Recent studies suggest that spending time in nature can improve physical and emotional well-being, contributing to decreased stress and depression and greater happiness. The Growing Works Project, a non-profit wholesale nursery site for vocational training, aims to assist people with mental illness on a path to wellness with horticultural therapy and future job placement. This study is stage one of a longitudinal mixed methods study, examining the impact the Growing Works Project has on well-being for the first cohort of participants (6 males, 3 females). After three months working at Growing Works, survey data revealed that physical health, sense of belonging, valuation of work, and optimism were significantly positively correlated with happiness. Women reported greater connectedness to nature and optimism than men. Focus group data were collected and analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Common themes that emerged were (1) a greater connectedness to nature, (2) a strong sense of community, and (3) increased motivation and optimism for their future. Overall findings suggest that developing a deeper connection to the earth has cultivated a sense of community, which in turn has contributed to a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and positive outlook for the future.