Tzu Chi USA Mid-Atlantic Region

Tzu Chi USA's New Jersey medical volunteer team is taking meaningful steps to expand compassionate healthcare into the community, starting by caring for one another. 💙

On July 19, volunteers gathered for a Dharma Family Wellness Day featuring vision screenings, internal medicine, family medicine, and electrocardiogram services. More than a wellness event, it served as the team's first full-scale practice following June's medical volunteer training, helping refine workflows and strengthen teamwork ahead of future free community clinics.

From experienced physicians and longtime volunteers to Tzu Chi Collegiate Association members, second-generation volunteers, and medical students, participants of all ages worked side by side with one shared goal: bringing quality, compassionate care to those who need it most. Volunteers also prepared for an upcoming vision screening at a Camden school this October, where they will help more children access essential eye care.

One volunteer, Marisa Romero, first came to Tzu Chi through a food pantry. Now a regular volunteer herself, she embodies the cycle of kindness that transforms care recipients into compassionate caregivers.

By investing in training, collaboration, and service, Tzu Chi is building a stronger medical volunteer team: ready to bring hope, healing, and compassionate care to communities across New Jersey.

Across generations, one mission: protecting community vision. 👁️💙

To prepare for the relaunch of Tzu Chi USA Mid-Atlantic Region's free vision clinics, more than 60 volunteers participated in two hands-on training sessions covering HIPAA, eye care fundamentals, and vision screening techniques. Experienced volunteers passed on years of knowledge to new participants, while young volunteers preparing for careers in healthcare trained alongside senior volunteers whose dedication continues to inspire.

The training also welcomed volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds, strengthening the team's ability to serve multilingual, multicultural communities with compassionate care. Together, across generations and cultures, they're building a stronger future for community health.

A Nation United in Kindness 💙

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we reflect with gratitude for the opportunity to serve the communities we call home.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen reminds us, "When we live under a nation's sky and stand upon its land, we should give back with love." Inspired by these words, Tzu Chi USA serves communities nationwide through disaster relief, medical care, education, environmental stewardship, and volunteer service.

This Fourth of July, let us celebrate the compassion that brings us together.

Happy Independence Day from Tzu Chi USA. ❤️

This past weekend, we joined hands and hearts with the community for a triple celebration honoring Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Tzu Chi Day. 💐🙏❤️

This year’s gathering carried special meaning, too, as we also celebrated Tzu Chi’s 60th Anniversary, marking six decades of compassion, humanitarian relief, and service.

Families, volunteers, and neighbors gathered in gratitude to offer prayers for peace and reflect on the spirit of kindness and unity that connects us all. And indeed, throughout the celebration, moments of reflection and heartfelt appreciation abounded, filling the air with warmth and sincerity. May there be peace in our hearts, and blessings for all beings.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this meaningful occasion truly memorable!