We are thrilled to announce the opening of Allendale’s new Healing Labyrinth—a serene and transformative space designed to foster healing, reflection, and personal growth for our students and staff. This exciting addition to our campus has been a labor of love, brought to life through the generosity and support of our incredible community.
The entrance of the labyrinth is marked by a plaque recognizing The Grainger Foundation, whose legacy gift was instrumental in bringing this meaningful project to fruition. Over the past two years, we’ve rallied together to turn our vision into a reality. Our “Buy-A-Brick” campaign allowed friends, staff, Board members and supporters to leave their personal mark on this project and their legacy on our beautiful lakeside campus. The personalized brick pavers, now an integral part of the center of the labyrinth, symbolize the strength and unity of the Allendale family.
The exceptional and creative design of Frank Babcock and Sarah Hebda and expertise of installation work by Clarence Davids Landscaping truly brought the labyrinth to life, transforming our vision into a tangible, inspiring space. We are also deeply grateful for their efforts in helping us secure additional donations, ensuring the project’s success. They’ve even entered our Labyrinth design in the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association competition… and we certainly think it’s a winner!
Healing Labyrinth path entrance with engraved stone “Generously Supported by The Grainger Foundation” welcomes visitors on their journey.
What Makes a Healing Labyrinth Special?
Healing labyrinths have been used throughout history as powerful tools for meditation, problem-solving, and spiritual transformation. With a single path leading to the center and back, the labyrinth creates a space where the mind can be quiet, the heart can open, and healing can begin.
There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to walk the labyrinth—each journey is as unique as the person taking it. Whether walking to reduce stress, reflect on a question, pray, or simply find joy, the labyrinth offers an unparalleled opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
For our kids and staff at Allendale, this sacred space will be a sanctuary, offering peace and inspiration amid their daily challenges and triumphs.
A Celebration Was Definitely in Order!
We proudly unveiled the Healing Labyrinth with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at our Annual Board of Trustees Meeting on October 24th. This momentous occasion marked not only the completion of this project but also our enduring commitment to fostering healing and resilience in those we serve.
Allendale also honored our most recent Board Chairmen, Horace W. Jordan, Jr. and Robert E. Lee, III, during the ceremony by dedicating named benches in their honor around the labyrinth’s perimeter, offering visitors a place to rest, reflect, and appreciate the tranquil surroundings.
Together, we celebrated this incredible achievement and the countless journeys toward healing and hope that it will inspire. The Healing Labyrinth is a testament to our mission and a shining example of what we can accomplish together.
Wish you could still “Buy-A-Brick” and be a part of this project? We will have one more installation of personalized brick pavers in the spring of 2025! If you’re interested in buying a brick, you can still do so via our website for a donation of $125 or more! Just reference “Labyrinth Brick” in the gift comments.
Allendale: A tradition of care and service.
For over 127 years, Allendale, a private, not-for-profit organization, has led youth with serious emotional, mental, and behavioral health challenges and their families on a journey towards resiliency.
At Allendale, our aim is to offer every chance for healing and growth – through a myriad of programs and services and a continuum of care including 24/7 therapeutic residential treatment, therapeutic day school programs, outpatient counseling services, foster care, emergency shelter and transitional living and intensive in-home and community support services. Allendale is a place where kids and families have the opportunity to restore their lives and discover a better future.