RAFA Home – December 2025

Hello and warm greetings from a very cold Delhi! As 2025 comes to a close 

and a new year presents itself on the horizon, we bring our reflections on the past with gratitude, share with you the many exciting things on at the Home, 

and express hope for the future ahead.

We had a time of a meaningful conversation with the girls where they reflected on the past year and expressed hope for their futures. Here’s what some of them said...

Looking Back with Gratitude

I had a wonderful and truly memorable time

celebrating my birthday this year -Khushi

I’m grateful good health and for being free from seizures - Nandita

I’m thankful for a beautiful gift I received from my father - Parina

I am grateful for the care & love I receive here -Khushi

I am grateful for our tutor. She teaches me all my subjects so well, and I am improving in my studies - Kushmit

Looking Ahead with Hope

I hope to meet my brother after a long time - Pami

I hope to find a good aftercare home when I turn 18 - Vandana

I want to complete my 10^th standard with good marks - Tina

I hope my father finds a rented house for my holidays - Kirti

I hope my three little sisters get the opportunity to study - Samridhi

UPDATES:

• Welcomed Shanti, a 10-year-old from another home in Delhi, who has adapted well.

• 
  

  Prasanna joined as a caregiver, relocating from a different state. Prasanna is very nurturing, and the children appreciate her presence.

• Four girls are preparing for their Class 10 preboard exams and are diligently working to succeed.

• Five tutors from a partner nonprofit teach Math and Science every Sunday, greatly supporting the girls' academic progress. They also join in festive celebrations and have fun with the girls.

• During Diwali in November, the girls organized a special program, showing appreciation to the staff and giving small gifts. It was a very memorable time.

Vandana’s Story.

Vandana came to us in August 2024 with her younger sister, Rosy. At just over 16, she was

frightened, insecure, and unable to read or write, having been rejected by relatives after losing her parents. She expressed fear of being sent away, saying, “I like staying here, but I’m afraid you might send me away. If you do, please send my sister with me.”

We assured Vandana she was safe and loved. With counseling and care, she has blossomed into a confident, cheerful, and responsible young woman. Now studying in Class 8 through

government Open Schooling (NIOS), she also learns basic computers and sewing. Vandana recently turned 18, and we have extended her stay until March to support her upcoming exams in February.

After her exams, she will transition to an aftercare home for women, and we are exploring suitable options for her. Vandana now says, “I’m ready to move because I’m a big girl, and my sister will continue studying here.” Her journey from fear to confidence and from feeling unwanted to finding hope is inspiring. Once illiterate, she now dreams of becoming a teacher.

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR:

• After turning 18, Afreen smoothly transitioned to an after-care home for women in Delhi and has settled in well.

• Roshni is managing well and enjoys learning at her school for children with special needs.

• All our girls are in good health despite the season of poor air quality.

• Prasanna, our new caregiver, has strengthened our home with their presence.

  
  

  WE ARE CONCERNED FOR:

  • Vandana's transition: We aim to locate an appropriate after-care facility for her.

  • The necessity for more caregivers to meet the needs of our children.

  • The requirement for a full-time tutor in Maths and Science for the girls in class 10 to enhance their academic foundation.

    

    
    

Celebrating 20 Years of Atulya's Empowerment Journey for Young Women

This July, Atulya marks two decades of unwavering commitment to uplifting young women who have faced immense challenges. From survivors of trauma to confident professionals, our journey has been one of resilience, growth, and hope.

Our Impact Over 20 Years:

• 88 women found a safe home and a new beginning.

• We have had 17 dedicated carers who nurtured and guided our residents over these years.

• 7 babies were welcomed into our extended family.

• Over 32 volunteers have contributed their time and love.

• 9 women pursued training in nursing; 7 have graduated,

and 2 are still training.

• 11 women completed tailoring courses; 8 continue to work with a partner tailoring company.

• 3 women trained in café and bakery skills; 2 joined community

outreach programs.

• 3 women married within our larger community.

at least 18 others after leaving.

• We’ve baked over 200 cakes, for ourselves and friends.

• Fun fact: We’ve moved homes 9 times in 20 years and are now settled in our 10th apartment.

Recent Highlights from the Home:

• We enjoyed outings to the zoo, tulip festival, and local markets.

• Supriya and Deepika graduated from tailoring training     and joined our unit.

• Kashvi embarked on café training in South India, joining fellow graduates from the Home.

Join Us in Empowering Women:

Thank you for your concern for the women at Atulya, we would love for you to partner with us in serving the women. 

Every donation brings us closer to a world where every woman has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive. Be a part of this journey. Please connect with us if you would like to know more.

👉 Together, let's be grateful for the opportunity to serve and build a brighter future for these women! 🌟

What Would You Like to Become?

At Rafa Home for Girls, we recently posed this question. Here's how girls answered:

Looking ahead, many choices branch out into multiple possible futures

"I want to become a....

Nurse so that I can help people. When other girls were recently sick, I wanted to assist the didi’s in taking care of them.”

Teacher so that when I go home I can teach my little brother and I can help my parents financially."

Government Officer because I want to help poor people by shaping public policy to benefit them.”

Computer Engineer because there is always something new and challenging in the way they work."

Air Hostess because I could serve people onboard as they travel around the world."

Social Worker so that I can help children and take care of them."

We know that our children are our future. The girls at Rafa Home, having survived difficult circumstances and painful traumas early in life, are growing in resilience and learning to empower others. We believe they hold potential to create a better future for everyone.

Invest with us in this coming generation of nation-builders who will one day lead out

with compassionate, generous, courageous ways of being in our world!

Donate here.