Hi, we're Rachele and Vanessa, the co-founders of The People's Wellness Center.

We teach because we love helping people feel strong, supported, and seen, and because moving our bodies and caring for our own minds is part of what keeps us well too.

We started this because the people we love and teach kept telling us, in their own words, what they needed.

"I can't come, I have kids."

"Yoga isn't built for a body like mine."

"I don't have time."

"As a queer person, I never know if I'll feel welcome."

Every one of those stayed with us. The People's Wellness Center grew out of wanting to answer them. After years of teaching out of our home, on Zoom, and in rented spaces, experiencing people show up for beginner friendly yoga, dance, and family wellness is part of this work we love. Now we're hoping for a home that's truly ours, and that's what this $30,000 is for.

In spring of 2026, we graduated from the Queer Impact Equity Program with the Detroit Pride Chamber of Commerce, which helped us build out our marketing plan, operations, protocols, insurance, and budget. We've put in the work to be ready. What we're missing now is simply the space itself.

We've also been fortunate, grants through the Chamber from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Stellantis are covering our online operating costs for a year, insurance, our kids' yoga and dance certifications, props and supplies, our website and scheduling software. That groundwork is already in place.

One thing that matters a lot to us: none of the $30,000 goes to us personally. It's covering our first three months of operating costs, lease, rent, and setup, so we can get the doors open.

Where the $30,000 goes:

- $10,000: lease deposit

- $10,000: first 3 months rent

- $10,000: equipment and setup

We're hoping to have keys in hand by early 2027, and every bit of support brings that a little closer.

If this is something you feel moved by, there are two ways to help: give what feels right for you, or share this with someone who might care. Both mean just as much to us.

Any gift, any size, means you'll be listed as a founding supporter on our website once we open. And if there's ever a person or organization who wanted to carry this in full, we'd be so glad to have that conversation too.

You belong here. Thank you for helping us bring The People's Wellness Center home!

Visit our website at www.tpwcenter.com

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