An international group facilitator, eco-spiritual counselor and yoga instructor, Dr. Helaine Sheias is executive director of the Life Empowerment Action Program (LEAP). She teaches and facilitates psycho-spiritual transformation and empowerment workshops which focus on indigenous healing modalities.
A yoga therapist for over 20 years, she brings to her work an earth-based consciousness and Jewish spirituality. Her Eco-Yoga Healing locates and helps heal undernourished areas of the body that are most affected by environmental toxins, work-related stress and anxiety. Dr. Sheias is also trained in heart-centered breath therapy.
Community for Spiritual Living is a church and well-being center led by Josephine Smith, a pastor and chiropractor. In addition to worship, the group holds "heart circles," small groups that meet in private homes for meditation, conversation and support. The well-being center offers chiropractic, acupuncture and nutritionist services.
Located just north of downtown Petaluma, Cypress Hill Memorial Park is a beautiful, historic cemetery, with large and peaceful grounds and a professional, compassionate staff. Cypress Hill Memorial Park is not religiously affiliated.
Started in 1978 by a group of clergy and civic leader, PEP is a nonprofit organization that builds housing for low-income seniors. It currently has 274 units at 12 locations throughout Petaluma and is expanding into other communities around California. PEP staff assist residents by referring them to community organizations for additional services, organize education and health-related activities and arrange for in-home support, transportation and meals.
Located a 10-minute drive from the center of town, the Red Barn school was founded in 2000 by Andree Young and Angela D'Ambrogi to provide a Montessori education in a farm atmosphere. The rural setting affirms the values of gardening, science, and sensitivity to local environment. School is year-round, open to children ages 3-6. Admission gives priority to siblings of children already enrolled.
Living Word Lutheran Church is part of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and meets Sundays at 9am and 10:15am for worship services. Its led by Pastor Jeffrey Smith.
Founded by Pastor Ron Hunt, New Life Christian Fellowship boasts a congregation of 500 people, many of them in their 30s and 40s. It is a non-denominational church and describes itself as "Bible-based, but culturally relevant." Sunday service is marked by music, provided by two church bands, and during the week life groups discuss everything from breaking addiction to relationships. There is also a preschool onsite catering to about 50 children.
Petaluma Valley Baptist Church has been part of the community since 1969 and has a congregation of approximately 400 people. It's led by Senior Pastor Tom Marcum and offers a variety of ministries for young adults, men, seniors and more. It also organizes numerous missions to other countries, most recently to China and Mexico.
Characterized by impressive domes covered with tiles and a beatiful interior, St. Vincent de Paul is the largest church in Petaluma, attracting some 12,000 congregants. The Catholic church has many Latino congregants and a strong commitment to social justice.
The congregation is led by Father Gary Lombard and Father Sean Rogers, offers baptism, marriage prep, youth choir and other classes, and holds mass and classes and programs in Spanish.
The Historic Downtown Petaluma Association is located inside of the visitors' center. Marie McCusker is the executive director. The association is involved with the downtown area's festivals, shopping, town events, marketing and business improvement. Volunteering opportunities are available, and membership applications can be found on the website.
The Veteran's Memorial Building is available for special events like weddings, quincineras, baptisms as well as fundraisers, dance classes and concerts except for hip-hop and rap concerts. The facility offers an auditorium, banquet and two conference rooms along with a kitchen. Check the website for rental information.
St. John's, formed in 1856, is one of the oldest congregations in Petaluma. In 2006, many members of St. John's left the ministry following disagreement over ordaining women and gays.
Since then, the congregation has regrouped and is led by Pastor Daniel Green. St. John's offers Sunday services in both traditional and contemporary language, as well as a contemplation meditative service n the first Friday of every month. There is also a Wednesday morning prayer service and communion service with healing prayer.
The current church, built in 1980, is characterized by elaborate stained glass windows, American Shingle architecture and an organ played during services.