At Grounded, our mission is to create a harmonious sanctuary where nature, wellness, and community converge. As a unique destination that seamlessly integrates a plant shop, cafe, and wellness studio, we are dedicated to fostering a deep connection with the natural world through the principles of biophilic design and what we've coined as Planterior Design.
Since 2020, we have been successfully shipping and installing greenery products across the country through our online platform to thousands of people nationwide. We are delighted to share with you that we have now opened our very first brick-and-mortar store, where you can experience our approach to integrating plants and wellness in person. We are set to open in Spring 2024 in the Southeast community of Anacostia, DC.
We are on a mission to create a positive impact within our community of Ward 8. We are excited to announce a heartfelt initiative that seeks to provide free wellness classes for high school-aged students, and expectant, and postpartum mothers to foster a sense of balance, strength, and connection in their lives. To make this vision a reality, we are launching a campaign that invites the community to join us in supporting the physical and emotional well-being of our local teens and moms.
The Grounded Experience
Grounded is not just a store; it's a sanctuary filled with lush greenery designed to nourish the mind, body, and soul. Ward 8 has abysmally few local parks as compared to the rest of the city. Certainly, not all residents of Ward 8 live within walking distance of a local park, and thus cannot benefit from the positive mental health outcomes of spending time in nature. Our classes encompass a wide range of wellness practices, including yoga, meditation, reiki, breathwork, mindfulness sessions, and more. We believe that by offering these classes, we can empower teens and moms to prioritize self-care and mental health in their daily lives while being surrounded by nature.
The Need for Wellness:
In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are becoming increasingly prevalent among teens and moms. When broken down by Ward in Washington DC, there are significant mental health disparities, with 22.5-25.9% of residents in Ward 8 reporting having been diagnosed. These numbers are particularly striking considering that Ward 8 has the lowest access to primary care physicians who would make the diagnosis. Additionally, Ward 8, which is 92.8% Black, still had the highest rates of adults who were diagnosed with a depressive disorder (DC Department of Health, 2015). The disparities in maternal care access and other factors necessary for human flourishing across DC are striking. Despite Ward 8 having the highest birth rate in the city, there is currently no hospital or clinic in Ward 8 where mothers can give birth, meaning that mothers residing in this area of the city must cross the Anacostia River to access a birthing hospital.
Wellness classes at Grounded provide a much-needed respite from the demands of daily life, helping participants find serenity, build resilience, and develop a strong support network in Ward 8.
Our Goals
Empowerment: Our primary goal is to empower teens and moms with the knowledge and tools needed to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Community Building: We aim to build a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can share their experiences and provide encouragement to one another.
Reducing Barriers: By offering free classes, we eliminate financial barriers that might prevent some from accessing these vital wellness resources.
How You Can Help
Monetary Donations: Your financial contributions will directly support the operation of our free in-house wellness classes for over 2000+ attendees in a year's span.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign within your networks to help us reach a wider audience and garner more support.
Volunteer: If you're a wellness expert, consider donating your time and expertise to lead one of our classes.
Grounded's commitment to the well-being of our community goes beyond offering exceptional greenery and home decor; it extends to nurturing the mental and physical health of our teens and mothers. By supporting our campaign, you can play a vital role in making wellness accessible to all, fostering a healthier, happier, and more connected community. Together, we can create a lasting positive impact on the lives of those we serve. Join us in our mission to keep our community grounded and thriving.
