Supporting Souls Center
Community Friends!
The global pandemic of COVID-19 changed the landscape of how I had to operate Souls Center. I am happy we are slowly transitioning out of a fearful lock down mode into something more spacious and settled.
My priority during the pandemic was to preserve and maintain care for community members in Recovery from addictions of all kinds. I was able to offer, 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 to Souls Center and move everything online, I stopped asking for donations. People were out of work. Funds were limited.
I’ve been able to keep going because in the 6 years that I’ve owned Souls Center, I have accepted no wages for the services I offer. All funding from the classes, workshops and retreats I have provided have gone back into the business to support community outreach and ‘rainy day funding’. That savings is what enabled me to continue to provide online offerings and hold onto the physical space of Souls Center.
In 2021, I was awarded two grants totaling 10,000.00, which helped pay for basic business expenses like rent and insurance and allowed me to stay open.
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 and business matching programs, but it would also mean creating a board of directors and other administrative aspects, which are, frankly, beyond the scope of my capacity right now. Furthermore, I question whether the nonprofit structure is in alignment with the community based philanthropic vision upon which Souls Center was created.
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 during the pandemic was to preserve and maintain care for community members in Recovery from addictions of all kinds. I was able to offer, 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 to Souls Center and move everything online, I stopped asking for donations. People were out of work. Funds were limited.
I’ve been able to keep going because in the 6 years that I’ve owned Souls Center, I have accepted no wages for the services I offer. All funding from the classes, workshops and retreats I have provided have gone back into the business to support community outreach and ‘rainy day funding’. That savings is what enabled me to continue to provide online offerings and hold onto the physical space of Souls Center.
In 2021, I was awarded two grants totaling 10,000.00, which helped pay for basic business expenses like rent and insurance and allowed me to stay open.
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 and business matching programs, but it would also mean creating a board of directors and other administrative aspects, which are, frankly, beyond the scope of my capacity right now. Furthermore, I question whether the nonprofit structure is in alignment with the community based philanthropic vision upon which Souls Center was created.
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 continue learning and growing from what we’ve experienced with Covid-19.
I believe in pursuing teaching and facilitating creativity and community.
Having opportunities for this in person and online has only expanded this belief.
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 continue learning and growing from what we’ve experienced with Covid-19.
I believe in pursuing teaching and facilitating creativity and community.
Having opportunities for this in person and online has only expanded this belief.
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.
