A new wellness center located north of Bald Eagle is about to open after two-and-a-half years of work to get it off the ground.
St. Joseph Institute CEO Michael Campbell said construction of the facility is just now being completed and the center should be ready for operation on May 1.
“There was a feeling there was a need for a wellness center which provides the breadth of service we are offering,” said Campbell.
In addition to being Institute’s CEO he also serves as the Business Program Director.
Shortly after the May 1 opening the Institute will be offering a series of five training programs in 2005 that facilitate the development of critical business skills. The two day seminars are designed to provide both theory and practical skills, enabling participants to immediately implement what they have learned.
“By integrating theory with best business practices participants learn the knowledge underlying the process. We can then focus on helping them master the techniques that will enable better performance,” said Campbell.
According to a press release, the seminar series begins on May 3-4 with the topic “Communication and Conflict Resolution”.
Additional topics in the series include: Problem Solving, methods and mastery; Appreciative Inquiry, new approaches to strategic thinking; Leadership, styles and methods for maximum effect and Business Ethics, using good practice to create better results.
Attendance at these programs is open to anyone interested in improving their skills.
The press release noted the St. Joseph Institute is a multi-million dollar retreat center for businesses, church groups and individuals. The facility includes a spa and wellness center, country inn, recreation center, chapel, meeting space, outdoor amphitheatre, gardens and walking trails. Construction of the five buildings is log and stone with towering ceilings, massive beams, expansive windows and rare stained glass.
The press release also said the facility is unique to the region and many of the Institute’s programs represent the cutting edge in healing and training.
“Our goal has been to create a center where people can find healing and growth, as well as opportunities for quiet relaxation enjoying the peace and beauty of Pennsylvania’s mountains,” stated founder and president Jenny Sheetz. “Our focus is on wellness. To that end we offer retreats on healing, spiritual and personal growth, professional development and relationship building.”
The press release said the Institute includes accommodations for 32 and a dining room which offers an exciting menu of nutritious foods. The facility is available to businesses for meetings, planning sessions, training programs and special events. The chapel and spiritual gardens serve the retreat needs of religious organizations representing all denominations.
The press release noted special weekend packages are available for couples looking for a quiet weekend or a romantic get-away.
Campbell said the accommodations will satisfy the needs of people who require several days or even weeks of participation.
The Institute is co-directed by Sheetz and Campbell.
He served for 19 years as president of several international consulting firms. He has directed strategic planning, marketing, communications and training programs for hundreds of companies and organizations. An advisor to CEOs and government leaders, he has worked with McDonald’s, Coca Cola, Holiday Inn, Xerox, Red Cross, General Motors and the governments of several countries. He is completing a Master of Science degree in Leadership and Business Ethics at Duquesne University.
Sheetz, whose father founded the Sheetz convenience stores, has a Masters degree in Christian Counseling. In addition to her degree as a Certified Nutritionist, Jenny has extensive training in the healing arts and sciences, including therapeutic massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Process Acupressure, CranioSacral Therapy, Biofeedback and the use of Cold Laser Therapy.
Campbell said an open house is planned for May 1.
The St. Joseph Institute is located half-way between Altoona and State College, about four miles from the I-99 Bald Eagle Exit. Campbell said visitors should travel 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 center which is located on the right side of the road.
The institute’s mailing address is listed as 134 Jacobs Way, Port Matilda, PA 16870. The phone number is 814-692-4954.
