Social
Leprosy and the societal implications of the disease often leave villages without any of the resources villagers need. Supporting such impoverished colonies with the goal of making them self-sufficient takes many different kinds of resources. In addition to providing excellent medical care and nutritious food, we also run a number of programs which allow the villagers the opportunity to get the social and psychological help they need.
In 2006 Pat Clendenny founded the Little Lights Children’s Hostel, becoming the home to 36 children. These children are all from the leprosy colonies, and were entrusted to us by their parents or grandparents with their ongoing educational, residential, and spiritual care. Provided with a staff of 12, the children receive an excellent, free private education, medical care, daily support, and safety. Demand is always high for Embrace a Village to accept more children; however, funds are always limiting, and such an opportunity costs approximately $40 per month for each child. The Little Lights also provide an after school tutoring program in the cities of Attur, Tanjour, and Coimbatore with great success.
In addition to the Little Lights, Embrace a Village also operates a day care center for 16 babies, freeing mothers to work outside the village. By allowing mothers the freedom to seek opportunities outside the villages, they are better able to support their families’ needs.
End-of-life care is also an important program of Embrace a Village. The elderly are often abandoned even within the colonies, many times living alone, having little to no support, and finish their lives in the harshest of circumstances. In 2008 we began construction on a 35 bed hospice center in Coimbatore, India. Shortly after construction was completed, we admitted patients and continue to provide them 24 hour care, including medical services, nutrition and personal hygiene. By providing these services for the patients, we are ensuring that their lives will end with a measure of comfort and dignity.
