Dear Maitri Friend,
This festive season we want to thank all those people who brought light in the lives of elderly widow mothers.We want to thank each and every one of you for all the support that you've given our mission over the years. As the elderly population grows, more people are realizing the importance of caring for these mothers, who have often been left out in the cold during the most difficult times. With your help, we're making a change and helping these women live happy, healthy lives. Thank you for keeping us together by spreading kindness and compassion throughout this world. Our mission has been a success because of your help, and we hope that together we can continue to create a brighter future for everyone.
Our elderly mothers have been through so much in their time. With every pain and scar that they carry, also comes wisdom- a wisdom older than any of us. They stay positive about life. Everyday, every year, non-stop- they celebrate Diwali in its true spirit- filled with fun and hope. But underneath the glitter and loud celebrations lie a different feeling- the pain of loss of loved ones and memories. Instead of suppressing this pain, sometimes they talk about it and acknowledge it. But what is most comforting is their deep faith, and in celebration of life through this festival of lights!
In the month of October, Diwali was celebrated with a lot of festivities. The ashram was decorated with lights and flowers. The mothers celebrate Diwali with so much enthusiasm and joy that they spend two to three days painting the Diya’s and getting the rangoli together. They lit diyas and candles and did Pooja to welcome the various Gods and Goddesses on the solemn occasion of Diwali. They all sang bhajans and were served special meals. All the mothers in Vrindavan and Radha Kund also celebrated Durgashtami and Dussehra beautifully.
Elderly widows in Maiitri ghar are provided with :
All activities in the last quarter continued from daily yoga to monthly group sessions for emotional well-being. In addition, health camps were facilitated. Providing emergency health care is still a challenge, but mothers have been busy and engaged. A Magic Show was organized for mothers.
In September, a group of elderly mothers from Maitri & Winnie Singh, Cofounder & Executive Director, Maitri were invited to participate in a National Tv Programme- Dance India Dance - Super Moms Show DID Judges - Remo dsouza, Urmila Matondkar & Bhagyashree Patwardhan. The show featured stories from super mothers as a part of a special segment in their reality show, and the mothers from Maitrighar received a platform for their unique perspectives to be heard. The mothers enjoyed their first flight to Mumbai. For many of them, the experience was especially exciting because they were able to explore the beaches too. Their happiness was beyond words;“Walking on sand and watching the waves is extremely calming and peaceful”, said one of the mothers.
We want to thank all of our donors for their support in helping elderly widow mothers during this holiday season. With your help, we've been able to provide these women with a safe home and a warm place to spend it. We couldn't have done it without your generosity, so thank you so much! We ask you to share your blessings with destitute elders in our community as you always have. Let's extend our gratitude to them this Thanksgiving.
"We ,the Widows of Vrindavan. Born into poor circumstances, we were married at very young ages. Oftentimes our parents did not have the financial means to care for us. Some of us had good marriages of mutual respect and love; many have faced physical and emotional abuse, loveless relationships, and the effects of substance abuse. We have had to work hard throughout our lives to care for our children, our husbands, our homes, and even our parents. Many times these efforts went unnoticed and we received very little in return. Our husbands, in various circumstances, have passed on and we have been alone for many decades, attempting to provide for our families and arrange our children’s marriages. We are left at the mercy of our children and community. We have encountered illness, tragedy, conflict, and death and we would like to spend our remaining days with our families and loved ones. Sometimes this is not possible and our children do not have the means to provide for us in our old age. Sometimes our children do not want us; they have abused us, withheld food from us, threatened our lives, and forced us to leave our homes in search of shelter, food, and security. Society looks down upon us and denies us the respect that we should be afforded after a lifetime of sweat and tears."
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Dear Maitri Friend,
On 4th July 2010, Project Jeevan was initiated to provide mid-day meals for Widows of Vrindavan. With your continued support, in the last 12 years, the Project has striven to become more effective & Maitri has built two Old Age Homes in Vrindavan & Radhakund , where elderly women can live with love, respect and dignity. It's a reminder for the entire team of Maitri and well wishes like you to see as to how far we have come. It tells us that no dream is impossible because faith and kindness can guide us to its fulfillment.Through your act of kindness, we are able to ensure care and support for the abandoned, aging and destitute widow mothers with shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare.
