Students and faculty at Unitech Training Academy in Lafayette school spearheaded a project to resurface Hospice of Acadiana’s Labyrinth. The project was done as a Community Service Initiative by the organization.
The project which spanned several days included the sandblasting, repairing, and resurfacing of the existing Labyrinth. It involved 32 students and faculty and took more than 50 hours to complete. Additionally, Alzina Dural, owner of the nonprofit Seasons the Green Leaf assisted in getting the materials needed for the project, which were donated by Doug Ashy. This was an added benefit for the project and the organization.
The Labyrinth is a meditative walking path open and available to the public for use at any time. Guided walks are also offered throughout the year to help individuals reach a place of healing and wholeness.
Nathan Hess, Instructor, Unitech Training Academy, shared the significance of this project and collaboration. "I’ve been coming here for years, walking the Labyrinth myself. In hearing more about all of the great work Hospice of Acadiana is doing in our community, I wanted to find a way that we could support them – something that would make a difference. This seemed like a no-brainer."
The circular symbol of the labyrinth represents a journey to one’s own center and then back out into the world. Walking the path provides people with a space for connecting with God, self, or a higher power; helps in working through a loss or transition; and calms the soul, while quieting the mind.
"We are so grateful that Nathan and his students reached out to us," said Heather Prejean, Director of Hospice of Acadiana’s Center for Loss & Transition. "Many people don’t realize this resource is here. The fact that it was important for them to help, so others could be helped, is truly amazing."
