Since our beginning, serving widows in India, has been a core part of what we do. 

Because of the dominant Hindu belief system, these women are believed to be a curse, considered among the lowest caste, and frequently forced out of their homes and villages, to live in servitude, slavery and prostitution, with little hope for their future. 

Over the years, it has been amazing to see many learn new skills, become able to provide for themselves, their families, and reengage their communities. We believe these women are a blessing, that they have value and purpose, and are worthy of love and investment.

We are very excited to share our newest effort, Project Dignity.

Project Dignity is a micro-enterprise in which we will provide the necessary capital to start a milk business.

• Stage 1 (6 months- 1 year), women will receive:
  • Employment to care for the cows and milk them, providing them with the necessary income to care for their family and send their children to school. 
  • Counseling to restore her dignity and develop new life skills
• Stage 2 (3 years), women will receive:
  • 3-year, no-interest lease purchase to start her own milking business. 
  • She will continue earning the same wage as before, receive additional business training, and become sole owner of her milk business after 3 years.

It came from a very personal story. 

Ravi & Julie’s adopted daughter, Shobha, was deeply affected when her natural sister became a widow, at a young age. The entire village tried to force her from the home she and her husband had built and lived in for years, with their children. It was only because Shobha intervened and was able to legally secure the home that her sister was able to stay. As Shobha experienced this process with her sister, she recognized how important it would be for her sister to be financially independent, came up with an idea for a milk production business, and purchased a cow. This became the pilot for Project Dignity.

Shobha believed that this could be expanded to help other women like her sister. She knew some of the things that had worked (and not worked) from their own experience, but expansion required working through new challenges— land that couldn’t be taken, where cows could be kept, the time necessary to mentor, etc.

Shobha recently received an inheritance, 1-acre of land valued at $100K USD, in the same village as her sister. Shobha and her husband have decided to use this property for Project Dignity, to provide women with a safe place to keep their cows. 

We are ready to launch this project! 

How you can help… 

Sponsor a business:

• $2250 provides the capital to start an entire milk business- a cow, building and equipment
• Contribute in full for the start up costs or contribute with a smaller donation.