ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Over the next year at the Ishpeming Senior Center, a commemorative handmade installation can be found throughout it’s hallways and community spaces, representing the community of its workers who do so much to care for others. The display is called A Caregiver’s Butterfly Garden.
This is the the fourth time these paper workings have been hung in a Michigan care facility, but the first time they’ve been seen in the U.P..
“It’s an opportunity for us to share our story,” said Ishpeming Senior Center Executive Director, Ashley Roberts. “It’s a blessing to be able to share this with our community, and to be a spotlight for the Upper Peninsula. We care so deeply at the roots of those we love, and it’s so much more than what we do just within the walls of our senior center.”
The crafted art is all done by Michigan artist, Zahrah Resh with support by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan State’s IMPART Alliance. The meanings of the display are all found directly within the butterflies themselves, supporting an often unnoticed amount of dedication and bringing more awareness to a statewide workforce shortage.
“Written on their wings are messages of hope and what it means to be a caregiver, to share their life with that individual and make their life more valuable,” said Roberts. “We’re also here to support statewide initiatives.”
Starting in March, more support for the garden will be made available. These will be a part of a satellite program, where community members from across the Upper Peninsula can order butterfly kits and share these stories at their local care centers. More information can be found here.
