The PERC (Peacefully Engaging the Rome Community) is focused on the six dimensions of wellness as defined by the National Wellness Institute: Occupational, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional. The PERC takes a holistic approach to wellness and aims to provide individuals with a positive, community oriented space in which all six dimensions of wellness are interconnected and actively contributing to healthy living. The occupational dimension acknowledges that one’s attitude about work is directly related to personal satisfaction and overall well-being. The PERC is committed to providing a positive, uplifting work environment for all employees and independent contractors. The PERC also offers life coaching to assist clients in choosing an occupation which is consistent with the individual’s personal values, interests, and beliefs, as well as assisting to develop functional, transferable skills through structured involvement opportunities. The physical dimension relates to the need for regular physical activity, sound nutrition, and preventative care. The PERC will provide massage therapy, yoga, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. The PERC will also contain healthy food and diet planning. The PERC will hold a juice and smoothie bar, coffee shop, as well as a variety of raw, vegan food. Healthy food preparation classes will also be offered. The social dimension recognizes the importance of contributing to one’s environment and community. A key element of wellness is in human relationships and The PERC will foster positive relationships and community outreach through social events and service projects. The PERC will also meet the social needs of our customers by providing an open space to enjoy healthy food, coffee, fresh juice and smoothies. The intellectual dimension centers on the importance of creative, stimulating mental activities. The PERC will foster intellectual health by providing a stimulating environment with resources, materials, and events to assist individuals in expanding his or her knowledge and skills while discovering the potential for sharing his or her gifts with others. The spiritual dimension involves the search for meaning and purpose in the human experience. The PERC will provide multiple modalities for spiritual health including meditation classes, yoga, tarot card reading, and life coaching. The PERC will also hold special events geared toward understanding different belief systems and encouraging tolerance of others’ experience in spirituality. The emotional dimension is based on the awareness and acceptance of one’s feelings. Through many modalities at The PERC, individuals will be given the strength and tools necessary to express themselves freely and manage their feelings effectively. Depending on the individual client, this may come through life coaching, massage, yoga, art and music, or simply through their social experiences in a positive space and culture. The PERC will be operated by Jessie Reed who has invested a lot of time and energy into creating positive change in the Rome Community. Jessie has spent the last 10 years working in the field of social work and mental health, working with families and children. In 2016, Jessie began an organization called, “Turn Your Back on Hate”, where she organized and led over 400 local Romans in a silent protest during a Neo-Nazi rally. Through the organization, she also held a candle light vigil after the Orlando shootings, a spoken word event to promote community healing after a divisive presidential election, a live radio theater event as a fundraiser, and spear headed the recent “Keys to Rome” public art piano project. She has formed a partnership with a local, low income Cub Scout troop and led multiple community cleanups. In addition to Turn Your Back on Hate, Jessie also sits on the board of “One Community United” and “The House of Compassion”. As a result of her positive impact on the Rome Community, she was recently featured as one of Rome News Tribune’s “20 under 40” for 2016. The PERC day spa and wellness center will be an extension of Jessie’s community work and desire to positively impact the overall well-being of individuals and the community of Rome.
