A Woman Who Earns… In India – and in the majority of the world – a woman who earns has more power and respect in her family and community. For women coming out of exploitation, or who are high risk, it is especially important to have the means for financial independence; Poverty is a major … Read more
My recent trip to visit projects and partners had many challenges and even more joys. As I reflected in my journal, I kept coming back to the themes of value (as in human worth) and values. Kolkata As usual, I started my trip in Kolkata – our base of operations, where we currently have a … Read more
We are so grateful that our goal of raising $180,000 for 2024 programs through our holiday campaign was a success. Thanks to all of you for pulling us over the finish line! We understand that with many crises going on in the world, there are many worthy causes vying for your help and attention. Thank … Read more
Thank you so much for your support and concern for vulnerable children in Nuwakot. We have had an incredible year with many highlights including completing the construction of our dormitory and headquarters, the addition of another grade at the school, launching remedial education classes for adults, growing our Sustainability Through Community Agriculture program, hosting a … Read more
The Freedom School Our construction of dormitories & headquarters at the Freedom School is nearly complete! Over the course of the year, Anjali and the team in Nuwakot, Nepal have been overseeing the construction of 2 buildings, across the road from one another. The dormitory building will provide a safe home for up to 50 girls … Read more
There are several aspects of my job that I enjoy. One is seeing how much someone can change over the course of a short six months. The other joy is to have the privilege of walking alongside people over time. We know most any change takes time. Deep lasting change, the change that is breaking … Read more
“We are seeking a person to help establish and initiate an English tutoring program for a range of ages in our new Learning Center in Kolkata” through the Felix Fellowship was the beginning of a wonderful adventure and opportunity to travel to India. I was awarded the Fellowship in June then the summer was spent … Read more
What a day! What a week! What a great six months! What a year! The training of the first batch of seven women is officially complete! We made it and are here to tell the tales. There are too many stories to capture the nuances, the experiences, the lessons, and the love of the past … Read more
For me, one of the most exciting things about our new Learning Center (in Kolkata’s Sonagachi red light area) is the focus on computer training and digital literacy. Because Our Girls Want IT! In the early years, HFC offered training and employment for trafficking survivors in rescue shelters, mostly in artisan crafts (our name was … Read more
View PDF version of 2023 Trip Report and images here> In February, I traveled to India and Nepal with other staff and members of our community to check in on programs and spend time with the women and girls. This time, unlike the trip report I normally write, I want to share some very personal … Read more