A training program was conducted for the JAS team - 36 staff in June & Dec 2018, with the objective of instilling confidence among the team members about the work of JAS, & to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. The training focussed on various reporting formats, MIS system, organizational policies and staff role and responsibilities. These discussions were held to ensure clarity among the staff about the organizational goals.

JAS team members visited various high-risk areas to identify needy elderly people and provided services as per their need. The team identified 133 people on the roads and provided services to all of them this year. The JAS team provided food, health services, identified their relatives and collected family details. Eighteen out of thirty were referred to the Aashram and the remaining to other ashrams. The team also share about their work done.

During 2018 -19, JAS team referred 3 cases to other ashrams and 10 inmates to hospitals for treatment and were able to rehabilitate 10 inmates. We also witnessed deaths of 2 inmates during this period. During referral and rehabilitation, the team faced many challenges, but we overcame the challenges – working closely with the police officials and hospitals to ensure completion of all the documentation.

Our inmates are provided with regular counselling to overcome their challenges and cope with their current life’s situation and develop hope for their future. One to one counselling sessions and group counselling was provided. The inmates were involved in various activities to help them calm down and develop confidence in their lives. These sessions were very useful.

As an organization, JAS has been building network with like-minded NGOs and other organizations working for the welfare of the elderly and destitute. These collaborations support JAS to overcome challenges at the police stations and hospitals. This year, the team developed linkages with Santacruz, Khar, Dadar, Vakola, Sahar, Bhayandar and Borivali Police station.

Growing vegetables and fruits within the shelter premises is one of the key activities of the JAS inmates. This activity contributes towards building sustainable environment for the inmates as some inmates grow enough food that is utilised at the shelter, while others use their skills in making paper and cloth bags. This activity is much liked as inmates also enjoy working in agriculture fields.

The JAS team conducts regular home visits to understand situation of families of the inmates who have gone back home, as an initiative to gather feedback and provide support to the families. The team also conducts ‘collection drives’ by visiting people’s homes to gather materials that can be used at the shelter home, which also helps in creating awareness about JAS, its work and the various shelter homes and helps in garnering citizen’s support and involvement in their activities. During this year, the team made 59 home visits for follow up, 169 home visits to identify new cases.

JAS team conducts regular awareness sessions with schools, colleges and housing societies to build awareness on the importance of ‘Taking Care of Elderly People at Home.’ The objective of this activity is to make the youth realize the need of taking care of their elders. During these sessions, JAS team covers topics like how to take care of the senior citizens, why it is important to take care of them at home, and what are the problems they face when they are left to fend for themselves on the streets or under bridges. The team also share about their work done at the various shelter.

JAS celebrates birthdays of inmates, staff members and well-wishers at their shelter homes. Festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandan, Independence Day etc. are also celebrated. During these celebrations, all inmates are involved in planning and arranging the event and they enjoy making it a successful event. In the period of April 2018 to March 2019, JAS celebrated birthdays of 54 inmates and visitors. They also celebrated Independence Day and Republic Day with school children, villagers and well-wishers. Such events help them build the brand of the organization.

Individuals from various places visit JAS’s shelter homes. Police officers, CBO representatives, members of the youth mandals also visit, to spend time with our inmates. During their visits, they conduct activities and interact with the inmates. The inmates also enjoy such visits and welcome the visitors with love and warmth.

JAS has a weekly meeting with the team to discuss and plan the week ahead and review the previous week’s work. This is followed by a monthly review meeting with all the teams to review monthly progress and plan. Also, the team members discuss few challenging cases, problems faced during the month and how they can overcome these challenges.

Mr Sandip Parab Provide blankets for those who living on the streets, by the roadsides, on the footpaths, inside subways and under the bridges.It is very disheartening to see them survive in such harsh living conditions.We constantly look out for help in any possible way from the volunteers and sponsors who will help us in making their lives a bit better.