Supporting Souls Center
Community Friends!
The global pandemic of COVID-19 has changed the landscape of how I must operate Souls Center.
My priority has been to preserve and maintain care for community members in recovery from addictions of all kinds. I am thankful we have been able to continue offering, unhindered since March 2020, all of our Buddhist Inspired Recovery Dharma Meetings, as well as a few other meditation offerings on ZOOM.
When I, like so many other people with small businesses, had to close the doors of Souls Center and move what I could do online, I stopped asking for donations. People were out of work. Funds were limited.
I’ve been able to keep going because in the nearly 6 years that I’ve owned Souls Center, I have accepted no wages for the services I offer. All funding from the classes and retreats I have provided has gone into the business to support community outreach and ‘rainy day funding’. That savings is what has enabled me to continue to provide online offerings and hold onto the physical space of Souls Center until we can resume in person gatherings. It won’t last forever though. So I’m researching alternative funding support.
Recently I was awarded a 2500.00 grant through the OPENTogether program, which helped pay for basic business expenses like rent and insurance for a few months.
The climate of this pandemic has invited me to reflect deeply. I’ve wondered if I ought to pursue turning Souls Center into a non-profit organization. This would certainly allow me access to more grant funding but it would also mean creating a board of directors and other administrative type aspects, which are, frankly, beyond the scope of my capacity right now. Furthermore, that structure seems out of alignment with the community based philanthropic vision upon which Souls Center was created. My attitude about this could change but for now I’m not changing the bare bones operation of this community resource.
All this to say that I firmly believe in the ancient communal practice of mutual generosity called Dana.
Ven. Thubten Chodron of Sravasti Abbey describes it this way:
My priority has been to preserve and maintain care for community members in recovery from addictions of all kinds. I am thankful we have been able to continue offering, unhindered since March 2020, all of our Buddhist Inspired Recovery Dharma Meetings, as well as a few other meditation offerings on ZOOM.
When I, like so many other people with small businesses, had to close the doors of Souls Center and move what I could do online, I stopped asking for donations. People were out of work. Funds were limited.
I’ve been able to keep going because in the nearly 6 years that I’ve owned Souls Center, I have accepted no wages for the services I offer. All funding from the classes and retreats I have provided has gone into the business to support community outreach and ‘rainy day funding’. That savings is what has enabled me to continue to provide online offerings and hold onto the physical space of Souls Center until we can resume in person gatherings. It won’t last forever though. So I’m researching alternative funding support.
Recently I was awarded a 2500.00 grant through the OPENTogether program, which helped pay for basic business expenses like rent and insurance for a few months.
The climate of this pandemic has invited me to reflect deeply. I’ve wondered if I ought to pursue turning Souls Center into a non-profit organization. This would certainly allow me access to more grant funding but it would also mean creating a board of directors and other administrative type aspects, which are, frankly, beyond the scope of my capacity right now. Furthermore, that structure seems out of alignment with the community based philanthropic vision upon which Souls Center was created. My attitude about this could change but for now I’m not changing the bare bones operation of this community resource.
All this to say that I firmly believe in the ancient communal practice of mutual generosity called Dana.
Ven. Thubten Chodron of Sravasti Abbey describes it this way:
~The essence of Dana reflects a joy in giving — that natural state within all of us that truly enjoys sharing. Dana is never offered out of obligation or because of some false sense of duty but rather reflects the reciprocal nature of receiving joyfully, therefore giving joyfully—knowing that any and every gift is appreciated and valued.~
Souls Center is a collective enterprise humbled by the generosity of its participants and visitors; from the many pieces of art decorating the classroom and altars, to the variety of teas we drink, to the basic functional items like toilet paper and Kleenex. All of this and more has been provided for by community members. You.
I believe we are going to see the other side of Covid-19.
I believe Souls Center will see more and more in person gatherings in the months to come.
I believe in pursuing teaching, facilitating creativity and community and cultivating connection even if online offerings are the only avenue at this time.
I believe in the power of joyful generosity.
If you would like to support Souls Center and its community offerings, please click the donation button to review how you can express your generosity.
I believe we are going to see the other side of Covid-19.
I believe Souls Center will see more and more in person gatherings in the months to come.
I believe in pursuing teaching, facilitating creativity and community and cultivating connection even if online offerings are the only avenue at this time.
I believe in the power of joyful generosity.
If you would like to support Souls Center and its community offerings, please click the donation button to review how you can express your generosity.