02/06/2026
AN HEARTFELT UPDATE REGARDING THE CENTER FOR LIVING:
To our community, clients, and friends,
At this time, I am saddened to share with you that The Center for Living will be closing its doors permanently at 45 S. Main Street, Medford, NJ on March 24, 2026.
When I took over The Center seven months ago, I did so with a vision to breathe new life into this sanctuary. My goals were simple, to honor its’ history while bringing it firmly into the modern era.
Beyond basic logistics, my greatest focus was the physical environment itself. I believe that true healing is influenced by space and that the environment is an extension of the care we provide. With that belief at heart, I poured my energy and resources into revitalizing the building with fresh paint, decluttering, new furniture, plants and greenery, and clean windows, lighting, and so much more.
The response from the community was overwhelmingly kind and affirming. And everyone felt a difference in spatial energy. I am deeply grateful for every note, comment, and work of encouragement.
Operationally, I worked to expand offerings by bringing in new workshops, guest presenters, and additional programming in response to community requests. I launched a new website that honored the rich history of the building and transitioned the center from paper signups to an online registration system improving accessibility, efficiency, and attendance.
I also worked to make sure the center remained clean, open and inviting for practitioners and their clients. I addressed many needs like replacing a moldy unsafe water cooler, freezing rental rates for current practitioners, installing a new phone system with real time messaging and live response, and enhancing safety with the building with new entry locks.
What I could not have anticipated was the extensive and ongoing structural repairs required to keep a 130 year old building operational. The scope, cost and urgency of these issues grew rapidly, with walls and ceilings quite literally deteriorating over time. Each day brought new challenges tied to the age of the building.
After much deliberation the building owner had made the difficult decision to place the building up for sale. As their tenant, I respect and understand their choice.
Sadly, I have already received negative feedback, so I am going to say this just one time and never mention it again. I know there are many opinions about what we should do but most of them do not reflect the actual realities of the situation. I want to be clear: staying is not a viable option for any of us at this time.
The Center’s lease is ending in a couple of months and regardless of who owns The Center (business), 45 S. Main Street is going up for sale which means this business will be displaced. Any owner would be facing the same challenge: finding space of comparable size and cost, which is simply not realistic given the timeframe. The current rental rate has been far below market for a decade to the extreme generosity of the owner – and that pricing can no longer exist with the amount of building repairs required.
What most people do not realize is that The Center has always been a labor of love and required a lot of personal financial contribution without expectation of a financial return. Not to mention 40 hours plus per week with little or zero compensation. That never scared as I take on no venture for wealth or glory. I was more invested in the immeasurable, growth connection education and transformation than the revenue aspect of the business.
Sadly the added stress of the overarching repairs were just too much for my daily routine. I can tell you that I have learned more about humanity in 7 short months than I ever have in my decades on this planet. And I will forever hold those lessons close to my heart.
Thank you for recognizing the care and commitment that went into this revitalization and for supporting me during this amazing but intense journey. I am forever grateful for the connections made within these walls.
While I am heartbroken that this chapter is ending sooner than I had hoped, due to circumstances beyond my control, I know my work was not in vain—it served the community when they needed it most. I take great pride in leaving The Center stronger and more vibrant than when I arrived. I look to continue my work in wellness and decide on my next steps with The Center for Living…
What to expect next:
It is pretty much business as usual until January 31 t, and the current plan is to remain open until March 24, 2026. Some February workshops are still being evaluated. I will be holding my workshop on Menopause and Journaling as planned and will share another email and FB once the snow emergencies have past.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey and for being a part of mine. It has been an honor to serve you. I look forward, with hope, to what the future holds for all of us.
Safe Journey,
Cory Tapper
