Throughout June and into July, People First Economy took the initiative to interview a few of their health & wellness providers. In order to build an economy or a world that puts people first, we must value the overall mental wellness of each community member. As an employer, how do you engage with your team members overall mental wellness? Do you strive to provide resources of accessible health care to your team members? If you are open to exploring wellness programs for your business, maybe you could start by finding local providers within our network.
Pete Overvoorde, the owner of GR Sports Massage, shared with us that his business “is a place where athletes and active bodies can come in and receive care. Therapeutic care helps them feel like they can continue to do their activities without pain. If they do have pain, I try to get them back to functioning without that pain. But beyond that, I work with many people who are not athletes, and they aren’t generally active, but they would like to be able to function as someone who is healthy and in shape.” Pete shared with us that the Grand Rapids community should know that “people come to GR sports massage for lots of different reasons. I know it sounds like I only do sports massage, but I also teach and offer massage for those who aren’t athletic. My business is a space where people can come in to decompress from stress related issues and they can also come in to get treated for some more serious conditions, things that are musculoskeletal beyond even strains and sprains. I support folks going into surgery soon or just getting out of surgery.” GR Sports Massage is a place that is open to anyone who would like relief from their pain. As a teacher, Pete patiently takes the time to understand each client’s body and mind to ensure they are receiving the best treatment.
Chelle Doetsch, the owner of New Yew LLC, reminded us of the importance of creating a safe space for all identities when assisting them in their healing process. Chelle shared that “In a nutshell, New Yew is me. It’s queer, it’s neurodivergent, it’s trauma informed, it’s unique, it’s ever evolving, it’s ever learning. It’s not afraid to say, I don’t know, but I’ll look into that and get back to you.” Chelle is most proud of “providing that safe space for queer and neurodivergent folks to come get pain relief and get increased range of motion by someone who not only is an ally, but who is part of their communities. Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community provides another layer of safety for everybody.” As a massage therapist, to build a connection with your client, you’re not only doing that with your hands but also with your identities. We need more safe spaces like New Yew in our communities.
Anne Hazzard-Pryor, the owner of Simple Wellness Solutions, encouraged us to always look for diamonds amidst the overpriced spas! A lot of times, you can find great massage therapists in your own community! Anne said that “Simple Wellness Solutions is a collective of experienced massage therapists, a yoga instructor, personal trainer, and soon an esthetician and Reiki practitioner. I feel like we are a hidden jewel in amongst higher priced fancier spa type places or the chiropractic offices.” Simple Wellness Solution is a business that strives to understand the client holistically. If you have a chronic injury, their therapists take the time to research the injury and create a plan alongside you to improve mobility and provide relief from pain. “We have provided quality therapeutic massage to the community for 10 years and we also provide a safe, pleasant environment for therapists to work in.” Anne crafted her business to be a people first oriented business to ensure that her clients and therapists feel the value of being part of a great organization.
Hilda Martinez-Gutierrez, the owner of Art of Mind, works to empower business organizations to reach their highest potential through mindful therapeutical practices. ” Art of Mind is a mental health consulting and therapy practice. In our practice, what we do is we blend therapy trainings and workshops and strategy consulting into a holistic approach to Wellness.” Being able to have a coach who believes in empowering other business leaders to build in healthy conflict resolution, and other business practices can lead to higher retention rates and boosted morale! Hilda states that “I want the Grand Rapids community to know that Art of Mind is accessible, and we are local. We are your neighbors and what better way to reach out to a local business who has formed, who has gone through a system of education and resources are here locally. I want the Grand Rapids community to know that Art of Mind is a resource and a referral as a support system.”
Supporting localism is what causes our communities to thrive! By having holistic health workers as our neighbors, they often understand the stressors of what our communities are going through! How wonderful it is to have someone in your corner that can actively support not only you, but your coworkers too. Get started on improving your health by discovering one of our members in our network!
