M. A. CENTER
Washington DC
  • Mother's Kitchen volunteers at M.A. Center DC

Projects

Our Programs

From Mother's Kitchen feeding the hungry across the DC suburbs to volunteering at DC Central Kitchen on Amma's birthday, from tree planting and Earth Day cleanups to warm winter coats for schoolchildren, the M.A. Center DC community turns Amma's teachings into steady, practical love. Every project runs on volunteers — there is a place here for every pair of hands.

"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

Amma teaches that a life inspired by love and service is possible for everyone. At M.A. Center DC that looks like a hot vegetarian meal carried to a women's shelter in Rockville, thousands of servings cooked on Amma's birthday, a fruit tree rising along a Maryland trail, and a warm coat for a child waiting in the cold for the school bus. Seva — selfless service — is the heart of everything we do.

Our Programs

Mother's Kitchen volunteers at M.A. Center DC

Mother's Kitchen

Vegetarian meals cooked and served four weekends a month for shelters across the greater DC area — for over 20 years.

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Mother's Kitchen volunteers cooking at M.A. Center DC

DC Central Kitchen

Each year on Amma's birthday, volunteers cook for around 3,000 people in need — a tradition of selfless service since 2013.

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Volunteers planting a tree with Embracing the Trees

GreenFriends & Tree Planting

Embracing the Trees excursions, Earth Day cleanups and the ashram's organic garden — caring for Mother Nature.

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GreenFriends volunteers at an Earth Day canal cleanup

AYUDH

Amma's youth movement — soup kitchens, tree planting, clothing drives and fellowship for young people.

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Amrita Bala Kendra children at M.A. Center DC

Amrita Bala Kendra

Spiritual and cultural values for children ages 4–12, through stories, music, crafts and service.

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Warm winter clothing for children in need

Kemp Mill Winter Clothes Drive

Warm winter clothing for children at a Title 1 elementary school in Silver Spring — now in its seventh year.

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Our Impact

  • 3,000 people cooked for each year at DC Central Kitchen (since 2013)
  • 20+ years serving meals through Mother's Kitchen in the DC area
  • 4 shelters served across Maryland, Virginia and DC each month
  • 7 years running the Kemp Mill winter clothes drive for children

Get Involved

Volunteer

Join us for Saturday seva, in the kitchen, or on a tree-planting excursion — everyone is welcome.

Volunteer
Donate

Support M.A. Center DC's charitable work and Amma's humanitarian mission.

Donate
Contact Us

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

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Group News

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Amma visits Washington DC - North America Summer Tour 2019
Amma's Tours

Dorothy Bush Koch welcomed Amma at the tour's seventh stop.

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July 11, 2019
Mother's Kitchen volunteers at M.A. Center DC
Mother's Kitchen

For over 20 years, volunteers have served meals at a DC-area women's shelter.

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May 9, 2018
GreenFriends volunteers at an Earth Day canal cleanup
GreenFriends

GreenFriends DC cleaned up the C&O Canal near the Potomac for Earth Day.

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April 27, 2018

The greatest tragedy in life is not death, the greatest tragedy takes place when our talents and capabilities are underutilized and allowed to rust while we are living. When we use the wealth obtained from nature, it diminishes; but when we use the wealth of our inner capabilities, it increases.

Amma