Nonprofit adopts new business model to expand services

Stonehedge Gardens and Holistic Learning Center, a nonprofit in Tamaqua, developed a new business model to expand its holistic offerings by bringing the community into its ownership. 

Thomas Moroz, co-founder and director of the holistic learning center, 51 Dairy Road, said the organization moved to a Public Benefit Corporation last year to raise capital to add a natural food café, a co-workspace, an artisan’s shop and glamping operation. 

“I’ve been involved with this place since I was a teenager. To realize its full potential, we created a Public Benefit Corp. to create equity crowd funding,” Moroz said. “People can reach out and buy shares and be part of this.” 

The capital campaign began in July and runs through Nov. 11. Moroz said the minimum goal is $50,000 with a maximum of $400,000. To date, the company has raised $34,500, he said. 

The focus for the minimum donation is to get the kitchen certified so the café can open. Interior improvements to the facility are also in the plans, he said.  

If the maximum is met, Moroz said the glamping facilities will be improved along with more inside workspace and program growth. 

Stonehedge Gardens was established 50 years ago by Russell Keich and Don Herring with the purchase of an old farmhouse and property three miles south of Tamaqua. 

Keich’s vision, according to the Stonehedge Garden website, was to build a place where people could be educated in holistic concepts of health, healing, spirituality, environment, awareness of oneness, respect for differences and the joy and variety these things bring. 

Moroz said the expansion will grow from that and offer workspace for those who work from home but want to be with others, a café and expanded programming around holistic life. That includes gardening, music events, meditation, yoga retreats and more.  

Currently, the center’s grounds are open from noon to dusk for people to walk the “public gardens.” Moroz said he hopes to have the center open Fridays through Sundays noon to 6 p.m. when the expansion is complete.  

Once the co-workspace and café are open, hours will be set accordingly, he added. “We want to have good WI-FI, good food and connection for anyone who wants to work here or even start a business,” he said.