Community Care Service

SOMA Bodywork & Wellness recognizes that caring touch is an essential part of the human experience, and an indispensable component of a healthy life. I recognize that access to massage and bodywork services has been largely restricted to the middle and wealthy classes, as healthcare in this country generally refuses to recognize the benefits of preventative and therapeutic touch. I also recognize that caregiver burnout is a symptom of this systemic failure.

If you are reading this page, you probably already know that the benefits of massage are greater than soothing aching and sore muscles: Massage is a full-body treatment, a whole-person experience, that nurtures, restores, soothes, and heals the physical, spiritual, and emotional bodies. The purpose of this service is to give our neighbors and community members the chance to receive ongoing, regular care for a period of six months, to experience the transformative effects of regular bodywork treatment.

These treatments will be available free to the awarded applicant via donation of SOMA Bodywork & Wellness.

Eligibility:
Applicants must demonstrate through the application process that you have need of the services and the award. You are encouraged to apply if you meet one or more of the following:

Earn less than $30k/yr (single income, before taxes)

Have recently (or currently) experienced homelessness, addiction, or loss

Have experienced discrimination, violence, or abuse (domestic or systemic)

Are living with a chronic health condition not easily managed by other treatments

Have recently undergone significant physical changes (such as: pregnancy or childbirth, gender transition, stroke/paralysis, amputation, etc.)

Are experiencing body/gender dysphoria

Are a primary caregiver to a child/ren or other adult

Are a teacher, activist or community organizer

There is no single requirement for who is eligible, rather applications will be considered on the totality of circumstances as described in the application. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate both financial and physical need, and to applic7.ants with intersecting needs/circumstances.

Conditions:
Must have reliable transportation to Mt. Vernon Location for scheduled appointments. Must be able and willing to receive touch in 1-hour sessions

Appointments are subject to standard cancellation policy. If you miss (no show) an appointment or late-cancel an appointment more than once, funds will be forfeited (less the cost of the missed/cancelled session) and returned to the goal pool.

Appointments must be made no less than two (2) and no more than six (6) weeks apart. If more than 6 weeks lapses, funds will be forfeited and returned to the goal pool. (Extenuating circumstances will be considered case-by-case.)

Application Process:

Please answer the following questions below and send email below.

1 . First and Last Name

2. Date of Birth

3. Provide email address and phone number and best way to contact you (email, text, phone)

4. Do you have reliable transportation to and from Mt. Vernon studio located at 9. E Franklin Street Baltimore, 21202?

5. Can you commit to receive 1 massage every month for 6 months?

6. Why do you want to receive bodywork?

7. Please describe any and all factors that contribute to your current situation and economic need. Factors may include access to income, health insurance, transportation, childcare, etc., or any other factors you feel are relevant.