“Shelter homes provide for abandoned or runaway children until they turn 18, but where do they go after that? Normal children are vulnerable, unable to live independently. What about those with disabilities? They have it worse. That’s why I started a home for young adults with intellectual disabilities – those who are homeless and have no family. They deserve a safe place where they can live the rest of their lives with dignity.” founder of the Society for Child Development
In the early 1990s, Dr. Madhumita Puri made a life-altering decision. As a clinical psychologist, she encountered countless families coming to her with their disabled children, overwhelmed and disheartened. These families had no roadmaps, no vision of a hopeful future, and often no support system to turn to. Dr. Madhumita, seeing the crushing challenges faced by these families, knew she had to do something. Thus, in 1992, she founded the Society for Child Development, an organisation dedicated to giving people with disabilities a fighting chance at life.
“My aim was to uplift the disabled poor. We must begin in childhood. Education is the most important tool we have, and I wanted to make sure that no child – no matter their circumstances – was left behind.” - Dr. Madhumita
For 10 years, she worked tirelessly to help disabled children build a future
With this vision, she began a school that catered to children with intellectual disabilities But as they grew older, many of the families hoped their children would eventually find jobs and become self-sufficient. This realisation prompted Dr. Madhumita to expand the scope of her mission.“No longer were we just focusing on child development. We needed to provide for them beyond childhood. I realised that intellectual disability is often invisible to the world. We needed to be inclusive and make sure that every kind of disability was addressed.”- Dr. MadhumitaOver the years, her work has evolved to include skill development and livelihood programs, such as the 'Trash to Cash' initiative, which helps people with disabilities craft products from recycled waste materials. Through this program and others, the organisation has empowered over 1,500 people with disabilities to become financially independent.
A loving home for those whom society has forgotten
In 2000, recognising the growing need for long-term care, she started Apne Sahare, a home for young adults with intellectual disabilities who are homeless and have no family support. With a dedicated team of 140 individuals, the organisation continues to change lives every day by providing dedicated care and attention to these youngsters.“Apne Sahare currently houses 35 residents – men and women – who rely entirely on the home’s support staff for their daily needs. These individuals will always need someone to take care of them. We give them a safe space, but as they grow older, their needs increase – whether it's nutritious food, medical care, or even something as simple as going outside once in a while. Until now, Apne Sahare has been non-funded, but that won’t work anymore if we want to give them the best possible life.”- Dr. Madhumita
‘They are also human beings who crave human connection’
Despite challenges, Dr. Madhumita’s work has created an oasis of care, love, and dignity for people who would otherwise have been forgotten. The Society for Child Development has made tremendous progress in its mission to support people with disabilities, but the work is far from over. Her ultimate goal is to expand, building another home to accommodate more people in need.“A young girl came to us with her terminally ill mother and alcoholic father. After her mother and sibling passed away, she was left all alone. Her able-bodied sister, who lives a normal life outside, could have cared for her, but she refuses to even acknowledge her. This young girl yearns for her sister every day. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how cruel the world can be to those who have ‘less.’ If someone comes and spends time with her and other residents of Apne Sahare, you can see the joy on their faces. They want to feel human connection, just like anyone else. We encourage people to spend special occasions like Diwali with them – it means the world to them.”- Dr. Madhumita
The residents of Apne Sahare need ongoing support for basic needs, including food, clothing, medication, and day-to-day care. Your donation could help them live a dignified life, providing the resources they need to thrive.
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