Seva – Community Outreach at Chinmaya Mission Seattle
Secular Programs
Secular programs function to improve the quality of life for all, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed. These programs are open to all members of the Seattle community, regardless of their background, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate, learn, and contribute to the collective well-being of our diverse city.
Our program aims to
- Deepen the understanding of cultural values and enhance quality of life through meditation and yoga practice.
- Offer a supportive peer network for individuals of Indian origin, helping families educate their children about their heritage while serving as a hub for information, inspiration, mentorship, and friendship in the Greater Seattle Area.
- Create a safe and welcoming facility for students to build a sense of community, belonging, and engage in meaningful discussions.
- Strengthen family connections through home visit programs.
Fostering Community
Chinmaya Mission Seattle is committed to strengthening the well-being of the Greater Seattle community through practical, service-oriented initiatives. From addressing food insecurity to supporting unhoused individuals, promoting cultural understanding, and encouraging environmental stewardship, our volunteers work together to meet real community needs. The programs below highlight our ongoing dedication to uplifting and supporting our diverse neighbors.
Monthly Sandwich Seva Program
Chinmaya Mission Seattle (CMS) upholds its commitment to community service through the Sandwich Seva program, where volunteers prepare and distribute sandwiches to help combat food insecurity in the Greater Seattle area. Each month, CMS families come together to make approximately 500 sandwiches, which are donated to the Seattle Gospel Union Church for distribution to the homeless community.
In addition to this initiative, CMS also supports organizations like Northwest Harvest, extending its outreach to underprivileged communities. Through these efforts, CMS demonstrates its dedication to providing practical, secular assistance to those in need, fostering a spirit of selfless service and compassion.
Annual Food Drive
Our Annual Food Drive is dedicated to combating food insecurity within the local community. To date, we have donated over 500 pounds of non-perishable food to local food banks, offering essential support to individuals and families in need. Through this initiative, we strive to make a meaningful impact by ensuring access to nutritious food for those facing hardship.
Community Dinner Program for the Unhoused and Food-Insecure
Ahimsa Club students organize a community dinner service at LWUMC, taking the lead in planning, preparing, and serving a warm meal for local families in need. The students create a sign-up sheet and sample menus designed with both nutrition and simplicity in mind. Sevaks in the Mission participate by choosing an item from the menu, preparing it at home, bringing it to the church, and helping serve dinner to the community
Safe Parking Program Support
We support individuals in the Safe Parking Program at our rented church space in Kirkland by providing essential supplies such as toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and towels. This initiative helps ensure that those experiencing homelessness have access to basic necessities while benefiting from a safe and supportive environment.
Educational Outreach
We organize educational sessions in collaboration with organizations like the Renewal Food Bank, where representatives, including the manager and outreach coordinator, share valuable insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. These sessions equip our youth with knowledge, foster empathy, and inspire them to take an active role in community service and social impact.
Cultural Programs
We host a diverse range of cultural programs that celebrate the rich traditions of Indian arts, music, and heritage. Open to the public, these events serve as a platform for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, they promote unity, diversity, and mutual respect within the community.
Environmental Initiatives
As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, Ahimsa Club students volunteered with EarthCorps to remove invasive ivy from a local wilderness park. Through hands-on participation in habitat restoration, they contribute to preserving the natural ecosystem and fostering a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
Kitchen Warrior Seva
At Chinmaya Mission Seattle, caring for the environment is woven into our spiritual practice. As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, we use only reusable tableware and cutlery to serve Prasad during our weekly Sunday sessions and all Special Events. After every gathering, the tableware is washed, dried, and stored with love and care.
To make this sustainable effort a shared joy, each Bala Vihar class—students, teachers, and parents—is assigned a month to serve as “Kitchen Warriors.” This hands-on service naturally involves our entire congregation and transforms a simple task into a lively, laughter-filled time of singing, teamwork, and togetherness. Through this collective effort, we not only reduce waste but also strengthen our bonds as a community rooted in service.
