“There’s a drive inside each of us to create and contribute to the well-being of others.”
-Tami Simon
Dear friend,
Right Livelihood asks that we engage in work that doesn’t create harm, but we can take it farther by using our skills and efforts generously for the benefit of others. Throughout IMCW, we see this teaching come alive through the people who share their gifts to strengthen our sangha.
Ashleigh Enriquez helps build and run IMCW’s Family Program, which gathers monthly in Bethesda and Vienna, as well as the annual Family Retreat at Seven Oaks Retreat Center with fellow teachers Ofosu Jones-Quartey and Jennifer Jordan.
“I do this work for my family,” Ashleigh says. While mindfulness can sometimes feel like an isolating experience, the Family Program allows children and parents to practice “in community,” building connections that deepen and sustain their practice.
Longtime IMCW teacher Lorena Saavedra Smith recognized the need for a space where Spanish speakers could practice mindfulness together. During the pandemic, she helped bring the Café con Leche Sangha to life. Although many members already participated in IMCW’s English-speaking sanghas, practicing in their native language allows them to walk the Path more authentically.
This year, IMCW welcomed Griffen Saul as our first Sangha Engagement Manager, helping connect students, teachers, and volunteers across our community.
“There is so much generosity already present in this community, and my role is to help create pathways for people to share that generosity with one another. When we offer our time, our skills, or simply a warm welcome, we help make sure that no one has to walk The Path alone.” — Griffen Saul
Your generosity makes this work possible. IMCW depends on our annual Fall Fundraising Campaign to cover a significant portion of our operating budget—sustaining our teachers, programs, Affinity Sanghas, scholarships, and the staff who help our community thrive. These essential resources ensure that the Dharma remains accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances or background.
Please make a gift today to sustain IMCW and help keep the Dharma accessible to all.
