An authentic, sustainable, awake, engaged community, evolving the practice of senior living in a calm, compassionate, respectful environment, informed by the teachings of wisdom and contemplative care.
Each person follows the path of their choosing, so that together we can help each other accept what is and embrace what comes in the dynamic process we are now experiencing.
Authentic community life at Enso Village is supported by Contemplative Care training for the staff and any residents who would like to learn more about how to care for ourselves and our community with kindness and wisdom.
Commitment to Sustainability
Before we even knew where we would build Enso Village, we knew how. In the fundamental design of the community, in our choice of construction materials and building standards and, most importantly, in the way we will live and work within the footprint of Enso Village, sustainability has been as integral to our thinking as the safety, comfort and health of our residents.
Values & Practices
Kendal and San Francisco Zen Center are committed to creating an inclusive retirement community, open to all, and rooted in the fundamental values of kindness and compassion—emphasizing spiritual as well as physical well-being. While not required, daily meditation practice will be available.
Collaboration
Enso Village represents a creative collaboration between two exemplary not-for-profit organizations, the San Francisco Zen Center and The Kendal Corporation, through their subsidiaries Zen Inspired Senior Living LLC (ZISL) and Kendal Aging.
Established in 1962, the San Francisco Zen Center is one of the largest residential training Soto Zen Buddhist organizations outside of Asia. It has three practice places which offer daily meditation, regular monastic retreats and practice periods, classes, lectures and workshops throughout the Bay Area. All are welcome.
The Kendal System, founded in 1971, consists of not-for-profit senior-living communities, programs and services founded on the principles of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Kendal’s Values and Practices tie the System together. The System has evolved to its current federal-style model with 12 operating affiliates throughout the country (When it opens, Enso Village will be the 13th Affiliate in the System). Each of the Affiliates is an independent 501(c)(3) organization with its own board of directors, responsible for its own operations and finances, and with close ties to the local community. In the federal model, The Kendal Corporation has responsibilities for coordination and facilitation of the System as a whole—it is not a centralized or directive authority. The System aims to provide the best of both worlds: sensitivity and responsiveness to local environments and culture combined with the advantages of being part of a larger, values-based network of organizations. Kendal’s mission is “Together, transforming the experience of aging.®”
Start your journey here.
Our staff is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about life at Enso Village. Just leave your contact information and we’ll gladly reach out to help you.