One blustery afternoon in January, over a decade ago. Three friends chatted away about the mundane happenings in town. One spoke of visiting a friend (of a friend) in the hospital. The other, about helping someone with a gift card from Marc’s (for a young mom), the third one recalled a conversation about an elderly gentleman, struggling to make rajmah (kidney beans) after he lost his spouse.

He got a can, microwaved it with ketchup. He beamed with pride. “It looks just like hers”!

Suddenly there was an uncomfortable silence.

It hit us like a ton of bricks! There was so much pain and suffering right under our noses. We led our insulated lives, oblivious to what was happening in the Indian community. After a brief discussion, we decided to think of some way to help ease the challenges that our own were experiencing.

Numerous meetings, brainstorming sessions later, we had formed a sort of “Mom and Pop” organization. That memorable chat over chai gave birth to “Helping Hands.”

We got a host of enthusiastic volunteers from all over Cleveland and the suburbs. From helping families of patients in hospitals, to collecting and giving kitchen supplies, furniture for newcomers to our city, prepare a home cooked meal, transportation for doctor’s appointments,

We have done it all.

Having said that, the bulk of our work, unfortunately, has been helping mistreated young brides and moms. We have been stunned by what these young women have been going through, right under our nose…..Domestic violence. Be it due to alcohol, drugs, abuse by family members, addiction to pornography…..it is horrendous. Selection of a bride in India, while still married here.

Marathon counseling sessions. Some have lasted up to 9 hours! These young couples pour out their heart and soul to us. They trust us implicitly. Because of our strict adherence to the policy of confidentiality, we have built a stellar reputation in the community.

After a decade of helping community members, we realized that Helping Hands had taken on a life of its own; people were hearing about Helping Hands and more people were coming forward to obtain aid. As these incidences grew substantially, we have no choice but to evolve, in order to meet the growing and challenging needs of the community.

Helping Hands had to stay, yet for growth, change.

We had to give it a sustainable infrastructure.

We took two memorable decisions in 2019.

The first one was asking Mala Garg to join the group as its Chairperson. That was the best decision we could have made. She has brought a dose of positive energy to this undertaking.

As time goes on, we will share with you how Helping Hands has evolved. Our aim is still helping families facing challenges in their lives. But, we will pay special heed to the young women who find themselves lost and alone.

The second one was, to become the fourth arm of FICA. We will continue to do things as we have for years, just under the auspices of FICA.