With your support, Elderly widows in Maiitrighar are provided with :
In the last quarter, all activities continued from daily yoga to monthly group sessions for emotional well being. Health camps have been facilitated. Providing emergency health care is still a challenge. The mothers have been busy and engaged. The widow mothers celebrated International Widows Day on 23rd June 2021, in Vrindavan and Radhakund. The day reminds us of the opportunity for action towards achieving full rights and recognition for widows. On the day, mothers collectively shared their thoughts and explained how crucial it was to find respect, care and support at this time and age of life.
On Yoga International Day, Maitri participated in a solidarity event organised by VridhCare Foundation along withVridhjan Abhas, Fatehpur , UP, Vridh Ashram (Govt Outsource) – Shravasti, UP, Maitri Ghar Vidwa Ashram, UP, Awasiya Vridh Ashram (Govt Outsource ) Bhagpat - UP, Hey Radhey Karuna Mai Public Charitable trust ( Shyama dasi Ashram), UP, Apna Ghar Ashram( Jamdoli, Rajasthan Awasiya Vridh Ashram (Govt Outsource ) Hapur - UP, Ashray Grih (Vridhashram), Ballia - UP, Shiva Muni Brudh Ashram – Balasore, Odisha, & Gokuldham Vridh Ashram- Gorakhpur, UP. You will be happy to know that the mothers were honoured with prizes , certificates and lots of love.
Thank you for being our pillar of strength! With your precious support, we have been and we will be able to translate Maitri’s commitment into a meaningful change. We request you to share your blessings with our elders in our community and provide your continued support.
Dear Maitri Friend,
Thank you for your continued support to MaitriGhar, the old age home for widows in Vrindavan and Radhakund. Through your act of kindness, we are able to ensure care and support for the abandoned, ageing and destitute widow mothers with shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare. Being happy and healthy at an old age and time where the world is grappling with Covid is burdensome and demanding; yet our elderly widow mothers are a source of inspiration.
One of our mothers, turned 108 years this March. She's the oldest resident in our old age home and an inspiration to all. Our entire team celebrated her birthday with cake, balloons, flowers, sweets and lots of love. We also take pleasure in saying that despite the challenges during the pandemic and many in there nineties and eighties, all our mothers have lived a healthy protected life during the pandemic and not a single person got covid.
You will be happy to know that we have started excursion trips for mothers as a part of emotional and mental well being. The Pandemic had deprived our mothers of going on excursions. After a long wait, we have organized a trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh, for our mothers and team. We believe group travel and exploring new places not only inculcates agency, self-independence, and social connections but also helps in a healthy ageing. Since covid 19, our lives haven’t been the same. After staying in quarantine and isolation, and bringing drastic changes to their daily routines and habits, finally the mothers were able to step out . Our team followed all safety measures.
Elderly widows in Maiitri ghar are provided with :
March was also the month of Holi. Many elderly widows live their lives feeling unloved and unseen. Because of their circumstances, they are conditioned to hide their truth below a bushel of shame. Maitri celebrates Holi with Widow Mothers with flowers and petals. This year, we had many activities on colors. We asked women to share the colors that resonate most with them, and they expressed their favorite colors with joy and laughter. The celebrations reflect the strength of their journey and their resilience against all odds .In the last quarter, widow mothers celebrated International Women’s Day and observed Republic Day.
The world has been struggling knee-deep in uncharted waters, and the only way to move forward was to embrace what can only be called, hope and none of this would have been possible without you. Thank you for being our pillar of strength! With your precious support, we have been and we will be able to translate Maitri’s commitment into a meaningful change. We request you to share your blessings with destitute elders in our community and provide your continued support.
"Shine your light on love and truth and your soul will glow."
