Arpita Foundation was started in the year 2019
A dedicated non-profit organization based in Bangalore, Karnataka, focusing on providing professional guidance and counseling to individuals across India. Founded by Dr. Patrick Vaz and joined by Dr. Kalyani Keerthi Giridhara, the Foundation operates with a committed team of experienced counsellors and trained volunteers.
Core Objectives
Helpline Service: The Foundation offers critical support through its helpline service, addressing issues such as feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. This service is staffed by a growing team of certified Gate Keepers in Suicide Prevention, ensuring experienced and compassionate assistance.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Arpita Foundation collaborates with notable organizations like M.S. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, The Live Love Laugh Foundation, Vandrevala Foundation. These partnerships provide additional support and resources for complex cases, including medical referrals and further interventions.
Educational Outreach: In association with The Times of India's CSR program, “Teach India Project,” the Foundation offers free English language classes to individuals aged 18-35 who have left their formal education. This initiative aims to enhance vocational opportunities for these individuals.
Skill Development Program (SAMRIDDHI): The Foundation runs SAMRIDDHI, a skill development program for underprivileged women. This program offers training in Geriatric care, Autism care, Beautician services, Tailoring, and Mushroom cultivation, with durations ranging from 4 to 6 months.
Team and Operations:
Counselling Services: The team consists of counselling psychologists and volunteers who operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm. The team undergoes periodic refresher programs to stay updated and improve their skills.
Language and Accessibility: Volunteers speak multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Konkani allowing the Foundation to assist callers from various linguistic backgrounds.
Life Skills and Awareness: In addition to counselling, the team includes Life Skills coaches who conduct workshops and webinars on mental health awareness for educational institutions, corporations, health sectors, and residential communities.
Arpita Foundation is committed to safeguarding the privacy of its counsellors and volunteers, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for both staff and those seeking help.
Our team also comprises Life Skills coaches who have successfully conducted workshops and webinars on mental health awareness and other related topics at Educational Institutions, Corporates, Health sectors and residential groups of gated communities. communities.
- To induce hope and positivity in life, through helplines using information technologies and telecom devices.
- To provide information, emotional support and counselling interventions to the callers seeking the same.
- To provide rehabilitation, training and therapy to the needy.
- To provide vocational training programmes.
- To engage in such activity or activities social, cultural, educational, moral or any other that contribute to the total development of the human personality.
- To conduct seminars, conferences, workshops, training and other programs for creating awareness on environment, maintenance of mental health, de-addiction, sexual harassment and divorce or any other social evils.
- To provide financial assistance to the deserving persons for medical treatment.
- To provide grants, scholarships, fellowships, prizes, medals, awards for excellence in studies, sports and scientific research.
- To encourage or spreading education especially among rural, poor and suffering, downtrodden, afflicted, orphaned etc irrespective of cast, creed, community, religion and sex.
- To work independently or jointly in collaboration with other trusts, societies, institutions, associations, governmental and non-governmental organisations, on any programme of relief or social service to the general public especially upliftment of under privileged women & children and including objectives listed above.
- To accept donations and contributions in cash or kind from State or Central governments or public institutions, persons, society or company, trust or association within India or abroad for the furtherance of the objective of the trust.
Our Trustees
Dr. Patrick Vaz
Managing Trustee- Degrees Industrial Engineering from Pennsylvania and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology.
- Experience Over 15 year's experience in volunteering and counseling at various Hospitals and Helplines.
- ProgramsDiploma in Counselling Skills, Neuro-Linguistic Programming at an advanced level, and is a certified Gatekeeper in Suicide Prevention and is trained in Handling Anxiety Problems, certified Life skills, Health and Wellness coach (BUMHI) from NIMHANS.
- Training Cyber Bullying and Cyber Crimes, Relationship and Marital Counselling.
- Role Founder of Arpita foundation and over sees day too day functioning of the Foundation alongwith the Administrative Trustee.
Dr. Kalyani Keerthi Giridhara
Administrative Trustee- Degrees B.Com, LLB, MA (Psychology) and Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
- Experience Over 15 years experience in counselling. Coordinates with day to day functioning of the Helpline along with the Managing Trustee.
- ProgramsDiploma in Counselling Skills, is certified in Life skills, Health and Wellness (BUMHI) from NIMHANS, Play Therapist for the blind (Certified by Hadley’s School for the Blind, Illinois USA), Certified Gatekeeper for Suicide Prevention, Forensic Psychology and Offender Profiling.
- Training Play Therapist for the blind and Forensic Psychology and Offender Profiling
- Role Currently Clinical Psychologist at Arpita Foundation, Administrative Trustee/ Mentor/Coordinator for conducting seminars, workshops and internships for various programmes/ projects.