“Every child & woman has the right to lead a life free from discrimination, inequality, exploitation and violence. We believe that, this is the basis of our nation building.”

Snehalaya a haven of hope…

With 280 children and 56  women in residential rehabilitation projects, 900 children in slum based Balbhawans, about 2150 women in prostitution in Ahmednagar district, more than 3000 HIV positive patients, 30 full time workers, numerous volunteers and well wishers, Snehalaya is a haven of hope for the needy.

Snehalaya’s mission is inspired by the clarion call of ‘Shiva Bhave Jiva Seva’ (To serve the Jiva in a reverential spiritual attitude, in a spirit of worship) given by Shri Ramkrishna and Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of ‘Antyodaya’.

Snehalaya was established in 1987 by a zealous band of youth volunteers. It was formally registered as a NGO in 1989 at Ahmednagar (Maharashtra) and is currently working in all the 14 Tehsils of Ahmednagar District. Even today, Snehalaya believes that the real essence of social work is in having a strong volunteer base and in keeping away from political, religious or ideological fundamentalism. Since its foundation to date, Snehalaya’s committed team of volunteers is the backbone of its mission.

Snehalaya activities encompass the overall rehabilitation of:

• The victims of commercial Sexual exploitation and trafficking and their children.
• Rescued victims (Minor & Major) from the flesh trade.
• HIV positive women and children.
• Deprived children and women from slums.
• Adoption Center & Rehabilitation Center for unwed mothers. 
• Child laborers, street children, abused children & women. (All the children and women in need of care and protection)

Milestones

• 1993, Snehalaya started its first Shelter Home in the city with eight children.
• 1995, Shelter Home was shifted to MIDC in the seven acres of land, donated by a phalanthropist Mr. Mansukhlal Mutha.
• 1997, Snehalaya succeeded in rescuing girls from Nangare lane Ahmednagar. This was the first rescue case of Snehalaya. After this Snehalaya has rescued over thirty minor girls from red-light area(s) in and around Ahemadnagar. A dedicated "Rescue Home" with facilities of accommodation, food, clothing, medicine and education was constructed for minor girls.
• 2001, Vocational Training Center was started with the support of "Arun Mangal Seva Vikas Yojna" for imparting skills card making, liquid soap, finial, paper bags making, wormy culture, Tailoring etc..
• 2003, establishment of "ChildLine" a Govt of India Project for 24 X 7 support for abused children in need. The support includes physical protection to abused children, mental support to them and their repatriation. We receive 200 calls per day and we have handled 40000 cases till today.
• 2004, Snehalaya started its adoption center to help couples adopt children of parents deceased due to AIDS.