Nurturing Independence: HEARTH’s Holistic Approach to Wellness in 2024
By: Megan Lang
HEARTH, formerly North Hills Affordable Housing, is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide a range of supportive services and housing that empowers homeless women with children, who are survivors of domestic violence or other trauma, to become independent, economically self-sufficient, and permanently housed.
Vision for 2024: Empowering Our Families with Self-Care Goals
Stepping in to a new year is a perfect time to reflect on our goals and priorities, especially when it comes to self-care. At HEARTH, we understand the importance of setting a positive tone for the months ahead, which is why we begin each January by creating Vision Boards with our families. Thanks to the generous funding from the Allegheny County Medical Society, we’re able to facilitate these meaningful activities that inspire reflection, motivation, and personal growth.
The Power of Vision Boards
Vision Boards are a simple but powerful tool for helping participants visualize their goals and dreams. By focusing on self-care, our families can explore what health and wellness mean to them personally, setting the foundation for a positive year ahead. Vision Boards allow them to answer key questions such as:
- What does “health” mean to me?
- How can I make my vision of “health” a reality?
- What are my short-term needs, and what are my long-term needs?
Through this exercise, our families enter the new year with clarity and purpose. They’re encouraged to think deeply about their physical, mental, and emotional health and what steps they can take to nurture themselves and their loved ones. With strong, positive thoughts and clear goals, the start of 2024 has been filled with energy and optimism.
Holistic Wellness Meetings: A Comprehensive Approach to Health
Our commitment to health and wellness goes beyond Vision Boards. In January, we also launched our Holistic Wellness meetings, where families explore self-care from a holistic perspective. These meetings aim to address the full spectrum of health—physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. Thanks to Allegheny County Medical Society’s support, we’ve been able to host these vital sessions and provide materials to our families.
During these meetings, participants learn about the “little things” they can do to improve their well-being. For example, families share herbal recipes, create personalized tea blends, and prepare foot baths together. These activities might seem simple, but they have a profound effect on overall relaxation, stress relief, and confidence. By making small additions like a cup of calming tea or a rejuvenating foot bath part of their daily routines, our families are empowered to prioritize their own self-care.
Holistic health doesn’t require big changes; sometimes it’s the smallest practices that can make the biggest difference. The gatherings offer a space for families to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and inspire one another to try new wellness practices that fit their unique needs.
Weekly Wellness Themes: Building on Self-Care All Year Long
In addition to Vision Boards and Holistic Wellness meetings, HEARTH has expanded our focus on self-care by centering our Monday Night meetings around wellness topics throughout the year. Each week, families come together to explore different aspects of health, from yoga and mindfulness to seasonal festivities that promote a sense of community and celebration.
These meetings are designed to give participants a variety of ways to engage in self-care. Some weeks focus on relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation, while others celebrate key moments in our families’ lives. For instance, our Mother’s Day-themed wellness session is always a hit, giving mothers the space to connect, unwind, and celebrate themselves.
By varying the topics, we ensure that there’s something for everyone, no matter where they are on their wellness journey. These gatherings also help foster a sense of belonging, providing a supportive community where participants can share their successes and challenges, knowing they are not alone in their efforts.
Thank You to the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation
None of this would be possible without the generous support from the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation. Their funding has allowed us to provide these enriching experiences to the families at HEARTH. By supporting self-care and wellness, they are making a direct, positive impact on the lives of single mothers and their children who are working hard to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness.
Together, we’re helping our families set goals, explore new ways to nurture themselves, and build healthy habits that will sustain them throughout the year. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing partnership and commitment to the well-being of our community.
We look forward to continuing these valuable programs and expanding our approach to wellness. By creating a space for self-reflection, growth, and support, we aim to help each family at HEARTH thrive in every aspect of their lives.
If you would like to get involved with HEARTH please contact Megan Lang, Development Director – [email protected].