At Asha Rising, we offer a number of in-house programs and resources to our residents. We also offer a food distribution program that serves free food to elderly women in the red light area. We believe that our feeding program will strengthen relationships, build trust, and create community over time.
Craft Classes
Two years ago, Asha Rising’s residents embarked on craft classes. We brought in a dedicated artisan who has been working with our residents to create stuffed toys, ornaments, and Asha Dolls. In time, we hope that our residents will be able to sell the dolls to earn pocket money and/or donate select dolls to other organizations that serve children.
Yoga Classes
Every week our residents engage in yoga classes designed to keep their bodies flexible and limber and their spirits high.
Literacy Classes
Not all our residents are literate. In fact, most can’t write or read. Our resident manager, a former teacher, holds weekly literacy classes for all residents. In these classes, women begin the (sometimes) arduous process of learning how to read and write. We also utilize coloring books to encourage women to make use of their fingers and hands.
Trauma-Informed Counseling
Some of our residents come to us carrying traumas related to a lifetime of challenging experiences including starvation, forced marriage, domestic violence, trafficking, elderly abuse etc. We have a trauma-informed counselor who meets with residents on a weekly basis to attend to emotional needs that encompass past, present, and future concerns.
Ongoing Medical Care
Asha Rising offers free and ongoing medical care to our residents. We have paid for a number of medical interventions big and small and will continue to dedicate resources to the physical well-being of all our residents.
Volunteer-Led Opportunities
As Asha Rising continues to grow, we have had a small number of volunteers interested in teaching a variety of skills to our residents including art making, dance and movement, and more.
Gardening
With the support of donors and volunteers, Asha Rising has built a rooftop terrace garden. Each year we grow organic vegetables including okra, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. Our residents relish in the terrace-to-table process of tending to the garden, cutting and cleaning vegetables, cooking dishes, and sharing meals.
