Short Summary

My name is Laura Mathews.  I am an acupuncturist and herbalist who had a successful sliding scale community clinic for 15 years in Austin TX.  In 2020, I left to pursue the dream of having land and incorporating the healing attributes of nature to aid in treatments as well as to return these gifts from nature by being a good steward to the land.

I seek to establish a business that is not only eco-conscious and sustainable but enter into the ranks of businesses who put the people and the land before profit.  My track record as co-founder/owner of the Neighborhood Acupuncture Project shows my sincerity and passion in this venture.

What We Need & What You Get

I need to raise $50,000 to get this off the ground.   The bulk of the money needs to go to getting a commercial septic tank put in so that I can start treating people out of the space in order to make this business viable.    I have listed what I need funds for and the order in which I need the funds.   I will not be able to apply for a commercial loan for another 2 years to prove that this business is profitable, but I cannot do anything until I have the following done.

to pass inspection for certificate of occupancy for mixed use:

$5,000   For engineer to draw up Auto Cad of Electrical, Mechanical & Plumbing to submit to Inspector

$5,000 Plumbing and Electric to bring to code

$22,000  Commercial Septic

$4,000  water filtration/hot water heater/pump

$5000 installation of concrete slab and ramp for ADA/wheelchair access

$5000 installation of ADA compliant bathrooms

$4000 building materials/etc.

I have different perks at different levels including 2 Acu-Stone Self Care Kits that are currently in development phase, candles that I am making from essential oils that I am distilling from local plants, of course my ever so popular chocolates are included to get some of you on board, telehealth services that include herbal consults and journeys for long distance healing.  If you are not interested in any of my healing services, there are options to either double down on the Acu-Stone Kits, candles and chocolates as well as receiving a terrarium that I personally make to capture the magic and beauty and that wonderful Cook Forest smell!   If you can donate at the $1,000 level, I will put a plaque with your name in my meditation garden and you will be held in my thoughts on a daily basis for as long as that garden grows and my place is a place of gathering….which I hope with the help of everyone who can donate at whatever level, will be for a very long time.

If I do not reach my goal, the funds will be applied in the order above.   I will be working on  applying for small business grants and low interest business loans in addition to this fund raiser.  For the time being, I am hoping that the money made from the store currently being run as an antique shop will cover the utilities and some of the mortgage.  To help pay the bills, I have a temporary place to practice acupuncture out of until I can practice on site.

THE IMPACT

Your contribution no matter what level will help bring a service to rural Pennsylvania that is currently not accessible to most people.   The exposure of the shop in a tourist area is unique.  I have already had so many conversations with people stopping in the shop to look at antiques and oddities who say that they have always wanted to try acupuncture. 

Your support will also help me to get set up so that I can develop the land into my dream of having the natural swimming pool, saunas, therapeutic baths and meditation gardens.  This is the biggest part of the dream.   I know that when people feel better and can make the connection that the natural world is fundamental to this sense of well being, they will be more invested in conservation.   They will see their own bodies as and extension of this natural world. Cook Forest has an ancient forest that was set aside by the lumber companies back in the 1800s and it attracts and teaches people this very basic concept.  I hope to tap into that and create a symbiotic relationship so that my place will help reinforce and educate people about the value of nature.

A lot of you will know me from the Neighborhood Acupuncture Project and how I have a passion to make healing resources accessible to everyone who is open to it.  You know I love a challenge and can rise to those challenges.  This new project is a continuation of that desire to be of service to people but now it includes to be of service to this planet and have fun doing it.

It is a big dream, but one I have been working on for 20 years.

Risks & Challenges

The biggest challenge is bringing this property into the 21st Century and getting it up to code in an ecologically responsible way.   The next challenge is convincing people that these healing modalities are worth the investment. 

I am currently going through the permitting process for the commercial septic.  It is 98% a go, but we have to wait until June when the ground is dry to get the perc tests done.  I have consulted with a couple different contractors and there are options in the unlikely event I don’t pass the perc tests.

In terms of getting the locals interested in acupuncture, I have set up some talks and will be attending an event in mid Feb to introduce the concept.  When we first started the Neighborhood Acupuncture Project, I loved going to churches, community organizations and health fairs to talk about acupuncture.  I have a passion for it and I believe I am good at it.  I don’t assume that people arent interested in it based on socio-economic status because when someone is in pain or discomfort, most will try anything to get out of it.  I have quite a diversity of patients as a result of this belief and I trust it will serve me well here in NorthWest PA.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you cannot afford to make a financial contribution, but you truly believe in me and/or have benefited from my services in the past, please pass this campaign along to others.   I could also use testimonials and shout outs on social media/Yelp/my website  etc.    I think a lot of you know that I am challenged when it comes to social media and technology…so any leg ups you can give me in those departments would be so wonderful.