M. A. CENTER
Michigan

Projects

Compassion In Action

Seva is a word from Sanskrit, one of the ancient languages of India, best translated as “selfless service” — service done simply for the wellbeing of others and the world, without expecting any personal gain or benefit.

On Saturdays, the center is bustling with volunteers. With nearly 55 acres, the property requires all kinds of ongoing attention and care, and the orchards and gardens offer a great opportunity to spend the day outdoors in nature. Several teams of volunteers maintain the M.A. Center Michigan or help with the community outreach projects below. Whether you have plenty of time or just a few hours, there is a place here for you.

"The beauty and charm of selfless love and service should not die away from the face of the earth. The world should know that a life of dedication is possible, that a life inspired by love and service to humanity is possible."

— Amma

Why it Matters

In Detroit, about 1 in 6 K–12 students face homelessness or housing instability. In Ann Arbor, homebound elders may see no one all day but the volunteer who brings their meal. For more than 25 years the M.A. Center Michigan community has answered with action — hot meals for shelters, backpacks for students, layettes for new mothers, letters for the lonely, and an orchard whose harvest is shared with all. Every hour of service is an offering, and everyone is welcome to take part.

Our Projects

Mother's Kitchen volunteers

Mother's Kitchen

Cooking and delivering fresh meals to Alpha House, sheltering homeless families in Ann Arbor — for more than 25 years.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels

Delivering nutritious meals — and a friendly visit — to homebound elders in Ann Arbor since 2004.

Guru Purnima backpack drive volunteers

Guru Purnima Backpacks

108 fully stocked backpacks each year for homeless and at-risk students in Detroit.

Circle of Love Layette volunteers

Circle of Love Layette

Layette essentials for low-income expectant mothers in Detroit — 54 mothers and counting.

Circle of Love Letters

Circle of Love Letters

Hand-written letters of encouragement for the elderly, ill, isolated — and for those in prison.

Creative Connections

Creative Connections

Crocheted blankets for veterans, art with seniors, and family craft sessions that uplift the community.

IAM meditation class

IAM Meditation

Free Integrated Amrita Meditation classes, offered regularly at the center.

Prayer Circle

Prayer Circle

A daily 6 p.m. prayer group on Zoom, sending healing to those in need.

Apple picking at Amrita Farms

Amrita Farms

A 1,008-tree organic orchard devoted to community enrichment through agri-science and education.

Our Impact

  • 29 years of Mother’s Kitchen — hot meals for Ann Arbor’s shelters (since 1997)
  • 270 Detroit students equipped with fully stocked backpacks (since 2023)
  • 1,008 fruit trees in the Amrita Farms orchard
  • 54 expectant mothers welcomed with Circle of Love layette sets (since 2024)

Get Involved

Volunteer

Lend a hand with our seva projects — everyone is welcome.

Donate

Support the center's operations and local charitable projects.

Contact Us

Questions about a project or how to help? Reach out anytime.