Dear Expecting and New Families,

I am sad to announce that due to the impact of COVID-19, during July and August 2020 Open Circle will be temporarily canceling all yoga and dance classes and most support groups*, along with massage and acupuncture sessions. Birthing and Parent Education workshops will continue as normally scheduled. Private classes and consultations, and Dial-a-Doula support continue to be available by appointment. Like many micro-businesses specializing in in-person services, we have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including loss of revenue forcing us to move out of our beautiful studio for a minimum of 6 months and inability to meet our overhead costs and teacher pay.

As our shared communities learn to live, over the long term, in a pandemic and Open Circle looks at what is possible regarding reopening for in-person classes, it is vital that our offerings remain safe for both families and practitioners. The current reopening recommendations from the Department of Health do not provide enough assurances of adequate safety for our pregnant, postpartum and newborn clients, or a financially sustainable practice model for the center.

As such, after our initial move in March to a robust online schedule of classes at a “pay as you’re able” basis, it has become clear that keeping the business open will require a larger change in our structure. As the director of the center, I am working to envision a new model for offering the many pregnancy and parenting supports families have come to know us for over the past 17 years.

We will continue to post updates here over the coming months, sharing supports when we are able, as well as ways you can get involved to help continue the center’s work. We hope to be able to see you in the fall, either online or in person, and until then wish you and your family health and continued connection to community and loved ones.

Warmly,
Kaeli Sutton
Open Circle Director