I N S T I T U T I O N A L B R O C H U R E M A I T H R E E A Journey of Love , Empowerment and Inclusion From a Parent's Concern to a Lifetime Commitment. CHENNAI, INDIA · EST. 1994 Parent-led · Non-profit T H E B E G I N N I N G It Began With a Shared Concern It Grew Into a Movement Who will care for my child when I am no longer around ? Every parent dreams of a future for their child. But for parents of children with special needs, there is often one question that never leaves their minds: It was this shared concern — held by many parents — that brought them together and gave birth to Maithree. In the early 1990s, parents in Chennai came together around this larger concern. Maithree was born from that collective resolve — many families seeking dignity and a secure future for their children. When the first service began in 1994, three children received education in the drawing room of a parent’s home. That humble classroom was the start of service — not the birth of the organisation. There were no grand buildings or elaborate facilities. There was only determination to create opportunities and stand by their children for a lifetime. From that first service, Maithree grew into a parent-led organisation supporting hundreds of individuals and families across Chennai. “ Maithree was born from the concern of many parents Its first service began with three children — and the commitment continues through a whole community .” F R O M C O N C E R N T O S E R V I C E 1993 Parents in Chennai gather around a shared concern for their children’s futures. 1994 Maithree is inaugurated. First service begins in a family home with three children. Today A parent-led movement supporting hundreds of individuals and families. 1994 FI R S T S E R VI C E · T H R E E C H I L D R E N M A I T H R E E 0 2 / 0 8 O U R J O U R N E Y & I M P A C T A Shared Concern Thousands of Lives One Continuing Commitment For over three decades, Maithree has grown from a parent-led resolve — and a first service of three children in a drawing-room classroom — into a network of care, learning and livelihood, without losing the heart of that promise. 1994 Established 3 Children in the first service 540 + Individuals currently benefiting 18 Satellite service centres 75 Professionals 45 Support staff C U M U L A T I V E R E A C H 3 , 600 + Individuals empowered since inception C O NFI R M BEFO R E P R I NT 3 , 500 + Families impacted since inception C O NFI R M BEFO R E P R I NT These two figures measure different things. They are shown separately and flagged for Maithree confirmation. Broken homepage counters (“1+”) are not reproduced here. 1994 Born of parents’ concern; first service begins Growth Centres, vocation & residential care Today 540+ lives in active programmes M A I T H R E E 0 3 / 0 8 O U R P H I L O S O P H Y Empowering a Person Supporting a Family Building a Future “ Empowerment is not a one - time intervention It is a lifelong journey .” 01 L E A R N — Discovering Abilities Individualised education, functional academics, communication and daily living skills. 02 D E V E L O P — Building Capabilities Vocational training, practical competencies, work habits and skill development. 03 C O N T R I B U T E — Finding Purpose Meaningful vocational engagement, employment opportunities, sheltered workshops and social enterprise. 04 L I V E — Experiencing Dignity and Belonging Residential care, independent living support, personal care and a secure environment. 05 B E L O N G — Strengthening Families and Society Parental counselling, community awareness, advocacy and social inclusion. M A I T H R E E 0 4 / 0 8 P R O G R A M M E S & S E R V I C E S Creating Opportunities at Every Stage of Life Across childhood, youth and adulthood, Maithree accompanies each person — and their family — with care that respects ability, choice and dignity. Special Education Individualised learning, functional academics, therapies and parental involvement. Vocational Training Building practical skills, confidence and the ability to participate productively. Vocation and Assisted Employment Creating opportunities for meaningful work, engagement and economic participation. Residential Care Safe, nurturing group homes that address long-term needs — and the question, Who After Us? Parental Counselling Supporting parents through guidance, awareness and emotional preparedness. Community Inclusion Building awareness, acceptance and opportunities for participation in society. M A I T H R E E 0 5 / 0 8 A A K R U T I S O C I A L E N T E R P R I S E Every Creation Has a Story Every Skill Has Value Aakruti — Handmade with Heart, Crafted with Purpose. ma ithre e .org /a a k ruti Aakruti is Maithree’s social enterprise initiative. It offers persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to use their creativity, develop vocational skills and take part in productive work. Under the guidance of educators and therapists, every step of making becomes educative, therapeutic and empowering. Handcrafted products Weaving and tailoring Arts and crafts Blending and stringing Meaningful livelihood opportunities Confidence and economic participation H A N D M A D E W I T H P U R P O S E “ Not just products made by hand , but possibilities created through ability .” M A I T H R E E 0 6 / 0 8 O U R C O L L E C T I V E R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y A Future That No Parent Should Have to Face Alone Maithree’s journey is made possible through shared responsibility. It is more than a service provider. It is a community committed to lifelong empowerment. M A D E P O S S I B L E B Y Parents and families Special educators and professionals Caregivers and staff Donors and well-wishers Volunteers Institutional and corporate partners The wider community V I S I O N To integrate Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities into the mainstream of society , enabling them to live with dignity , equality , acceptance and a sense of belonging M I S S I O N To provide comprehensive services, nurture abilities, empower families and build a more inclusive society. “ Moving beyond sympathy Moving towards acceptance , opportunity and inclusion .” M A I T H R E E 0 7 / 0 8 Children are the Priority Change is the Reality Collaboration is the Strategy “ Together , We Make a Difference in Transforming Lives .” M A I T H R E E PARENT- L ED · EST. 1 9 9 4 No. 4, Second Cross Street, Ganga Nagar, Kodambakkam, Chennai – 600 024. info@maithree.org +91 98400 34825 maithree.org/ FACEBO O K YO UTUBE VI SI T MAI TH R EE.O R G Support Maithree. Help secure dignity, opportunity and belonging for a lifetime. Maithree is not just caring for individuals today. It is working to secure their dignity, opportunities and future for a lifetime. C L O S I N G Our Belief Our Commitment Our Future