The August update
Join us as we keep you in the loop with how we are strengthening, empowering and protecting children in need.
I trust you are well and finding ways to thrive in this unusual season we are in.
There are many unknowns in the world around us, but our work still continues to make an impact and for that we are very grateful.
With travel restrictions still in place, I am currently working from Australia, supporting our local Indian team to do the day to day work in Kolkata. During this time, we have been able to continue our work to protect, empower and strengthen children and families in need.
Our programs continue
Our Residential Care continues, and we have adapted our programs to include Online Support in the areas of Education, Counselling & Physical Health.
Our community programs were on hold for some time as lockdown restrictions were enforced. We have now been able to resume our Computer Classes for Youth and Nutrition Program for Children living in the slum communities where we work.
Every week we are now giving over 300 meals to these children in need.
Crisis relief responses
Throughout this time our team have continued to work to support families on an individual basis with emotional support and relief packs of essential items to get them through this tough time.
Our Crisis Relief Response programs were initiated in these past few months as a response to the growing Covid-19 crisis and aftermath of Cyclone Amphan that hit Kolkata in May, leaving families with damaged homes and further financial hardships in an already challenging season. We were able to distribute over 530 Essential Items Packs to those in need. In addition to this we provided tarps for roofing for over 50 families and rebuilt the roofs for four families. This work is all made possible by your ongoing generosity.
New website launched
We’re so happy to let you know that we’ve just launched our new website and refreshed our brand. We’re really excited for this fresh new look to help to bring light on the much needed responses we are making in lives that are truly in need.
Please take some time to check out our website and also our Instagram and Facebook sites and start following us.
We want you to know that we deeply appreciate your support and connection with Free to Be and please know that it is making a difference in the lives of children and families that need it the most.