Note: Due to coronavirus, all in-person volunteering and Sangha Support Net services remain on hold.
In the interim, Edie Brown continues to be available for support via email, phone, or zoom.
Please contact her using the forms below.

Sangha Support Net

Sangha Support Net is available to Santa Cruz Zen Center members by email, phone, or Zoom during these challenging times.

If you are interested in services, please create a message using the fields below. It will go directly to Edie Brown.

Sangha Support Net Purpose Statement

The Sangha Support Net Program is for Sangha members and Sangha members’ families during times of challenge or times of transition. These challenges could include such times as: accident, temporary illness, hospitalization, long-term illness, death of a loved one or death of a pet. We also offer Sangha support for life transitions such as: starting a relationship, ending a relationship, marriage commitments, taking jukai, birth of a child, the transition from youth to adulthood or house blessings. Occasional service to the community at large for funerals and other life transitions is also offered.

The Support Net will offer ceremony, celebration and individual support in times of need. This could take the form of: offering food, running errands, providing transportation or offering to take care of basic needs for a limited period of time such as childcare, cleaning or laundry. The Support Net also offers guidance, teachings and ceremony for life transitions, based on the individual’s needs and the liturgy and forms of Soto Zen Buddhism.

For Those Offering Support

All Sangha members are invited to participate in this ongoing practice of generosity – the giving of time and energy – forming a team to support each other and the community in times of need.

Edie Brown will guide and counsel team members in order to increase the skillfulness with which this practice is undertaken. Depending on your skills and time availability, your offering could take the form of preparing food, running errands, providing transportation or taking care of basic needs for a limited period of time such as childcare, cleaning or laundry. 

You may also be asked to learn and hold a ceremonial role. Please let Edie Brown or Gene Bush know if you are interested in making a 6 month commitment to this team.