A Future for Every Child (AFEC), a Bay Area-based nonprofit, celebrated its 5th anniversary on September 15th. The ‘Joyful Jubilee’ event highlighted the organization’s positive impact on vulnerable youth in India, who are required to leave their care homes or orphanages after they turn 18.
AFEC’s mission is to empower these youth who often have no support systems after they leave their orphanages and help them transition into adulthood. In five years, AFEC’s program has supported more than 1400 youth, of whom 600 have stable employment. The program costs $1,000 per youth, and offers comprehensive support including mentoring, life skills training, emotional wellness programs, and full scholarships for education.
More than 200 supporters, donors, and community members attended the gala, where AFEC beneficiaries like Aman and Meherunissa shared their stories. Aman was born deaf and mute and abandoned by his parents at a young age. With AFEC’s help, he transitioned out of his orphanage and is now a chef at a 4-star hotel in Jabalpur. Meherunissa, who was orphaned as a child, now works for a construction company in Mumbai, and is also supporting her younger sister.
Founder Gita Gopal and Executive Director Anusuya Rao addressed the audience at the gala, thanking them for their continued support. The evening also included a silent auction, a cocktail hour and a performance by Tamas, an Indian fusion rock band.
To know more about AFEC, click here.Â