By Heather Ferreira | Evaluation Research & Grants Advisor
Introduction
“Way Forward After the Rescue” is an Aftercare Programme of Rescue Foundation that provides continued care and support to young women aged 18 years and above who have successfully completed their rehabilitation at the Rescue Foundation Protective Home in Mumbai.
While many survivors are able to reintegrate with their families or communities after rehabilitation, some have no safe home to return to or choose to remain with the organisation while they pursue education, vocational training, employment, or independent living. The Aftercare Programme bridges this critical transition period by equipping survivors with the emotional, educational, social, and financial support necessary to lead safe, independent, and dignified lives.
Overview of the Reporting Period
During this reporting period, 14 young girls above 18 years , plus one child aged 5 young of one of the survivors, were supported through the Aftercare Programme at different stages of their journey toward independence.
Some residents were completing their school or college education, while others were enrolled in professional courses or internships. Few had secured employment and were building stable careers, while others were actively preparing for interviews and seeking suitable livelihood opportunities. A few young women continued to stay with the organisation because they had no family support or safe place to return to.
A House Mother cum Counsellor has been providing individual and group support to these girls. The House Mother-cum-Counsellor is responsible for:
Employment
Eight residents are currently employed.
Two young women who completed nursing training have successfully secured employment in nursing homes and have begun their professional careers. Few of our girls have faced challenges at their place of work, the staff team has been guiding and counseling them.
Education
Education continues to remain a key focus of the Aftercare Programme.
6 residents are attending regular schools and colleges.
1 girls are completing their Secondary School Certificate (Grade 10) through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Additional academic coaching has been arranged for girls requiring extra educational support through a dedicated coaching teacher and volunteer tutors.
Several residents have also set ambitious educational goals:
Resident Profile
Total Residents 14 + 1 child
Attending School/College 6
Currently Employed 8
Health: The visiting doctor is available for all the girls if they need. 2 of the girls were critically ill and had to be given medical aid at the Local Govt. Hospital
Life at the Aftercare Home
The programme encourages residents to celebrate important national festivals and participate in community activities that foster confidence, teamwork, and social interaction. In the month of April the Yoga Institute organized a month long Yoga Course for some of the girls. These girls received a Certificate of Participation at the end of the course.
Yoga Day was celebrated by all the residents. One of our residents who has done an extensive course in Yoga was invited to take up a session for other organizations on the Day.
Vocational Training for Residents of the Shelter Home
Some of the Aftercare Girls continue to be the trainers to the Kandivali Shelter Home where Major & Minors Girls are admitted regularly. Tailoring, Product Making, Yoga, Art & Craft, Basic Computer are some of the sessions conducte by the Aftercare group girls
Family Reintegration
Family reintegration remains an important objective whenever it is safe and in the best interests of the survivor. Few of the girls who have families locally visit them during weekends
One girl visited her family in West Bengal. On her return she brought along her 15 year old brother who had no place to live as her maternal grandmother’s house is going to be demolished and he has no place to live. We have facilitated his admission in a boys home in Mumbai and got him admission to school. Another resident went for a week to her friend's place for her wedding.
Documentation Support
To facilitate access to education, employment, banking, and government services, identity documentation support was provided to residents, including assistance in obtaining identity cards and opening bank accounts. We are in the process of obtaining a Caste Certificate for one of our residents who has secured admission to the B Pharmacy Course.
Some of our girls who appeared for entrance exams were assisted in filing the online forms for these courses.
Conclusion
The Aftercare Programme continues to play a vital role in helping survivors transition from institutional care to independent and productive lives. Through education, counselling, employment support, life skills training, and continuous mentoring, the programme empowers young women to rebuild their confidence, achieve financial independence, and become active members of society.
We sincerely thank our donors and supporters for their generous partnership. Your continued commitment has enabled these young women to pursue education, secure meaningful employment, and build hopeful futures filled with dignity, confidence, and opportunity. Your investment continues to transform lives long after rehabilitation has ended.
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