sangha

Spiritual Care & Counseling

Spiritual Support

Our chaplains offer compassionate companionship and emotional support to individuals of all ages, regardless of their spiritual beliefs or practices, in diverse settings such as military facilities, hospitals, senior centers, memory care homes, and hospice centers. This includes spending quality time with them, engaging in meaningful conversations, offering an empathetic listening, and providing comfort during difficult moments. Our practice is to cultivate a supportive and caring environment that contributes to enhancing their well-being and quality of life.

Respite for the caregivers
Rev. Quynh Nguyen, a hospital chaplain, introduced “Tea Time with a Chaplain (Tea for the Soul)” to her medical team units. This initiative, featuring a cup of hot beverage, fosters face-to-face interactions and ignites discussions spanning from professional to personal experiences. These moments serve as intentional breaks, offering staff wholesome respite and self-care opportunities.

Meal Ministry Nourishes Those in Need

SBA members engage in meal ministry, a spiritual and charitable practice involving the provision of meals to individuals in need. This can encompass preparing and serving food to various groups, including the homeless, elderly, low-income families, and anyone facing hunger or food insecurity. Meal ministry serves to address both physical and emotional needs, offering nourishment and care to those experiencing difficulties

Winter Care Kits to Unhoused Neighbors

The SBA reached out to over 100 individuals and distributed winter care kits, along with lunches, to our unhoused neighbors on the streets. We extend special thanks to our donors whose contributions made these events possible, and we also appreciate the efforts of our chaplains Tom Chirdo, Christopher Anderson, Lisa Henderson, Laura Fetters, and Quynh Nguyen for their invaluable assistance in community outreach and ministry.
For updates and visuals, please visit https://www.facebook.com/sukhavati.life/.

Sharing Warmth and Kindness in Cold Seasons

Nestor, a college professor, and Ernie, a licensed therapist, exemplified generosity and compassion during the cold season. They donated supplies to humane societies, ensuring that animals in shelters were well-fed. Additionally, Nestor knitted hats and scarves for nearby shelters, providing warmth and comfort to those in need. Their acts of kindness embody Buddhist values, and we at Sukhavati Buddhist Association feel grateful to have Nestor and Ernie as part of our community.