New Hope and Better Health Project
The Tambaram Community Development Society is a long-standing, legal charitable organization in the Chennai area of southern India. Tambaram Community Development Society (TCDS) provides social service outreach in southern India, and runs the New Hope and Better Health Project for people living with HIV and AIDS. Long-term success includes empowering persons from the "dalit" or "untouchable" community to get an education and to have the economic means for a self-sustaining life. The TCDS has its own Board of Directors and provides social services to the poorest of the poor. It is a partner agency with the Center for Health and Hope.
Led by Director Ambrose Dhanaraj, the program TCDS sponsors with the Center includes a variety of outreach efforts including:
-
A tutoring program for young girls who otherwise might fail their exams in the 10th and 12th level and not move on to future education.
-
A nutritional supplement program that provides needed food to persons infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
-
Several small economic employment programs that reach out to help individuals get small businesses started.
Imagine Tutoring & Scholarship Program
Since 2007, the Imagine Tutoring & Scholarship Program has capatilzed on the power of education to lift young women out of the spiral of poverty. The program is dedicated to improving future opportunities through exam preparation, tutoring, and college scholarships for young women from the poorest and most marginalized villages on the outskirts of Chennai in India.
Tutoring
-
1,144 total girls tutored; passing-98% 10th std and 93% 12th std.
Scholarships
-
24 graduates with Bachelors degrees in Chemistry, Commerce, and Computer Science.
-
7 current undergrads.
-
Some of our graduates have gone on to receive Master's degrees. One is starting a PhD program.
Prior to the presence of the Imagine Tutoring and Scholarship Program in these villages, only 2-3% of young girls continued their education after the 10th standard. Girls, families, and entire villages are now promoting the value of education for girls after experiencing the possibilities!
Participation: Consider a tax deductible donations of $60 for 3 months of tutoring and $700 for a year of post-scholarship support.
Care & Support
EMPOWERING HIV positive MOTHERS IN INDIA
For the past 15 years, a cooperative venture between the Tambaram Community Development Society and the Center for Health and Hope in has provided health and hope to women from one of the poorest, most marginalized, and most stigmatized groups in Indian society - HIV+ women.
Through a comprehensive program including monthly nutritional supplements, life skills training, counseling, and income generating projects, each of these 30 women are alive, in spite of the odds stacked against them. Some are even thriving. All are grateful for the compassion shown by strangers half a world away.
Funding is needed for both the Care & Support program and the Income Generating Projects. Cost of the Care and Support program is $40 a month per woman. Income generating projects are approved based on funding availability.