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Hello, my name is Matt Hutchison, and I am organizing this fundraiser in support of my friend Charles Kassatly to help him realize his lifelong dream of opening the Home of Healing natural retreat near Mount Lebanon.
Below is an outline of how the retreat's funding will be used and which activities will be available for its visitors.
Home of Healings - Mission & Vision
Home of Healings is a self-sufficient sanctuary in rural Lebanon designed as a holistic retreat, organic micro-farm, and artisan workshop. Our mission is to provide a serene environment where individuals reconnect with nature and rediscover inner peace.
Guided by the motto "Aid one person at a time," we transform lifelong spiritual wisdom into a sustainable social enterprise, and here's how.
- Healing Retreat: Hosting one guest at a time, we offer immersive, personalized programs featuring meditation, plant-based nutrition, and nature therapy within a restored traditional stone cottage.
- Organic Micro-Farm: A pesticide-free, closed-loop system producing seasonal fruits, olives, and medicinal herbs using rainwater harvesting and composting.
- Artisan Workshop: A dedicated space for handcrafted beeswax candles, essential oils, and herbal blends, serving as both a production hub and a demonstration space.
- Conservation & Forestry: A protected sanctuary featuring a tree nursery to propagate native species and fruit trees, supporting local reforestation and biodiversity.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: The estate features traditional stone architecture with high ceilings and courtyards, integrated with modern ecological solutions:
- Renewable Energy: Wind power and gravity-fed water systems sourced from a natural well.
- Regenerative Systems: Raised beds, greenhouses, and beehives to support pollinator health.
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The Location: Chouwan
The Home of Healings will be established in Chouwan, located in the Keserwan District of Lebanon, within the Adonis Valley. Situated 50 km from Beirut at an altitude of 470–650 meters, this region is a prime destination for tourism, sustainable farming, and holistic healing.
Known as "Heaven by the River," Chouwan sits on the edge of the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve. The area is famous for its majestic lake, surrounded by evergreen pine forests and dramatic natural cliffs. It is a land steeped in history and myth; every spring, the lake reflects the legend of Adonis as soil erosion turns the water red, mirroring the flowering of local anemones.
While several potential sites are currently under consideration, the final location will be revealed as the project's energy and elements align.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g294005-d17307085-Chouwen_Lake_Hiking_Swimming-Beirut.html
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Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve (Arabic: محمية جبل موسى للمحيط الحيوي)
The Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve is a 6,500-hectare nature sanctuary in Lebanon’s Keserwan District, spanning altitudes from 350 to 1,700 meters. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Global Important Bird Area in 2009, it protects a vast ecosystem of over 724 flora and 137 bird species.
Covering key villages like Chouwan and Yahchouch, the reserve integrates nature conservation with local livelihoods through the MAB program. Its landscape is also a rich cultural corridor, featuring Phoenician, Roman, and Ottoman historical sites that highlight the ancient interdependence between humanity and the environment.
https://www.olx.com.lb/ad/ss-12113-land-for-sale-in-bazhel-nahr-brahim-أرض-للبيع-في-بزحل-ID116173612.html
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Impact & Values
We are committed to rural economic development and environmental stewardship. Our project prioritizes reforestation, zero-waste systems, and affordable access to healing services, fostering community engagement through shared agricultural knowledge and artisan craft.
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About Charles
Charles Kassatly is a spiritual guide and healer whose mission is rooted in four decades of global practice across India, Tibet, Peru, and New Zealand. By integrating ancient wisdom, meditation, and plant-based nutrition, he fosters a holistic harmony between body and mind, helping individuals unlock their highest potential. His philosophy is guided by the core belief that Wisdom is Power and Power is Wisdom, offering a path toward ultimate health that is both deeply spiritual and practically grounded in organic living.
Born and raised in Lebanon, Charles’s journey is defined by a lifelong pursuit of herbalism and contemplative practices, further solidified by his profound personal devotion. After years abroad, he returned to his homeland to care for his mother in her final years—a sacrifice that, while exhausting his savings, reinforced his unwavering commitment to compassion and service. Now 60, he is channeling this resilience into "Home of Healings," a childhood dream he has carried since age 8, transforming personal adversity into a sanctuary for others.
This vision is not merely theoretical but is the result of a lifetime of tested, refined authenticity. His project in the majestic Adonis Valley of Chouwan serves as a sustainable social enterprise that combines traditional Lebanese heritage with modern ecological innovation. Through a one-on-one retreat model, organic micro-farming, and artisanal craftsmanship, Charles offers a unique space for restoration that is as much a testament to his global expertise as to his deep, lived connection with the natural world.