Rooted in Love. Grown with Purpose.

Our Story

Take a minute to write an introduction that is short, sweet, and to the point. If you sell something, use this space to describe it in detail and tell us why we should make a purchase. Tap into your creativity. You’ve got this.When our daughter Elena turned 23 and aged out of the school system, we found ourselves facing a difficult and all-too-common question:

What’s next?

Elena has a rare chromosomal condition that results in profound developmental disabilities. While her school years were filled with structure, socialization, and support, the next chapter felt uncertain. We quickly realized that meaningful opportunities for adults with disabilities are heartbreakingly limited.

We knew we weren’t alone.

We’ve met many families navigating the same reality — searching for purpose, connection, and dignity for their adult children. That shared need planted a seed in our hearts.

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The Spark of an Idea

A friend in Youngstown shared their experience running a small grave-cleaning business. It struck a chord. We were moved by the simplicity and beauty of it: caring for resting places that many families, due to distance or health, could no longer tend to themselves.

But we saw something more.

What if this service could not only provide comfort to grieving families — but also create meaningful, inclusive workfor individuals like Elena?

About Elena

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A woman smiling and holding a large colorful unicorn plush toy with big eyes and a striped body, in a cozy indoor setting with chicken-themed artwork on the wall.
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Elena is the heart behind our mission.
She’s joyful, gentle, and loves being outside — especially when the sun is shining. Music, movement, and routine bring her comfort. She may not communicate in conventional ways, but her bright spirit and kind presence speak volumes.

She reminds us every day that purpose doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.

What People Are Saying

  • Carol W., Parent of a Heaven’s Gardener Team Member

    “

    This is the kind of business every community needs — compassionate, thoughtful, and deeply human. Knowing my son could be part of something so meaningful gave me hope I hadn’t felt in a long time.

    ”

  • Melissa T., Akron, OH

    “

    We live several hours away and it’s not easy for us to visit my grandparents’ graves often. When we saw the before-and-after photos, we were overwhelmed — it was like someone had cared for them the way we would have.

    ”

  • Derrick R., Cleveland, OH

    “

    Heaven’s Gardener didn’t just clean my father’s headstone — they restored dignity to the space. I felt seen, and so did he.

    ”

  • Janelle B., Youngstown, OH

    “

    I was nervous at first, trusting someone else to care for such a personal space. But from the first email to the final photos, everything felt respectful, kind, and full of heart.

    ”

A woman and a young man smiling at each other in a greenhouse, surrounded by various plants and flowers.

The Birth of Heaven’s Gardener

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Person planting pansy flowers in a garden, wearing gloves and holding a small pot of soil and plants.

That idea became Heaven’s Gardener — a compassionate business built on two core beliefs:

  1. Every resting place deserves respect and care.

  2. Every person deserves purpose, connection, and dignity — regardless of ability.

We provide respectful grave cleaning services, and where possible, offer employment to adults with disabilities. From trimming grass and gently washing headstones to planting flowers and adding seasonal decor, our team members contribute with pride, knowing their work carries meaning.

Illustration of a simple, stylized pink plant with multiple leaves along a single stem.
A stylized, dark teal leaf design with elongated, curved leaves arranged on a stem.

Join Us in Creating Purpose

Whether you’re a family in need of grave care, someone passionate about inclusive work, or simply moved by our story — we invite you to be part of this mission.

Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Schedule a cleaning for a loved one’s resting place

  • Refer a family or individual who may benefit from our services or employment

  • Share our story with your community

  • Volunteer or simply spread the word

Every act of support helps us honor the past and create meaningful futures.