Dear Maitri Friend,
This festive season we want to thank all those people who brought light in the lives of elderly widow mothers, who are always made to feel forgotten and invisibilized, especially during the pandemic. Last two years have been demanding and our challenges to provide care and support for elderly widows have escalated. But with your support and the faith of our mothers, we have learnt to rise and shine along.
It was our desire to bring these beautiful widow mothers into a safe home with all the basic amenities that will make their stay comfortable and help them achieve a happy and healthy ageing. Your support since inception of our elderly care mission has brought us so far, and during these highly testing times it bears witness to the fact that kindness is the most powerful agent for human change. Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success. Thank you for keeping together the spirit of kindness & compassion during the most difficult times, & working with us towards a world where each individual lives with identity, dignity & respect.
Our Elderly mothers celebrated Diwali in its true spirit, filled with fun, hope and energy showing that age is only a number when it comes to living life to its fullest, pandemic or not. They keep inspiring us and showing us the way to stay happy, positive and celebrate every moment of our lives. Their wisdom confirms that no one can take your inner glow. Their sense of resilience and faith has been our pillar of support. May your life shine and glow with the lights glowing in our old age home and the smile and blessings of our elderly mothers bring more warmth to this festive season.
With your support, Elderly widows in Maiitri ghar are provided with :
Dear Maitri Friend,
We hope all is well and you are keeping safe during these unprecedented times. Thank you for your continued support to MaitriGhar, the old age home for widows in Vrindavan and Radhakund. Through your act of kindness, we are able to ensure care and support for the abandoned, ageing and destitute widow mothers with shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare. Being happy and healthy at an old age and time where the world is grappling with Covid is burdensome and demanding, yet elderly widow mothers staying in Maitrighar have adopted new way of living, inspiring others to learn and follow.
While many places in Vrindavan and Radhakund have been impacted during COVID, we have ensured that all mothers are safe and looked after. In addition to all the steps taken by our team, we ensure that all activities continue to create a positive environment and bolster the spirit of mothers. Elderly mothers are adapting to necessary habits for transitioning toward an era of permanent changes in the way they live. The elderly mothers have showed us that one is never too old to learn. From reorienting themselves to a new lifestyle routine fraught with new risks, adhering to a new healthy precaution, wearing masks, to practicing every safety measure, the elderly mothers have changed their daily routine to accommodate the new norms. With regular yoga and breathing practices, the mothers proactively look after their health. They have followed every safety measure and while most humans have the COVID fatigue, widows at the MaitriGhar widow ashram, every morning, to the sound of Bhakti Sangeet, and kirtan do yoga and walk in the small little garden., and while not letting go things that are essential to their daily routine like good health & nutrition, physical activities, and prayers has been a constant struggle.
You will be happy to know that we have completed the second round of vaccination and all 300 mothers have been vaccinated. "We have remained inside our ashram for more than a year and we followed all restrictions and measures, and now we are glad that we are finally vaccinated against COVID" said a 81-year-old resident mother.
In the last quarter, widow mothers celebrated International Widows Day on 23rd June 2021, in Vrindavan and Radhakund. The day reminds us of the opportunity for action towards achieving full rights and recognition for widows, Its a reminder for the entire team of Maitri to see as to how far we have come.
With your support, Elderly widows in Maiitrighar are provided with :
The wisdom, strength and resilience of our elderly mothers coupled with the dedication and care of our team members has helped us to successfully stave off the pandemic. While there are still many challenges, but we look forward with new hope and gratitude. Prior to the pandemic, we used to see a stream of visitors, Samaritans would visit the elderly and interact with them. Donations and distribution in kind kept the hearth burning, but Covid has created a vacuum of resources and it is only through support of friends and well-wishers like you, that we are able to navigate through these times of crisis.
Your support during this time of crisis forms the backbone of our elderly care programme. Never before has it been so important to know that we are all in this together. It is only with your compassion and support that we are able to reach out and bring joy and laughter in their lives. You make a difference to the lives of the widow mothers in MaitriGhar. We want to assure you that despite all challenges, all activities will continue to keep the mothers safe and healthy.
Their faith has brought us so far; your support will take us further.
Thank you for being our pillar of strength! Gratitude and Blessings.
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