Kajal is a calm and kind girl who lived in Panvel. She came from a poor family and often went without food. She was also abused by her family members, and she felt like she had nowhere to turn. Right before the pandemic hit, Kajal aged 22 years, she ran away from home. She ended up in Mumbai, where she was found by the police and taken to the YWCA of Bombay’s Ashraya Nivara Kendra.
When Kajal first arrived at the shelter, she was very shy and withdrawn. She didn’t talk to anyone, and she just wanted to be left alone. But the staff at the shelter were very kind and patient with her. They gave her the time and space she needed to heal, and they helped her to feel safe and supported. Kajal was able to find peace and safety at the home and that helped her settle in and she felt at home and welcomed like she was part of the family.
Noticing that Kajal liked to help in the kitchen, we encouraged her to sign up for the bakery / cooking and confectionery course offered by the YWCA. The course gave her a sense of purpose and accomplishment. She also made some good friends in the course, and they helped her to feel less alone.After completing the course, Kajal did an internship at Sahil Hotel. This gave her the opportunity to gain some practical experience, and it also helped her to build her confidence.
In 2020, Kajal was offered a full-time job at the JW Marriott Hotel in Chennai. She was offered accommodation and a good starting salary of Rs. 20,000/- . She is now financially independent, and she has a bright future ahead of her.
The Shelter Home and the staff in particular were instrumental in Kajal’s rehabilitation. They provided her with the support and resources she needed to overcome her challenges, and they helped her to build a better life for herself. She is grateful for the opportunity it gave her at a different future!
