A collective dedicated to nutrition, education, and livelihoods—empowered by the belief that a little HOPE can go a long way.
OUR PROGRAMS
Nutrition
Poverty and food insecurity contribute to malnutrition, which can cause irreversible physical and cognitive impairments, limiting a child's ability to learn and thrive. Through our nutrition program, we have reached nearly 10,000 children across multiple communities, making a difference in their physical and mental health.
Our Mission
We are committed to improving children's nutrition, supporting their physical growth, brain development, and overall well-being—laying the foundation for a healthier and brighter future.
Education
Over the past three years, HOPE has empowered more than 1,000 school and college students by providing them with access to education. These children have gained the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a better future for themselves and their communities.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to facilitating access to quality education, ensuring that every child receives equal opportunities to learn and thrive.
Livelihood
Through our mentorship and livelihood programs, we have empowered many young individuals, helping them secure employment in VFX studios, finance companies, and other industries. We also facilitate skill development, technology and banking training, and English language learning in partnership with other organizations.
Beyond employment, we actively support livelihood programs in collaboration with incredible women from diverse communities, fostering sustainable growth and economic independence.
Our Mission
We are committed to providing mentorship and livelihood opportunities to young people, equipping them with the skills and support needed to achieve their goals and build a better future.
Animal care
HOPE constantly supports and collaborates with Samovilla Foundation,
a home for handicapped and old animals. They are our favourite babies.
About HOPE
HOPE is a collective wanting to do small and big things to help anyone in any way possible. What started as lockdown relief work is now almost four years of work. Our main areas of focus are nutrition, education and livelihood.
HOPE was started by Chhitra Subramaniam and Surya Balakrishnan. They work in collaboration with Deepak Shah from the MESH Foundation, who’s unwavering support strengthens their mission at every step.
Support Hope's Mission
TEAM
Chhitra Subramaniam won the first Covid Soldier award from The Better India ATE Chandra Foundation, the Covid Hero Award from Municipal Commission of Great Mumbai, The DBS Bank (Development Bank of Singapore) & People with Purpose Award. Chhitra is a producer and has been a part of the film industry for over 3 decades.
Surya Balakrishnan has been part of various social initiatives including working with the prestigious Doctors Without Borders during covid. She directs TV commercials and runs her company called Footloose Films.
Deepak Shah runs MESH foundation.
Mesh Foundation is a not-for-profit Trust that was founded in with the sole intention of serving society and enhancing people's lives through compassion, care and empowerment. Their work centres around providing financial, social, and emotional support by way of adoption and care of patients suffering from Cancer, especially those at Tata Memorial Hospital.
MESH Foundation serves as the backbone of HOPE, laying the foundation for our work today and shaping our vision for the future.
COLLABORATORS
Khaana Chahiye:
https://www.instagram.com/khaanachahiye/
Samovilla Foundation: Samovilla is a home for senior and handicapped animals in Palgarh district. They are home to over a hundred animals at any given time.
Pad Squad: A sustainable community run collective working towards menstrual health
https://www.instagram.com/padssquad/
Bhakar Foundation: Bhakar is a non-profit organization engaged in working with unorganized laborers, children, women and other vulnerable groups in Mumbai.
Dreaming in slums: Dreaming in slums foundation is an NGO working for underprivileged girls from communities teaching them life skills through football. Currently working with 150 plus girls.
https://www.dreaminginslumsfoundation.org
Cosmos and Holy Mother Schools, Malwani
Seva Kitchen: A non-profit community kitchen serving street families and children in Mumbai.
ADVISORS
Ujwal Thakkar
Originally from a banking background, Mr Thakkar transitioned to successfully being the CEO of Indias largest non profit “Pratham” as also the CEO of GiveIndia India’s first web based giving platform.
Over the last decade, he has been member of the boards of several non profits large and small and also member of the board of a bank owned finance company.
Dr Geeta Balakrishnan
Dr Balakrishnan is a Social Work Educator, Practitioner and Researcher. Retired former Principal of College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan.
Presently Joint Chief Editor of academic journal- Perspectives in Social Work- and peer reviewer of reputed journals; External reviewer for PhD and MPhil research projects of TISS and Mumbai University, Member of Managing Committee of Family Service Centre, Mumbai and External Member under PoSH Act.