This article appeared on India New England News
BURLINGTON, MA—Saheli, a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization dedicated to addressing issues related to domestic violence in the South Asian community, honored its own volunteers earlier this month and held its 5th annual Volunteer Appreciation Day celebrations.
The event was organized by Neelam Wali, a long-time volunteer and an advisory board member of Saheli, and her team on June 9 at the Burlington Public Library in Burlington, MA, bringing together Saheli volunteers to thank them for their hard work, dedication, compassion and selfless service to Saheli.
In addition to fighting domestic violence, Saheli empowers women and families to lead safe and healthy lives by providing financial, legal, counseling, and protective services.
Tanu Basu, an active volunteer in the community and speaker at the event, gave an inspirational speech about the importance of volunteering and doing what one can do to help others, and evoked Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world!”
Here is a list of volunteers who were recognized at the event:
John Morgan was named Saheli’s Volunteer of the Year – 2018. He was recognized for his time and dedication to help run our Waltham computer literacy classes for the last seven years! Saheli offers these free classes every Wednesday evening – in the Spring and Fall, open for anyone to attend. Each session runs for 12 weeks. John Morgan had attended these classes as a student about 8 years ago and found them so beneficial to do his job that he came back to volunteer and help other students!
Cathy Bayer, a gifted and multi-talented volunteer at Saheli was recognized for her services to the organization. The highlight of the afternoon was when Cathy sang a beautiful song “Say it with love”, while she played on the harp!
Rajoo and Jonjy Anant – the father-son duo who are an invaluable addition to Saheli’s Domestic Violence Advocates team serving our clients in the Worcester area – were also recognized for their services.Rajoo spoke about the importance of putting others needs before one’s own. He shared his own experiences where he had to drop what he was doing and rushed to help someone who needed a ride, or needed someone to talk to.
Neil Pandit – a rising senior at the Burlington High school is well known in the community for volunteering his photography skills at various Saheli events! As the Vice President of Interact, the BHS Rotary club, he recently chose Saheli as the organization to donate $250. A bright young man with a promising future, Saheli recognized him for his volunteerism.
Saheli’s Board President Supriya Saurabh and Vice President Tanvi Devimane thanked the volunteers for being an integral part of Saheli.
“While it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to raise Saheli and serve our community,” said Saheli Co-Executive Director Savitha as she thanked the volunteers for supporting the staff to carry out Saheli’s mission.
If you would like to volunteer at Saheli, please contact Saheli at : info@saheliboston.org.
