Dignity Foundation Dignity Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.

It is also a Public Trust registered with the Charity Commissioner of Mumbai. In 1995 the activities of the Foundation were started with the publication of the magazine Dignity Dialogue. It grew into a service delivery organisation responding to the expressed needs conveyed by the senior citizens themselves. Dignity Foundation is premised upon scientific developments in the fields of Geriatrics and Gerontology. It offers structural opportunities to exercise the choice of how to live healthy and active in chronologically advancing years. The five petals of our logo stand for the five-pronged initiative of Dignity Foundation: Community services, Life Enrichment, Knowledge sharing, Shelter and Advocacy. Headquartered at Mumbai, the Foundation has Chapters spread across Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune and Goa, as well as centres at in Mumbai. The Foundation is managed by professionals in the fields of Management, HRD, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Marketing, Media and Finance under the leadership of its Founder Dr. Sheilu Sreenivasan. Dignity Foundation is funded by subscriptions and advertisements to the magazine Dignity Dialogue, and the newly launched programme called Dignity Advantage. We also receive donations from philanthropic organisations and individuals, and sponsorships from banks and companies for specific projects. Dignity Foundation has evolved from a traditional charity model to a self sustaining social entrepreneurial model. It is a not-for-profit organisation, meaning its rationale for existence is not making profits but achieving social goals. Its self sustenance comes from the subscribers it serves. By perennially lobbying with corporate bodies and the government it increases the quantum of facilities and amenities made available to the 50+. The institutional goal is about reaching out to larger numbers in the country with an increasing amount of value additions to the basket it offers. The brilliant reality is the basket can only get more enriching since corporate India is showing a great deal of interest in senior citizens . Our discounts offer is testimony to this growth.

We wish to distinguish ourselves as social entrepreneurs with capability to identify and empathise with need nuances of this demographically enlarging constituency. Mission & Vision We are a non-profit organisation, committed to changing the way people look at ageing in India. We enable our members to lead active lives through easy access to trusted information, opportunities for productive ageing and social support services. Vision To create an enlightened society in which the 50+ feel secure, confident and valued, and can live with Dignity. