2017 YEAR IN REVIEW
A YEAR OF VISION, CLARITY AND GROWTH 2017 has been a tremendous year for the Bhakti Center, a year that we hope is only setting the pace for more amazing things to come. We have seen an unprecedented amount of donor support, an increase in our hospitality efforts, a brand new reception, the welcoming of Sri Gaurachandra to our temple, and the launching of multiple departments to bring greater variety and depth to our programming. Our growth and development, however, has only been due to the enormous efforts of our selfless donors, volunteers, and staff, both past and current. We would like to thank you all by sharing some of the many milestones that you have helped us achieve this past year and what steps we plan to take in the year ahead. At the start of 2017, the Bhakti Center set an intention to align every program and resource towards a single, focused goal: spiritual transformation. We wanted every person in our community to be inspired to practice bhakti on a personal level, to feel connected with friends and community, and to experience the joy of giving back through service. Offering people an opportunity to engage in sadhana, sangha, and seva (practice, community and service) became our greatest gift to give. We hope our events, courses, festivals and community gatherings have touched your heart in some way and inspired you on your spiritual journey. Yours in service, Virabhadra Ram das Executive director
2 /A YE AR O F V ISIO N, CLA R I TY A N D GR OW T H
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from our Director.......................................................................02 Events Overview for 2017...............................................................04-05 Program Highlights...............................................................................06 Divya’s Kitchen.....................................................................................07 Launching our Social Initiatives..........................................................08 Meditation & Art Gallery.......................................................................09 Gaurachandra Installation...................................................................10 Annua l Festivals...................................................................................11 Our Volunteers.....................................................................................12 Building Community............................................................................13 Fundraising ..........................................................................................14 Monthly Finances.................................................................................15 Raising Our Professional Standards....................................................16 What to Look Forward to in 2018........................................................17 Our New Look......................................................................................18 Find Your Path......................................................................................19 Going Green at the Bhakti Center........................................................20 Community Groups..............................................................................21 Hospitality ...........................................................................................22 Outreach & Soul Food..........................................................................23 Coming Together..................................................................................24
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JAN
FEB
MARCH
EVENTS OVERVIEW This year we hosted over 50+ unique events and courses.
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APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
EVENTS OVERVIEW ...and over 2000+ total programs
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SPIRITUAL RECHARGE Spiritual Recharge, launched in January 2017, became a starting point for many interested seekers who found relevance and wisdom in the weekly Sunday talks given.
BHAGAVATA SRAVANA In 2017 we saw the birth of Bhagavata Sravana, a dynamic weekly program for dedicated practitioners to hear from & discuss the crown jewel of Vedic Literatures, Srimad Bhagavatam.
GITA LIFE We offered a new Saturday night program from the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita that can be practically applied to people’s life. This program has added to our foundation of wisdom offerings at the Bhakti Center.
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DIVYA’S KITCHEN In 2017 we saw our first floor restaurant, Divya’s Kitchen, blast off and take home 1st place awards from the top rated food critics in New York City & the tri-state area. We believe this is only a sign of the great things to come for Divya’s Kitchen and our partnership with Prentis (Purusha) & Divya Alter.
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LAUNCHING OUR NEW SOCIAL INITIATIVES In 2017 we launched 3 social initiatives: SACRED ECOLOGY FORUM: A team of leaders in the field have come together to bring environmentally conscious practices to the Bhakti Center and engage with local and global environmental issues on a spiritual level. In 2018, we will be offering workshops & retreats centered on Earth-conscious living.
Y12SR: Yoga of 12-step recovery (Y12SR) is an established organization dedicated to helping those in 12-step programs through the practice of yoga. The Bhakti Center has partnered with Y12SR by hosting meetings that welcome those in recovery, offering traditional 12-step meetings that combine recovery-themed yoga classes. In 2018, we plan to develop workshops that would further assist those in recovery.
SACRED CARE: We provide support for end of life care givers and their loved ones. In 2017 we hosted several discussion forums to build awareness and support around how to care for those in their final phase of life. In 2018, we will continue these events, as well as add end of life doula trainings.
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MEDITATION PATH This summer, we opened up our very own Meditation Studio, conducting weekly classes, one-day workshops, and upstate retreats that lay the foundation for nama japa and deep absorption in mantra meditation.
ART GALLERY OPENS Several artists spearheaded the Bhakti Center’s first conscious art gallery this Summer. In 2018 we hope to connect with more devotional artists and continue showcasing the many devotional artistic gifts in our community.
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A HISTORICAL CELEBRATION SRI GAURACHANDRA INSTALLATION FESTIVAL Blessed with the presence of Radhanath Swami and our assembled community, we engaged in the timeless Vedic tradition of calling the presence of the Divine to reside on our Temple altar, in the compassionate form of Sri Chaitanya. The three-day festival was filled with unforgettable moments that we will treasure into the future. We wish to thank all of you who came and participated. “May the devotees worship the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. May they become filled with the nectar of pure devotional service. May they delight and astonish the three worlds with their charming sweetness, good fortune, compassion, tolerance, and other virtues.� Sri Caitanya Chandramrita 7.92 1 0 / A Historical Celebration
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MAJOR FESTIVALS including the 3-day installation of Sri Gaurachandra with over 2,100 total guests attending
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VOLUNTEERS We are ever thankful for the hands and hearts that have stepped forward to help us develop the organization & are looking forward to another dynamic year of service.
124 UNIQUE VOLUNTEERS 51 OF WHOM VOLUNTEERED FOR ALL FESTIVALS
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2,500 HOURS DONATED FROM VOLUNTEERS
BUILDING COMMUNITY COMMUNITY GROUPS We have found that communities flourish and grow within groups. We witnessed and experienced dynamic spiritual growth within our community groups this year and even added a third group for firmly rooted practitioners: Deepening Bhakti. In the Fall of 2017 our community groups totaled over 108 sessions with 90+ members meeting once a week at the Bhakti Center or in homes around the city.
COMMUNITY PICNICS During the summer of 2017 we came together each month for an afternoon picnic, with games and an environment that led to deeper connections with one another in the beautiful New York City Rockefeller Park. FAMILIES & KIDS Our Krishna Kids Sangha Sunday school continues to grow in attendance with quality learning experiences, devotional games, and interfaith gatherings led by our dedicated team. We also launched “Children’s Festivals” that take place just before our major festivals & offer a variety of engaging learning experiences & activities for the children in our community. B uilding Commu nity / 1 3
FUNDRAISERS We brought together a team to reach out to our community to establish partnerships in helping us build the organization and started with TWO FUNDRAISERS IN 2017...
...and raised a total of $104,573! This year we have 70+ members contributing on a monthly basis. Overall, we received a total of $364,290 in donations this year! We have seen incredibly generous contributions on behalf of our community members and believe it’s just the beginning of many more service based partnerships to come.
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2017 AVERAGE MONTHLY FINANCES With the great work of our finance team, we have been able to record every penny coming in and out of the project.
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*These numbers are NOT reviewed by CPA and to be used for information Only 2 0 1 7 average monthly finances / 1 5
RAISING OUR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OFFICE HOURS In 2017 our staff began coming together for regular office hours as a core team to discuss, review and plan ahead.
STAFF RETREATS We also began hosting quarterly staff retreats to deepen the bond between core staff members & come back to the core purpose of why we do what we do.
CONSULTING We consulted with working professionals in our community on Marketing / Branding & Organizational development & look forward to engaging with more working professionals that would like to volunteer their time and expertise in 2018. 1 6 / PR O FE SSIO NAL STA N DA R DS
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2018:
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WE HAVE A NEW LOOK Earlier this year, with the help of professionals in the field, we went through a process of rebranding our organization. Beginning in January 2018, we will launch a new website and have printed brochures that make it clear and easy for our guests to find the right programs for them and the next step on their spiritual path.
Above:: sample pages of our new website and brochure, which will be available in January 2018
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FIND YOUR PATH 2017 brought great clarity and focus to our programs as we streamlined our programs through four complimentary paths that lead towards spiritual transformation. Each path is lead by one of our incredible path directors: Syama Masla (yoga) , Jai Giridhari (meditation) ,Kaustubha (wisdom) and Doyal Gauranga (culture).
