The St. Joseph Institute opened in May of this year.
Now, the health and wellness organization has announced plans that would double the facility’s size and capability.
“We are proving the strength of the business concept, reaching new markets and attracting guests from across the United States. Our health and wellness services, and the beauty of our facility, are establishing us as a destination in Central Pennsylvania. A key indicator is that almost 40 percent of our overnight guests have never been to this area before,” stated St. Joseph Institute president Jenny Sheetz.
A press release issued last week said the goals of the expansion plan are to enhance the Institute’s ability to accommodate business, church and family groups seeking a unique facility for meetings, training programs, retreats, weddings and family reunions.
St. Joseph plans to add meeting space, guest rooms and recreation facilities.
The Institute said the continued growth of the health and wellness services, ranging from spa programs to “healing intensives” that focus on the relief of physical and emotion pain would be “equally as important” in the expansion.
“With these exciting plans we have begun discussions with investors interested in participating in our growth. Our work is moving us into a critical area of health and wellness where we are pioneering new opportunities for healing, with a special emphasis on preventative and restorative therapies. We also represent a unique entry into the hospitality industry in central Pennsylvania,” said CEO Michael Campbell.
Campbell noted, “The business model we developed has progressed very well.”
He said the Institute serves hundreds of people every month.
“What is interesting, and we didn’t know this when we opened our doors, is people are making this a destination,” Campbell told The Daily Herald. “People are coming from farther away than expected.”
He said people have made six or seven-hour drives to stay at the facility. He noted that it was not only good for the Institute, but for the whole region.
Last week’s press release said, the expansion plans include three phases. The first phase, which is targeted for implementation in 2006, will add meeting and banquet space and increase the number of guest rooms and suites.
The second phase would expand the Institute’s position as what it calls a “destination spa.” The move is designed to increase the range and depth of the health and wellness services, and increase recreation options available to guests. Plans call for the second phase to include the construction of private cottages. The cottages would be available through a variety of lease and purchase plans.
The press release said the third phase is designed to position the Institute as a medical spa. Plans call for the establishment of a diagnostic clinic and laboratory. The move would give the facility to provide “expertise” in nutritional medicine.
“We have a greater understanding than ever before of how we can reduce the risk of disease, decrease pain, slow the aging process, look better and feel great. We are excited by the positive changes that we have been able to make in people’s lives and in their sense of well-being. Wellness will remain our driving force as we seek to expand and strengthen our capabilities,” stated Sheetz.
The five-building complex offers guest accommodation, meeting space, dining room, chapel, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. Its Laurel Wellness Center offers more than 40 health and wellness services, including therapeutic massage, skin treatments, bodywork, nutritional advice, counseling and fitness programs.
The press release noted the Institute is a private, non-denominational organization. Its mission was described as one to promote health and wellness, as well as personal and spiritual growth.
Its name is derived from and dedicated to St. Joseph. The press release noted St. Joseph has been recognized for centuries as the patron saint of all workers.
The St. Joseph Institute has a 62.5-acre campus between State College and Altoona.
It is located about four miles from the I-99 Bald Eagle exit.
To locate the facility, visitors should drive two miles north of the Snappy’s convenience store on State Route 350 then turn right on South Mountain Road and travel an additional 2.2 miles down that road to the Institute, which is located on the right side of the road.
