Awareness programme by Kripa Vasai and VRACS

Awareness Programme at Vasai

 

Kripa Vasai conducted an Awareness Programme on 31^st May 2013 at Vasai Bus Depot for Members of the General Community. The team went around interacting with passersby’s and shop-keepers; continuously giving information on the organization; its activities and services and distributing pamphlets.

 

The local leaders and social workers of the area thanked the Resource Team and praised the organization for its efforts.

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Mozen H

Kripa Vasai

We are all in it together for the fun of it- a picnic for Kripa Dharavi street children

On 14^th May 2013, the children of Kripa Dharavi Street Children Project rose to a feeling of joy as they were going for a picnic at Alexson Resort, Virar (W).

 

The children had a gala time splashing in the pool, dancing to popular tunes and playing games. They had a sumptuous lunch and tea before dispersing home with wistful looks on their face. A Special Thanks to all our Donors and Benefactors for contributing towards our project and bringing smiles to our children.

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Kirpa Dharavi

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You will always be in our hearts- Fr. Leslie; says Fr. Joe , the staff and patients of kripa Bandra.

Fr. Leslie Malya’s Farewell

 

After a period of two years, Fr. Leslie Malya leaves our parish, Mt. Carmels Church Bandra, where Fr. Joe started Kripa Foundation in 1981. Fr. Lesie carries along withhim fond memories of his association with the kripa Family. Although these two years seem like a lifetime, Fr. Leslie will remain in our hearts forever.

 

In his farewell speech, Fr. Leslie emphasized on how Fr. Joe has been a ‘Father Figure’ and ‘Mentor’ to him. He lauded Kripa and emphasized the importance to ‘Serve’. He also spoke about how close he had grown with the Kripa family, and expressed his reassurance that Kripa was always there for him. On behalf of Fr. Joe and the entire Kripa Family, with a heavy heart, we wished Fr. Leslie all the best for his further studies for which he will be going to Bangalore.

 

The patients and staff of KRC-Bandra added life to the afternoon with a sing song session and the programme concluded with Mr. Solomon Darole presenting Father with a signed card and a copy of the "God's Grace" DVD.

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Brett Rodricks

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Kripa Shillong celebrates it's 18th Anniversary

Kripa Shillong, on the occasion of its 18^th Anniversary organised a reunion programme on 18^th May 2013 at the centre itself.

 

A lot of effort and hard work was put in by Ex-clients, In-house clients and staff to make the programme a memorable event. There were life experience sharing, songs, games, dances and a sumptuous lunch. Many Ex-Clients spoke of the good work of the organisation and the services rendered to those suffering from Addiction and HIV AIDS. They also mentioned that they would support the organisation in future programmes. 

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Kripa Shillong

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Orientation Programme for Peer Educators by Kripa Vasai

In accordance with a request from Prayas; an organization that does Social Work in Criminology, Kripa Vasai conducted an Orientation Programme for their Peer Educators on 24^th May 2013.

 

The programme commenced with the screening of the film, ‘God’s Grace’, followed by sessions on Kripa Model of Recovery, Addiction as a Disease and Importance of Family Systems. In-house patients shared their life experiences that met with instant approval and appreciation.

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Mozen H

Kripa Vasai

Kripa Varanasi conducts an Awareness Programme for Students in School

Awareness Programme for Students

 

To reduce the possible risk of their children resorting to secondary addiction like tobacco and nicotine, the staff of Sanjay Gandhi Prathmik Vidhyalaya requested Kripa Varanasi to conduct an awareness programme.

On 25^th May 2013, Kripa Varanasi interacted with the students and spoke to them on the Dangers of Intoxicating Substances, problems caused in the family and Changes in Lifestyle. The team spoke on their personal experiences that served as an eye-opener to the participants.

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Kripa Varanasi

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Awareness Programme for Students - Kripa Varanasi

Awareness Programme for Students

On 24^th May 2013, Kripa Varanasi conducted an Awareness Programme for Students of Prathmik Vidhyalaya, Mugalsarai.

Topics on Addiction as an Illness, Kripa Model of Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous were explained to the children who listened with rapt attention. The resource team also shared their life experiences. The staff of the School were impressed with the programme and requested for more programmes on a regular basis.

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Kripa Varanasi
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Sensitization Programme for Nurses - Kripa Shillong

Kripa Shillong conducted a Sensitization Programme that was sponsored by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Meghalaya on 08^thMay 2013.

 

Around 30 Nurses from Woodland hospital attended the programme. They were explained the Kripa Model of Recovery and Addiction, Withdrawal Management, Different types of Addictive Substances, Counselling. Topics on HIV AIDS were also explained to them. The nurses responded very positively and put forth many queries to the resource team. The Staff and Management of the hospital thanked the Resource team for their time and efforts. 

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Kripa Shillong

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Fr. Joe class A Trustee ( non- alcholic) - Conducted an Alcoholic Anonymous Night Vigil in Chandigarh - A one man programme.

Even though it was the last week end prior to Fr. Joe going abroad, Fr. Joe in his thirst to reach out to the suffering alcholic  obliged the Chandighad and the entire north India AA fellowship by doing a AA NIGHT VIGIL almost single handedly with  the help of  some very enlightened old timers sharing ….some heart rending stories of how after a loved one stealthily read the inventory of her husband they all abandoned him!!! The Night Vigil was on the Fourth and Fifth step as well as the sixth and seventh step of AA.
The entire night was charged with a longing for understanding how one can grow in recovery by a good 4^th and 5^th step and work on one’s character defects. People travelled all the way from Dehradun, Patna, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Amritsar, Jalander etc. The theme for the next year’s night vigil was suggested “HEALING RELATIONSHIPS – A STUDY OF 8^TH AND 9^TH STEP.”

The AA fellowship in Chandigarh wished that the night would not reach the dawn of the next day and wanted Fr. Joe to continue. Fr. Joe rushed back to Mumbai as he was on his threshold of going abroad. He assured the fellowship that he would try to have such programmes more in the near future subject to his availability.

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Newdesk

FAREWELL TO OUR OLDEST TRUSTEE HERBERT ALMEIDA - A TRIBUTE BY MR. YAZDI H. DESAI

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Newsdesk

A PEACEFUL REQUEIM - THE FINAL JOURNEY of LATE MR. HERBERT ALMEIDA

A PEACEFUL REQUEIM

‘A FEW GOOD MEN’ -  hard to find in today’s selfish world.  They serve the world and this country relentlessly and selflessly through their noble deeds and good actions, without expecting reward.  So indeed, it is a great loss, to lose our dear Trustee and Friend, retired IPS Officer, Mr. Herbert Almeida who belongs to this legacy.   We waved a final good-bye to him on Sunday, 26^th May, 2013 at Wodehouse Church, Colaba. The kripa team, was presented by Sr. Theresa Pereira (nun sister of Fr. Joe, who officiated as the torch bearer in the absence of Fr. Joe who is doing programmes in Germany). Sr. Theresa was accompanied by many staff members of Kripa.

Tears streamed down the faces of family and friends who had gathered in large numbers for the final rites. His Grace  Oswald Cardinal Gracias who was the main celebrant at the Mass emphasized on  Mr. Almeida’s  noble achievements.  He stressed on Mr. Almeida’s altruistic attitude not only towards his family but also to society, and especially to Kripa Foundation.  His brother Robert Almeida on behalf of his siblings Late Norbert & Bertha Almeida, Late Hubert &  Philo Almeida, Robert  Iris Almeida Dorothy & Late Paul Cable Late Judy &  Brian Lobo gave a very pertinent eulogy to the crowd.  The grief and bereavement of   Mr. Almeida’s Children Jacqueline & Christopher Verma, Karen  Vivian Peres; Albert & Anita Almeida Lara & Sean Wassoodew was very apparent.

Mrs. Majorie Almeida wife of  Mr. Herbert Almeida stood tall in grief as she mourned in silence the loss of her life partner, yet wishing every one by name as they came to condole her.

His grandchildren Mikhail, Raoul, Rayhaan, Aalika, Taarika, Mika, Kiara, Aria tearfully  expressed their fond memories that he shared with them right through their childhood .His son Albert thanked each and every one right from his fathers personal aides to every one present at the funeral.

As the funeral mass was in progress in Mumbai, Fr. Joe walked the same path in Germany by offering a Eucharistic celebration, prayer and Meditation for the soul of his close associate and Trustee of kripa Mr. Herbert Almeida.

 The Police Band rung out a solemn tune apparent as Police Personnel gave Retired IPS officer late Herbert Almeida a 21 gun salute. 

Truly, it will be a long while, before the world makes good this loss of a rare diamond, one of  ‘A FEW GOOD MEN.’  

