West Hartford Co-Working is now renting its conference room on an hourly basis, and throughout the month of October will donate 100 percent of those revenues to two local organizations.

By Ronni Newton

John Paul Vasellina launched West Hartford Co-Working (formerly known as WeHa Works) last October, and he’s thrilled with how popular and successful the vibrant co-working space in West Hartford Center has become.

To celebrate the business’ first anniversary, he has decided to give back to the local community at the same time as offering a new service at the co-working space.

“We’re a year old and we are very fortunate to have customers,” Vasellina said. “The business is working, I have a great job, and things are going well,” he said, adding that it’s time to start giving back.

The desks and chairs on the second floor of 967 Farmington Ave. are filled with professionals who, like Vasellina himself, work remotely but don’t like the isolation of being alone at home, or don’t have a good space to set up an office. Members have access to their own desk and chair, free high-speed internet access, and use of a printer and copier. There’s also a rooftop patio (where the WiFi signal is strong), complimentary nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee, and other amenities that come courtesy of Fathom – the marketing company which has leased the space to Vasellina – like several cute dogs who come to work with their owners, and foosball and pinball machines.

Members are also permitted four hours per month of conference room space, but many don’t take advantage of it and the room often sits empty.

As of last week, West Hartford Co-Working started renting the eight-seat conference room on an hourly basis to anyone or any group that needs it. In addition to seating, the conference room also has a giant board and a large LCD display for presentations. Flexible access is available for meetings that need to be held outside of normal business hours.

All revenue charged for conference room rental through the month of October will be donated to Journey Home, Hartford and the West Hartford Food Pantry.

Vasellina said that when he learned Journey Home’s funding was decimated by state budget cuts. “I thought, what can I do to help?” he said.

Vasellina decided to help the West Hartford Food Pantry as well, and whatever income is earned from the conference room rental will be evenly split by the two organizations.

“I’m happy to be in a position to help,” Vasellina said.