Aurora, Ind. — Students from Ivy Tech Community College in Lawrenceburg and members of the community are creating a garden for the residents of Heart House in Aurora. Heart House is a homeless shelter that helps less fortunate residents build life skills and remove barriers to success.
The project is sponsored by Ivy Tech Community College and East Indiana Area Health Education Centers. Ivy Tech professor of nursing Dr. Shelly Eisert organized and directed the project. “This service-learning project facilitated a better understanding of diverse populations, specifically homeless, familiarizing and sensitizing our students and community members to realities and hardships of the homeless population, as well as recognizing resources that are available to diverse populations,” Eisert said. “Most importantly, this experience enhanced the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of our future health care professionals.”
The fruits and vegetables will be used by Heart House residents this year. Throughout the growing season residents are encouraged to work the garden and the benefits of physical activity. The garden also has bird feeders, bird baths and decorations to provide a relaxing atmosphere.
