The housing for this project will support women with mental retardation and mental challenges, among them those who have been traumatized, orphaned or abandoned by their families. Women who are referred to Maher are found in different parts of the community—identified on streets, railway platforms, and referrals from police. By nature resilient, their life experiences have taken them through different journeys, among them abandonment, exploitation and abuse.
In the past, Maher’s homes have accommodated both the Mentally Ill and Mentally Challenged Women in the same homes. Over time, Maher has learned to tailor support to both populations who have very different needs, with the goal to rehabilitate them back into social mainstream. Even after they leave Maher, regular follow-ups take place with each woman to ensure that they are coping well and are happy. The women are taken care of by social workers, nurses and psychiatrists who provide medical and therapeutic services to them. Many of the staff have been former residents who now give back to the Maher community.
Our hope is that Sanaswadi, Pune, will serve as the next location to support women with mental health needs. Within this same home, Maher will also provide a safe haven and support to five destitute couples, so that they can live a life of dignity together.