  

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Brett Rodricks

Kripa Bandra

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Sheldon Patrao

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" My heart felt tribute to a great and magnanimous person that Herbert was to all who knew him"- Says Fr. Joe

It is with a heavy heart and yet with a heart filled with thanksgiving that I wish to pay our tribute to a great and magnanimous person that Herbert was to all who knew him. I missed his funeral which was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Oswald also our Patron and Trustee of Kripa Foundation. The honours given to him by the Police both at the Cathedral and at his Family grave brought tears to many . Herbert was  not only a faithful Soldier for God’s people he was an angel of mercy to all who were in any need. His compassionate heart made me reach out to our most afflicted North Eastern Youth . As an IGP of Imphal on his retirement, Herbert suggested that we start Kripa in Imphal and the North East of India. He kept a very low profile and shunned publicity and therefore was known to all in flesh and blood rather than through the Media noise. For Kripa and for me Herbert was an example of loving service and an example of courage  and deep Faith in the Lord. I consider myself as a part of his family. He was so happy to know about the growth of our work and always took keen interest in Kripa matters and even attended Trustee Meetings and the Kripa Night regularly. He was particularly happy to have Sanjiv Noronha come on the Kripa Board . Since I missed being at his funeral I intend having a special mass for him on my return and I would appreciate all the Kripa Family to be present to thank God for the Gift that Herbert was to Kripa. To his bereaved family, Wife Margie, Daughters Jacky, Karen and Lara and Son, Albert and their families we offer our heartfelt condolences and pray that Herbert rest in Peace. Now we have an Angel in heaven to intercede for our work with the marginalized owing to Addiction and AIDS. 

May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace...Amen.

Fr.Joe

 Germany

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News desk

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30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial- observed by Kripa Imphal

30^th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Kripa Imphal observed the 30^th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial under the theme, ‘In Solidarity’ on 19^th May 2013.

The In-house patients, staff and volunteers observed a minute silence for the departed souls. This observance is to remind us of the lives lost because of the disease, to support and strengthen those afflicted and affected and to defend those not infected by the disease

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Kripa Imphal

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Announcement of the sad demise of Mr. Herbert Almeida - Trustee of Kripa Foundation

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Newsdesk

Fr. Joe inaugurates Rink Hockey Tournament at Mount Carmel Church moments before his travel to Germany

The Mt. Carmel Rink Hockey Tournament 2013, sponsored by Earnest John Group of Companies in collaboration with KRIPA FOUNDATION and organized by the Sports Committee of Mt. Carmel Church, was held from the 8^th of May to the 11^th of May 2013. Around 16 top teams from Mumbai participated in the 4 day event.

 

            The tournament was inaugurated by our very own Fr. Joe and Rev. Fr. William Athaide. Some of the top teams included Air India, Mumbai Customs, Wenden Caterers, Tata Power, Western Railway and Compeneros. The participants of the tournament were categorized into Open teams and Veteran teams. Every match at the tournament was judged by a team of well qualified referees.

 

            The Finals saw Air India beat Wenden Caterers in the Opens Category and Ave Maria beat the Kalina Rangers in the Veterans category. Indian Hockey Ace Dhanraj Pillai graced the function with his presence for the Finals match and the prize distribution. It was a beautiful celebration of youthful talent.

 

The spectators were overjoyed by the tournament and left the scene with feelings of great exhilaration. The Kripa Brigade, in it’s yellow attire, was applauded for their wonderful support, without which the event would have been impossible.

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Brett Rodricks
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Kripa Darjeeling conducts workshop at Divya Vani Pastorial Centre

Workshop at Divya Vani

Kripa Darjeeling was the resource persons for a Workshop conducted at Divya Vani Pastoral Centre on 23^rd April 2013 on Substance Abuse, Career Guidance and Life Skill Education and the present drug scenario in Darjeeling.

The participants were the underprivileged children of Darjeeling who listened keenly to inputs on Substance Abuse. There was a play put up by other NGOs which the children enjoyed thoroughly

 

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Kripa Darjeeling

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Mozen H

AA night vigil conducted by Kripa AAl along with Sankalp AA group -Pune

Night Vigil at Kripa Pune

Kripa Pune along with Sankalp Alcoholic Anonymous group conducted a Night Vigil on 11^thMay 2013. More than 300 participants comprising of A.A. Members; their families, In-house patients and Ex-patients attended the programme.

The patients and staff did an excellent job of taking care of the logistics for the programme. The programme commenced with beautiful sharing on Importance of AA and Al-Anon Meetings, Spiritual Awakening and Alcoholic Anonymous Service through which many patients could identify their own personal life experience.

Many women members present shared their difficulties experienced with their family members and the Tools of Recovery to overcome their problems. They also expressed their thanks and gratitude to Kripa for the active work done in Rehabilitation.

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Mozen H

Nostalgic moments as Fr. Joe connects with Kripa Vasai on its 19th anniversary from Germany -LIVE

 

19^th Anniversary Celebrations of Kripa Vasai

Kripa Vasai commemorated its 19^thAnniversary on 15^th May 2013 amidst a gathering of in-house patients, ex-clients; their families, staff, members of the VRACS Advisory Board and well-wishers.along with Fr. Joe' brother Mr. Anthony H Pereira and his sister Mrs. Francisca Pereira.

