Newsletter Donate

Honoring the Legacy of Fethullah Gülen

01/31/2026

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Pacifica Institute proudly hosted the Compassion Week Service Fest as part of the annual Compassion Week initiative — a community-wide effort uniting local faith communities and sponsors to build a stronger, more compassionate, and empathetic society.

This year’s Service Fest was dedicated to the memory of Fethullah Gülen, honoring his lifelong commitment to service, education, and peace.
A Day of Service and Connection

Community members of all ages came together in Santa Clara to serve our unhoused and underserved neighbors through hands-on service projects, including:

  • Creating fleece blankets for local shelters
  • Assembling hygiene kits for unhoused neighbors
  • Packing backpacks for students in transitional services
  • Sewing pillowcases and crafting bracelets for unhoused youth

    As part of this year’s Compassion Week, Youthlink members gathered for a special Service Day dedicated to preparing backpacks filled with school supplies for local elementary school students. The project aimed to help children begin the school year with confidence, joy, and all the tools they need to succeed.

    The day began with a remembrance of Fethullah Gülen, reflecting on his vision of kindness and social responsibility, followed by an afternoon of collaboration, compassion, and community spirit.
    We extend heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, families, and community partners who joined us to make a difference. Your generosity and participation embody the compassion that Gülen inspired and that Compassion Week continues to celebrate each year.
    Compassion Week continues to remind us that acts of service — big or small — strengthen the bonds within our community. We look forward to seeing you again next year as we continue to serve, connect, and spread compassion together.

    Our collaboration with Rebekah Children’s Services began about two years ago with an initial visit to learn more about their programs and the children they serve. Since then, we have organized two creative workshops, bringing supplies and spending meaningful time together. From the very beginning, our goal has been to maintain this connection and hold workshops twice a year to continue supporting and engaging with the children.

    Youthlink, a subgroup under the Youth Collective, has been proud to collaborate with Rebekah Children’s Services through these ongoing efforts. Together, they organize projects and visits that create lasting connections with the children—playing, learning, and growing together.

    We were honored to welcome Nayeli Ceja-Khaira, Fund Development & Community Relations Manager at Rebekah Children’s Services, who joined us during this year’s Service Day. Her presence added even more meaning to the event and reflected the strong and growing partnership between our groups.

    This backpack project was a wonderful reminder of compassion in action—showing how friendship, collaboration, and care can make a lasting difference in the lives of children in our community.