Joyful devotees serve appreciative residents.

On October 8th, 2024, ISKCON Phoenix visited “A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center” in Mesa, Arizona, distributing over 100 plates of prasadam to residents. This service is part of ISKCON Phoenix’s ongoing commitment to uplift and support the local community.

The East Valley Men’s Center provides essential shelter and support services to single men experiencing homelessness—the largest homeless demographic in Arizona, and often the most underserved. The center assists residents in creating housing plans, building resumes, finding references, and securing job interviews, offering a path toward stability and self-sufficiency.

The prasadam distribution at the center began with kirtan inside the kitchen. We will be serving prasadam once a month at this location. In the future, we will increase this frequency to twice a month, expanding its reach and impact. The goal of this prasadam distribution is not only to provide nutritious meals but also to share a sense of comfort, compassion, and community.

Prasadam is sacred food that has been lovingly prepared and offered to Krishna, embodying divine blessings. The process of preparing and distributing prasadam is a form of devotional service meant to share love, compassion, and spiritual nourishment with others. For those who partake, prasadam goes beyond just providing physical sustenance—it carries a transformative spiritual energy that uplifts the heart and mind.

By distributing prasadam at locations like A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center, ISKCON Phoenix seeks to share this mercy with individuals facing challenging circumstances. ISKCON believes that prasadam can help people experience peace and inner strength.

Through this program, ISKCON Phoenix hopes to offer more than just a meal—it aims to bring a sense of hope and belonging to individuals who are working to improve their lives and re-enter society as empowered and contributing members of the community. As we continue this service, we invite the community to join hands with us in this meaningful mission to make a positive difference.

To follow the ongoing sergice at ISKCON of Phoenix, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook.