SUPPORT FOR THE ELDERLY & PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES: Sample Projects
Martha Home
Organization: Koinonia Social Service Nepal
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Project Objective: to provide a home for elderly women lacking family support
In brief: “Martha Home” is named for Martha Marhatta, one of five original Nepali trustees of the Dr. Dick Harding Charity Fund for Nepal. A native of Gorkha, Martha had known Dr. Harding and his family since her days as a nursing student in Tansen in the 1970’s. Through decades of community health nursing followed by hospital-based work, Martha had a vision to help women in desperate need. “God is calling me to reach women who are poor, alone… women who are ostracized by society… and give them hope,” she said.
In cooperation with her church, Martha founded a ministry called Sahara (“Help” in Nepali), teaching tailoring skills to widows and single mothers. Sahara became one of the early partner projects of DDHCFN. Later in life Martha addressed another need — a place to call “home” for elderly Christian women who, like herself, had no family to support them. Once again she partnered with her church, committing her life’s savings to build and dedicate what became “Martha Home.” Martha became one of the first residents there. She passed away in 2023 after a lifetime of Christian service. The home in her name is a loving gift that will continue to give to women in need.
Sewing Machine Maintenance Training
Organization: Disabled Welfare Association
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Project Objective: to provide skill training for disabled people who lack a source of employment
In brief: Every village has a tailor, but when the foot-pedalled sewing machine breaks down, who can fix it? The Disabled Welfare Association, established in 1993, recognized this need, and set up workshops to train disabled people in this skill. For many of them it was the first time in their lives they could earn money for themselves. The result was a sense of independence and value they had never experienced before. This organization has previously supported training in tailoring and handicraft-production, and has provided wheelchairs, crutches and artificial limbs.