- Spiritual Care Group Participates in VolunteerTraining at Maplehurst Correctional Complex

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto has launched its first male prison outreach program, extending the temple’s humanistic and spiritual care service to Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton. On October 15, Stephanie Hong, Head of the Buddha’s Light Spiritual Care Group, attended the facility’s Prison Volunteer Training Session, which introduced participants to the correctional environment, inmate behavior, service guidelines, and safety procedures. Eight volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds took part in the session.

This initiative marks the group’s first engagement with a men’s correctional institution. Previously, the Buddhd's Light Spiritual Care Group had focused on supporting women’s prisons through mindfulness practice, empathetic listening, and Dharma-based emotional care.The expansion aims to share the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha’s teachings with more inmates, helping them cultivate inner peace and positive transformation.

The collaboration began earlier this year when two chaplains from Maplehurst visited Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and exchanged insights with Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan on spiritual care in prison settings. The chaplains emphasized the growing need for personalized attention and small-group programs that foster inmates’ emotional stability and spiritual growth.

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