Generosity
In May 2026, Oak House at Seven Oaks Retreat Center was struck by lightning and sustained significant damage. Thankfully, the building was unoccupied, and no one was harmed. While repairs were necessary, this unexpected event created a unique opportunity to advance an important part of Seven Oaks’ vision: making retreat practice accessible to everyone.
As we set out to restore Oak House, we took the opportunity to renovate portions of the building to include handicapped-accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, widened doorways, improved access routes, and other enhancements that will make residential retreat practice available to more people as we continue to work to our long-term vision for reimagining the campus.
Thanks to the generosity of the Seven Oaks and IMCW communities, we reached our original fundraising goal and, with the support of a $3,000 matching challenge from Bushman Dreyfus Architects, installed a fully accessible residential bathroom in Oak House. Together, we widened doorways, installed a new accessible entrance ramp, and created a more welcoming retreat environment—opening doors for practitioners of all abilities.
Looking ahead, there’s more to do: More doorways to widen, more accessible bathrooms to create and more pathways to build. Help us make it happen. Your support of the Accessibility Campaign allows us to continue our efforts with additional accessibility enhancements across our campus.
Why Accessibility Matters
When IMCW acquired Seven Oaks Retreat Center, many members of our community celebrated the opportunity to create a dedicated retreat center in the Mid-Atlantic. Others asked an important question:
“Will there be a place for me here?”
For practitioners with mobility challenges, accessibility is not a convenience—it is the difference between being able to attend retreat and being left on the sidelines.
We have always intended to incorporate accessibility into our long-term plans. The repairs to Oak House allow us to move that vision forward now rather than years from now.
These improvements will help create a retreat center where practitioners of all abilities can participate more fully in the transformative experience of residential retreat practice.
Ways to Make an Impact
Every gift helps create a more accessible and welcoming Seven Oaks.
$500 – Helps widen doorways and improve access routes
$1,000 – Helps furnish and equip accessible guest accommodations
$2,500 – Supports Handicapped-compliant bathroom fixtures and accessibility upgrades
$5,000 – Helps fund major accessibility renovations, including the accessible bedroom and bathroom project
$10,000+ – Provides transformational support for accessibility improvements and helps ensure this work is completed during the current renovation
Of course, gifts of any amount are deeply appreciated and will help move this project forward.
Turning Challenge into Opportunity
In the Buddhist tradition, challenges often become opportunities for wisdom, compassion, and growth. What began as an unexpected setback can become a meaningful step toward a more welcoming and inclusive Seven Oaks.
With your support, we can transform this moment into a lasting investment in accessibility—ensuring that more people can experience the refuge, healing, and deep practice that Seven Oaks offers.
How You Can Help
Every gift helps open new doors for practitioners now and for generations to come.
Together, we can create a Seven Oaks that is more accessible, more welcoming, and more fully aligned with our values.
Make Your Gift Today
“A truly welcoming retreat center must be accessible to everyone.”
The Accessibility Campaign is part of the newly developed Maintenance Fund of Seven Oaks Retreat Center, which ensure that all repairs necessary for our campus to remain fully functional and operational as we work towards our long-term vision express our values of accessibility for all and care for the environment.
Our vision is to transform and renew this beautiful property, making it an accessible, welcoming, eco-friendly and affordable home for meditation and contemplative practice. Donate to our General Maintenance Fund today to help us provide a gathering place for meditation communities across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Seven Oaks Retreat Center is owned and operated by The Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW), a nonprofit 501(c)(3). Your donation directly supports this important work and is fully tax deductible.
With Gratitude