Y
M
W
C
YOGA
MEDITATION
WISDOM
CULTURE
SYAMA MASLA
JAI GIRIDHARI
KAUSTUBHA
DOYAL GAURANGA
INCREASED PROGRAMMING We are working hard to develop relevant content for the many millions of people looking for what we have to offer. At the same time we are looking to develop deeper learning experiences for those who are already practicing to be increasingly inspired in Sadhana (Practice), Sangha (Community), and Seva (Service).
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GOING GREEN AT THE BHAKTI CENTER We are in the process of greening our operations at the Bhakti Center and in 2018 we will be: • Composting all raw materials • Using only compostable dining ware • Introducing 3 part recycling / compost / waste bins • Installing hand dryers in the bathrooms
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COMMUNITY GROUPS In February of 2018 we will launch 14 community groups with the hope to provide this dynamic experience of spiritual growth in relationships for up to 150+ members in our community. We will continue to bring community groups into the homes of community members around the city, making them accessible to people no matter where they live.
• LEVEL 1 BEGINNING BHAKTI
A starting point for new seekers looking to understand the foundational elements of Bhakti. Series of 10 weekly meetings
•• LEVEL 2- GROWING BHAKTI
For developing faith, practice and integrity on the path of bhakti. Series of 12 weekly meetings
••• LEVEL 3 - DEEPENING BHAKTI
For those who have been practicing Bhakti for some time and share a faith in the Vaishnava theology and practices. Series of 12 weekly meetings
BOOKS BEING STUDIED THIS SEMESTER: • Bhagavad-gita • Spiritual Warrior II by Bhakti Tirtha Swami • Teachings of Lord Chaitanya • The Eight Elements: My Journey Through Life’s Mysteries by Ranchor Prime • Sri Harinama Cintamani • Teachings of Rshabdeva • Prayers of Queen Kunti • Srimad Bhagavatam • Nectar of Devotion • Sri Caitanya Caritamrta
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HOSPITALITY We recently built and launched a new reception area on the first floor to better greet each guest entering the building. Although still under construction, our reception has become functional, checking in all of our guests for each program. In 2018, we plan to install bench seating, wall signage and decor, and have a full time staff of hospitality personnel and receptionists to give a warm welcome to every person walking into the building.
Above: Our hospitality team in action
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Above: We welcomed our newest staff member this Fall: Champakalata Sakhi Devi Dasi, who is serving as our reception manager
OUTREACH In 2018 we are launching our outreach initiatives, which will bring the experience of Kirtan and Bhakti Culture into Yoga Studios, Universities, Private venues and even onto the streets of New York City.
Bringing the culture of Bhakti and Kirtan into yoga yoga studios around the city.
We hope to do more meditation classes in corporate and college campus settings this new year.
SOUL FOOD Soul Food is a Bhakti Center social unitive that we plan to launch in 2018 in order to improve the quality of life of our neighbors through the distribution of sanctified vegetarian meals and education about the food we eat. WE WISH TO HELP THE COMMUNITY IN THREE WAYS: GROWING: Creating state of the art rooftop gardens which grows some of the vegetables used in the food we distribute. FEEDING: Preparing healthy vegetarian meals and sharing them with our neighbors. EDUCATING: Talking with people, sharing printed and digital information, and holding workshops and teaching demonstrations to educate people about food quality, health and vegetarianism.
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COMING TOGETHER Thank you to all of our community members who came together to make conscious strides forward in their spiritual life. Thank you for all those who joined hands with us in 2017 to help spiritually transform so many hearts in the great city of New York. We are excited for the year to come and are very grateful to be building this community with you. IF YOU FEEL INSPIRED TO HELP US TAKE OUR OFFERINGS TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN 2018: • Join in & volunteer your services: Info@bhakticenter.org • Become a monthly donor today: bhakticenter.org/support Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. @bhakticenter.nyc
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@bhakticenter
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