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Bhai Kanaya-First Help — Corps of Volunteers

Mission Statement

Bhai Kanaya was a humble disciple of Guru Gobind Singh, who served all without discrimination.  He did this because he “saw the Guru in everybody.”  Bhai Kanaya First Help (BKFH) was formed to educate and protect our ashram community regarding mental, emotional and substance dependency issues within our sangat.  We address the needs of members who are faced with these challenges by supporting their families and care givers; referring them to trusted, professional resources, and providing leadership as needed.

Bhai Kanaya First Help service is based in confidentiality, compassion, understanding, and is centered in the legacy and mission of the Siri Singh Sahib Yogi Bhajan. This Corps of Volunteers has been formed with the guidance and support of the Ashram Management Team. 

Services

As sangat lay members of the Bhai Kanaya First Help, we can provide the following services:

  • a confidential space where individuals can voice their concerns in the areas of mental, emotional and substance dependency issues concerning sangat and immediate family members.
  • a protocol  to consciously and effectively work with mental health cases as they arise.
  • a list of resources to include health care professionals, who can treat and give assistance to those in need in the sangat of Hacienda de Guru Ram Das and their immediate family members and security professionals, who can secure a potentially dangerous situation.

    Simplified Initial Protocol

    • A sangat member fills out a Request for Service form, (Word or PDF format) describing their issue.
    • The BKFH reviews the issues of the request.
    • BKFH members decide if the case is appropriate for their services.
    • The BKFH makes recommendations as to how the issue can best be resolved.  Appropriate services might be recommended within our community (peer, ministerial, or professional counseling) and/or outside community if necessary.



Code of Ethics

  • All information that comes before the BKFH is strictly confidential.  BKFH members are forbidden to discuss individual cases outside the Corp of Volunteers meetings, unless it is a security issue.
  • All individuals and cases are handled with compassion, understanding, respect and an open mind.
  • All effort is made to resolve all situations for the positive benefit of all.
  • Members of the BKFH are not inappropriately or intimately involved with individuals in a case.  If this occurs, that BKFH member will be dropped from the case.
  • BKFH members do not accept money or gifts from individuals or their family members in a case.  Donations can be given to the Guru.
  • BKFH members will make every effort to receive professional training appropriate to serving on this committee.