The Camillians served the community with a preferential option for the marginalized sick from the beginning itself and currently we are involved in HIV/AIDS issues in various countries. In India, the Camillians began their ministry activities in 1997 by opening Snehadaan (a source of love) in Bangalore as a Care and Support Centre for PLHA. In 2000 we started Snehasadan- an Abode of love in Mangalore with an additional component – care of HIV infected children. In 2004 we established another Centre (Snehakiran- A ray of love) in Eluru, W. Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh and in the same year a new initiative (Snehatheeram – A shore of love) took shape in Ernakulam, Kerala.
In 2003 we established a trust namely Sneha Charitable Trust, specifically to coordinate all our health care initiatives in India under the banner, Snehacare. The aim of the Sneha Charitable Trust is to provide holistic and comprehensive health care to people in general and the marginalized sick in particular. The organization gives a priority for the palliative care of PLHA in their end stages, keeping in mind our tradition to care for the dying.
The Trust, in 2008, started a special care program for the HIV infected children namely Sneha Care Home & Shining Star School in Snehadaan campus, Bangalore. The program caters to the multi dimensional needs of the children that include medical care, nutritional and educational support, emotional and psycho-social assistance, etc. Children from the age group of 4 to 12 years are presently catered through the program. The focus is to mould a generation who will be responsible and beautiful adults so that when they enter adulthood, they are capable enough to contribute back to the society. Started with just 20 children in the campus of Snehadaan now has grown and flourished into an independent centre with 83 children growing under close supervision. We give preference to children who are infected, orphans and those from very poor socio-economic background when taking to our program.
For more: http://www.snehacharitabletrust.org