A message from Nina Highfill, Executive Director
Dear Friends,
I write to you with a heart full of gratitude, and also with some news I want you to hear directly, with care.
Before anything else, I want us all to rejoice in what this program has meant. DharmaCare was born because Geshe Sherab asked that this effort be started, inspiring so many of you to do more for one another. Under Cristina Caltagirone’s devoted leadership, and through the hands and hearts of our volunteers, it grew into something remarkable: help with chores, hospice companionship, errands run, rides given, quiet presence offered to people who were lonely or afraid — showing up again and again for our community at the moments it mattered most.
A Difficult Decision
After much reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to close the DharmaCare program. As the needs in our aging community have grown, they’ve moved well beyond what a volunteer program can responsibly hold. Some situations call for professional caregivers, medical providers, or legal support rather than well-intentioned community help alone. Keeping this work formally under the Center’s umbrella creates a level of risk — for TNL and for volunteers themselves — that I don’t feel I can responsibly ask anyone to carry. This isn’t a reflection on the quality or spirit of the care that’s been given. It’s a recognition that the needs have simply outgrown what a volunteer structure can hold.
This doesn’t mean we stop caring for one another. Cristina will continue to be available as an individual, sharing resources on caregiving, healthy aging, volunteering, and estate planning with anyone who reaches out — simply no longer under the DharmaCare name. We hope the friendships, the habit of checking in on each other, and the tradition of care built here continue quietly and organically. The Center is also still happy to help support the pizza parties, which became such a beautiful, informal way to gather.
With Deep Thanks
To everyone who gave their time, patience, and compassion to this program: thank you. Thank you for the groceries picked up, the hands held, the mail sorted, the rides given — the countless quiet acts that never made headlines but changed someone’s day, or their life. We rejoice in the merit created, and trust it will continue to ripple outward, whatever form it takes next.
I asked Cristina to share a few words about DharmaCare and how we can continue to care for one another in this new phase of our Center’s life. Please see her note below — and please reach out anytime with questions.
With oceans of gratitude,
Nina Highfill
Executive Director
A Note from Cristina
I wish to offer my profound thanks and gratitude for all those who participated in DharmaCare through its existence. Thank you especially to Geshe Sherab la for asking that this effort be started, and inspiring us to do more. We have all benefited and been so blessed by the friendship, intention, and service that this group served as a conduit for. As Lama Zopa so meaningfully pointed out — “What else in the world is there to do that is more important than helping others? There’s nothing more important than serving a Dharma center.” Now we can individually continue to make connections, offer our help, and be of service within our community. Thank you all for your ongoing service to TNL.
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities — please connect with our center director (director@tnlsf.org) for more information.
On an individual basis, not connected with TNL, I’m happy to continue sharing resources and information on caregiving, volunteering, healthy aging, and estate planning with anyone who would benefit. I continue to attend workshops, gather resources, and provide caregiving to family and friends. Please know I am not a professional social worker, nurse, or caregiver — but I connect regularly with those who are, and gather wonderful tips and advice along the way. I’m simply a volunteer with some key information. Feel free to reach out.
Big love — Cristina
