COOPERSBURG, Pa. – A local woman is trying to break the stigma around mental health while encouraging others to connect with nature.
“So, what we offer is this gorgeous 8-acre sunflower maze, and it’s just not any ordinary maze; it actually teaches children about their emotions and their feelings,” says Esther Urffer, Founder and President, Petals 4 Hope.
This scenic stretch of sunflowers called the Field of Hope sits across from Pappy’s Orchard & Bakery in Coopersburg.
Each year the initiative brings a different theme.
“So, this year’s theme is under the sea,” Urffer said.
With the same focus:
“Our different sea creatures are teaching you about feelings, like the octopus is talking about being overwhelmed and how to manage that in our life,” she explained.
“Our mission is to decrease the stigma around mental health and build resilience in children,” says Urffer.
The founder says after dealing with her own mental health struggles as a child, she wanted to do something to help others.
“Sharing with people that it’s okay to feel that and ways to calm down, like in our wellness walk, it talks about different breathing strategies, and it gives about five different ways that we can calm our system down to feel less of those feelings,” says Urffer.
Now marking its fifth year, the field of hope continues to bloom for the community.
The maze is free, though donations are appreciated. It wraps up for the season on Sunday. More information can be found on their website.