Introducing Toward Wellth: A Revolutionary Lounge Concept
An essay intended to describe the space in one place
Toward Wellth is the name of the yet-to-be-built space.
The design of Toward Wellth (“TW”) is envisioned as a physical location in the heart of Mt. Lebanon, PA.
It’s goal? Deliver on a new set of social space expectations - leaning heavily into wellness and community engagement. It’s not just another bar or coffee shop – it's a holistic wellness hub designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit in a warm, inclusive environment that allows patrons to move ‘toward wellness’, ‘toward health’, ‘toward wellth’.
A New Kind of Social Space
Imagine a place where you can enjoy a delicious craft mocktail, participate in a group therapy session, and then unwind with some relaxing yoga – all under one roof. That's the vision behind TW. This innovative establishment aims to fill a crucial gap in the social landscape by providing a ‘third place’ [not-work; not-home; a-third-place] alternative that caters to everyone from teenagers to seniors.
More Than Just a Coffee Shop
While TW will certainly serve up an impressive array of non-alcoholic beverages – from artisanal coffees and teas to fresh-squeezed juices and creative mocktails – its offerings extend far beyond the menu. The space is designed to be a multifaceted wellness center, featuring:
Common Areas: Cozy spots for relaxing, reading, studying, or chatting with friends.
Private Rooms: For meditation, reflection, or small group discussions.
Event Spaces: Hosting everything from karaoke nights and trivia contests to wellness workshops and support group meetings.
A Haven for Healing and Growth
At its core, TW is dedicated to promoting healing and personal growth. TW recognizes that many individuals grapple with various forms of trauma / trauma recovery – from chronic health issues and abuse to loss and difficult life transitions. By offering a safe, supportive environment and a range of therapeutic services, TW aims to be a catalyst for healing in the community.
"We're creating a space where it's okay not to be okay, whether you're in recovery, dealing with trauma, or simply looking for a healthier social environment, Toward Wellth is here to support you on your journey."
A Unique Blend of Services
What sets TW apart is its intentionally mash-up of hospitality and holistic wellness. Visitors and regulars can expect a diverse range of offerings, including:
Therapeutic Workshops led by trained facilitators covering topics like stress management, mindfulness, and coping strategies.
Support Groups providing a platform for shared experiences and mutual encouragement.
Wellness Programs from yoga and meditation to nutrition classes and art therapy.
Educational Events featuring guest speakers and experts in various fields of mental health and wellness.
Community Outreach — partnering with local organizations to extend support beyond the walls of the establishment.
A Menu with a Mission
TW's beverage menu is thoughtfully crafted to complement its wellness mission. Highlights include:
Therapeutic Mocktails — Non-alcoholic drinks infused with ingredients known for their healing properties, like chamomile for relaxation or turmeric for inflammation reduction.
Artisanal Coffees and Teas — Sourced from quality suppliers and prepared with care.
Fresh Juices and Smoothies — Packed with nutrients to nourish body and mind.
House-made Sparkling Waters — Refreshing alternatives to sugary sodas.
A Community Hub
Beyond its wellness offerings, TW aspires to be a vibrant community center. The space will provide organic social space and intentionally bring people together through programmatically hosting a variety of events, including:
Open mic nights
Book clubs
Local business presentations
Skill-sharing workshops
Art exhibitions focused on themes of healing and growth
"We want Toward Wellth to be more than just a place you visit – we want it to be a integral part of the community fabric"
A Safe Space for All
In a world where evening social spaces often revolve around alcohol, TW provides a much-needed alternative. It's a particularly valuable resource for those in recovery from substance use disorders, offering a safe, trigger-free environment to socialize and enjoy nightlife activities.
But it's not just for those in recovery. Toward Wellth welcomes everyone – from teenagers looking for a hangout spot to adults seeking a calm space to relax — or vice-versa!
Looking to the Future
As TW prepares for its eventual opening once the plan comes together, I remain excited about the potential impact on the Mt. Lebanon community and beyond. This as just the beginning, my hope is that TW can serve as a model for similar establishments in other communities, creating a network of wellness hubs that prioritize health, healing, and human connection.
The concept has already garnered interest from potential partners and collaborators, including local therapists, wellness practitioners, and community organizations. With a desire to provide low cost or no cost programming, TW is exploring grant opportunities and considering crowdfunding options to supplement personal investment in the project.
Join the Journey
Welcome to Toward Wellth – where every sip, every conversation, and every moment is an opportunity for growth and healing.
In a world that often prioritizes quick fixes and surface-level solutions, TW stands as a unique representation of holistic wellness, community spirit, and inclusive socializing.
As the path to opening continues, TW invites the community to be part of this exciting journey. Whether you're interested in becoming a regular patron, partnering as a service provider, or simply supporting the mission, there are many ways to get involved.
Follow Toward Wellth on this Substack for updates, event announcements, and wellness tips.