29 years of Love and service with miracles experienced along the way

From 1997 to 2026, the Parishram Project has empowered rural communities through 1688 women-focused training sessions across Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Kolkata, and Karnataka, benefiting over 17,366 women. Additionally, 170 training sessions conducted for men have benefitted 1,469 individuals.

Women Sheltered

Children Sheltered

Men Sheltered

In 7 states of India

self-help groups

Maher began with a single shelter home for women in need, created from a vision of providing safety, care, dignity, and a sense of belonging to those who had nowhere else to turn.

As the work developed, children from disadvantaged and vulnerable communities also began seeking support. Their growing presence gradually expanded Maher’s purpose beyond providing shelter.

Education, awareness, personal development, and opportunities for self-reliance became an important part of Maher’s approach, with the aim of helping people not only find a safe home, but also gain the confidence, skills, and opportunities needed to build an independent future.

As more children and families reached out for support, the need for additional homes and community programs continued to grow. What began as a small initiative developed into an expanding network of residential homes and satellite centres.

Maher gradually extended its presence across Maharashtra and later established its work in other parts of India, including Kerala, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar.

This expansion allowed Maher to respond to the needs of people living in different communities and circumstances while remaining rooted in its central belief that every person deserves a safe and loving environment in which they can heal, learn, grow, and rebuild their lives.

Over time, Maher’s work grew far beyond residential care. Its programs expanded to include awareness initiatives, creches, Balwadis (kindergartens), tutorials, vocational training, workshops, village libraries, computer education, rural outreach, and self-help groups.

These initiatives were designed to reach not only the people living within Maher’s homes, but also families and communities facing poverty, limited educational opportunities, social exclusion, and other challenges.

Through education and skill development, children and young people are encouraged to discover their abilities and develop confidence, while women and community members are supported in gaining practical skills and opportunities that can lead towards greater independence and self-reliance.

Maher also works with communities to address the circumstances that can keep people trapped in cycles of poverty and dependence. Its outreach includes support for vulnerable women, victims of domestic violence, children, elderly people, and individuals living with mental or physical challenges.

Through awareness programs and community initiatives, people are encouraged to understand their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities, while self-help and livelihood programs provide pathways towards greater financial and personal independence.

The emphasis is not simply on providing assistance, but on creating opportunities through which individuals can gradually develop the confidence and capacity to become self-reliant.

The growth of Maher has also been a journey of building trust. As the organisation developed, it faced questions and challenges regarding its finances, religious orientation, and intentions.

Through transparency, consistent service, its commitment to welcoming people regardless of religion, caste, gender, colour, creed, or social status, and its continued work within communities, Maher gradually built the confidence of the people it served and those who supported its mission.

Over the years, a growing network of staff, social workers, teachers, doctors, trustees, volunteers, supporters, and well-wishers has contributed to this journey. What began with one home and three residents in 1997 has grown into a wider network of homes, community programs, and initiatives dedicated to creating spaces where people can experience safety, education, opportunity, dignity, and hope.

Maher’s growth is not measured only by the number of homes it has established or the communities it has reached, but by the lives transformed through its continuing commitment to love, dignity, education, and self-reliance.

From one home in 1997 to a growing network of support ,care and opportunity.

13,000+ Lives Touched 

Maher has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1997. Today Maher is an official UN-registered NGO – Non-Governmental Organization.

Over 13000 women, children and men have been impacted by Maher and have overcome their life’s challenges; coming out brimming with self-confidence and dignity. Those who cannot be reunited with their families because of trauma or other complications, continue to live in Maher’s homes under Maher’s watchful care. Many stay on, fully rehabilitated, and work as housemothers or assistants.

February 2nd, 2026 marked Maher’s 29th Anniversary and the completion of 29 years of work for the homeless and needy.

Safety 

Quality care & shelter 

Health

Medical & Emotional Support 

Dignity

Equal respect for every faith