Fr. Seraphinus Ekka commenced the programme with the singing of hymns followed by an introduction of Kripa Vasai; its inception, progress, and setting up of VRACS, by  Bosco D’Souza.

 In his speech Bosco spoke of the generosity of  Fr. Joe's parents (late) Mr. Hilary Pereira and Mrs. Martha Pereira for donating this land to build Kripa Vasai, He mentioned of how  Fr. Joe's  father lovingly called 'Papa' would always be there to guide and support the staff at the construction site in all kindness.  Bosco further  recalled how the whole Pereira family were very supportive to the kripa team including his nun sister Teresa, his nephew and two nieces. His most memorial moment being to be on stage besides Blessed Mother Teresa at the inauguration function of Kripa Vasai.

 

With technical back up the kripa team set up a live video conference with Fr. Joe in Germany and although having a busy schedule Fr. Joe was with the gathering live via skype. It was very touching to view Fr. Joe praying for his late parents from Germany and his brother Mr. Anthony H Pereira and sister Mrs. Francisca Pereira  simultaneously paying floral tributes to them in Vasai. In his  address to the gathering Fr. Joe shared some nostalgic moments of setting up the centre, about the kindness of his parents and all donors and staff who helped Kripa Vasai reach 19 years.

 

Mr.Anthony H Pereira regaled stories of their childhood that took us down memory lane, one such memory that he shared, was the time he and Fr. Joe would catch fish in the accumalated water in the compound and how they played marbles. Mr. Pereira also congratulated Bosco D’Souza for his hard work and perseverance that saw the progress of the Vasai Centre.

The highlght of the  programme was to have Fr. Joe connect with us through the live coverage made possible with the help of the staff of Vasai.    

The programme ended with chanting of Hymns and a sumptuous lunch served to all.

Few messages we received on the occassion of Kripa Vasai's 19th annivesary.

"Congratulation Uncle Joe , Bosco and all the staff at the centre both present and those who have touched this place. Wishing you all the best for the future towardsworking to a addiction controlled enviroment and world" - Dr Edesel Pereira.

Heartfelt greetings to Vasai centre on the occasion of the 19th 'birthday'! It's so important to acknowledge such milestones in the growth of Kripa- Jim Pope 

 

Dear Fr. Joe  & Kripa Family Congratulations on the 19th Anniversary of KRIPA Vasai. May God Bless you all abundantly-  Cyril

Congrats Bosco....it is all the hard work put in by Fr. Joe and you and your team....all the best.- Vandana Malik

Congratulation Fr. Joe and Kripa Thanks for sharing your love for me. How can I forget Kripa Vasai! Probably the only person who brought disgrace to this property (April 2005).. But, that is nature of the disease – an obsession so strong that it take one to the gates of insanity and hell. Thank goodness I am sober today. I now visit county jails and “tell my story!” Before I begin, I tell them ..that I’m there for myself and NOT for them. That itself generates interest! God’s grace  (Kripa) saved me - R. S.  USA.

Dear Fr. Joe congratulation on the 19th anniversary of Kripa Vasai , we cannot forget the great contributions that you have made for the growth of Kripa, our family prayers with you- Solomon & Family.

 Dear Fr. Joe and Bosco, Congratulation on the anniversary of the Vasai centre that you built brick by brick to help people like me live a sober life.- Vijay P.

Dear Fr. Joe and Kripa Family Vasai, Congratulation on the anniversary of Kripa Vasai- Joba Guha

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Mozen H
Sanjay Joshi
Jude D'Souza

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Awareness Programme for Para Military Force - Kripa Bareily

On 11^th May 2013, Kripa Bareilly conducted an outreach programme at (ITBP) Indo Tibetan Border Police Camp at Bukhara , Budaun Road , Bareilly with a view to increase awareness of Substance Addiction and its ill-effects.

The Para Military Jawans and the Para Medical Staff of I.T.B.P. were made aware of the Dangers of Chemical Dependency; its effects on family, social relationship and financial situations.

An Ex-Patient gave his testimony; wherein he mentioned about the different methods he had adopted to quit addiction but failed. He also spoke on the Kripa Model of Recovery; and the importance of a Residential Programme and Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings to attain sobriety.

 

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Mozen H

Awareness at an Industrial estate by Kripa Vasai

Industrial Owners from Dhuri Industrial Estate requested Kripa Vasai to conduct Awareness Programmes for their workers as they have resorted to addiction; resulting in poor attendance and work performance, gambling, disruption of family lives and unhealthy life style.

From 06^th to 08^thMay 2013, Kripa Vasai had an Exhibition well displayed with Posters, Banners and Pamphlets. However due to the fact that the workers could not be given a complete day off, due to loss in production output, it was suggested that they visit the Exhibition in batches and avail of the information given to them. The team continuously gave information on Addiction, Treatment facilities and services, Secondary Addiction among other related topics. In-house clients also shared their life experiences and the benefits of the Kripa Model of Recovery. Many workers have promised to visit Kripa Vasai and also attend Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings

 

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Mozen H

Orientation Programme for T. N. Medical Students by Kripa Bandra

On 09^th May 2013, Kripa Bandra conducted an Orientation Programme for 28 Students of T.N. Medical College, Mumbai. The resource team presented interesting topics on Addiction and Kripa Treatment Programme that held the students in rapt attention.

The film, ‘God’s Grace’ was screened, followed by life sharing experiences by two patients. The programme ended with a question-answer session and feedback by the students who expressed their joy in being part of the programme and a desire to visit Kripa in the near future.

 

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Mozen H

Thank you for being with us we are 19 today- kripa Vasai

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Awareness program for school students by Kripa Bareily

On 04^th May 2013, Kripa Bareilly conducted an awareness programme for students of Ranu School, Nekpur, Bareilly. The students are vulnerable and as a preventive measure, it was decided by the staff of the school to enhance their self awareness.

The Resource team spoke on Addiction, Healthy Living, Kripa Model of Recovery and Importance of Self Help groups of Alcoholic Anonymous. The staff of the school also attended the programme. The feedback received was good and encouraging.

 

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Joseph Pereira

Kripa Bareily

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Summer camp for children living with HIV/AIDS by Kripa Imphal

From 08^th to 11^thMay, Kripa Imphal conducted a 4 day Summer Camp at D.S.S.S, Mantripukhri, Imphal for 26 Children Living with HIV AIDS (CLHA) under the theme, ‘We are the World’. The Chief Guest of the Programme was Rakesh Kumar Singh, Commandant, 69^thBattalion CRPF and Rev. Fr. Joseph Kachira Mattam.

The main objective of the Camp was to improve the quality of life of the participants through giving sessions and activities based on Drug Abuse, HIV AIDS, Life Skills, Personality Development and Child Trafficking. The children got the privilege to visit the IGAR (South) Musuem. They also received nutritional items that were donated by 30^thand 10^th Assam Rifles.

 

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Kshetrimayum Jibanmala

Kripa Imphal

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Awareness programme by Kripa Pune for Armed Force Medical college

Awareness Programme for Armed Force Medical College

 

Of late, the cadets of the Armed Forces are becoming victims to Alcoholism. The armed Forces had given these cadets the ADS category & detained these cadets from service for thirty days in their infirmary. They needed treatment as their health & service were in danger, they could be court martialed if they did not take things seriously.

On 10^th May 2013, Kripa Pune conducted an awareness programme on Addiction; the disease concept and its progression followed by a testimony.

The Medical College has placed medical units in various villages and has requested Kripa Pune to give talks to the staff of these units.

Kripa Pune will conduct programmes once a month, beginning 31^st May 2013.

 

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Mozen H

 

Awareness program by Kripa for students in Dahanu Maharashtra

Awareness Programme for Students

In accordance with repeated requests from local leaders, educational institutions and families, Kripa Dahanu conducted an Awareness Programme for Students of Schools in Bahare, Dahanu on 29^th April 2013.

Due to peer pressure and poor self awareness, the youth of Bahare are falling prey to alcoholism and many have taken to secondary addiction like Tobacco and Chewing of Betel Nuts. The staff of Kripa Dahanu shared their own life experiences and the ruin and shame they had to face during their addictive days. They also spoke on the work of the organization and treatment facilities available. Many families came forward to thank the staff and offered prayers to the good work of Fr. Joe H. Pereira, to have a vision in starting Rehabilitation Centres for addicts.

 

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Mozen H

Kripa Vasai

Awareness program at YMCA grounds Vasai

Awareness Programme at YMCA Grounds

From 25^th to 29^th April 2013, Kripa Vasai put up an Awareness Stall at YMCA Ground, Manickpur, Vasai. Staff and In-house patients of the centre helped decorate the stall and put up banners and posters at strategic locations and continuously distributed pamphlets.

Activities and Services of the organization were explained to those who visited the stall and many visitors shared their personal grievances of having a family member or friend suffering from alcoholism. The necessary information for treatment was given to them who thanked the staff for the good and commendable work of the organization.

 

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Mozen H