continuing educational classes, had opportunities for recreation and a place to build real friendships and FUN. 

There are so many people that need a positive environment to grow that not only pushes the limits of what’s been deemed possible but celebrates people for who they are, while providing the care that they need to really LIVE life! Not just exist.

The Garden Foundation was created to bring JOY and life to my sister and so many of her peers. It’s also to bring resources to the families that need them and to honor my father, who’s light and heart was for service and my sister.

From Taylor Gardener Chaney

Founders Message

I was only 16 months old when Lindsay was born. On February 17th, 1989 not only did I get a little sister, I got my life’s purpose.

I didn’t quite understand what Down syndrome or a disability really meant at that age. She was my little sister and my only sibling, so I never knew any different. We fought over toys like other siblings. I would try to boss her around on which dolls to play with as we played ‘house’ (honing my leadership skills at a young age :) but her ‘disability’ or ‘different abilities’ as I like to refer to them, never made much of a difference to me.

But now that I think about it, maybe I understood it better as a five year old than many adults do today…

We should ALL be treated exactly as that. People! Not a disability or diagnosis.

Fundamentally we all want the same things out of life. We want to be included, accepted, to have friends, be loved and to have some fun!

We’ve always been a family to embrace Lindsay’s differences and I have grown to be a better person because of her.

My heart has been opened and fulfilled by those with disabilities through my childhood and adulthood. I’ve always been involved in organizations, volunteering where I can and trying to make a difference. However, I separated that part of my life from my successful professional journey.

But my heart always knew…

Working my way up in the corporate world I had always yearned to start my own non-profit. So that I could marry my love of helping those with special needs and have a career. But Lindsay, after graduating, attended a day Program for about 10 years, while I sat 

I’m grateful you’re here to see what we’re about.

on boards of like organizations and did what I could for this community that I so loved.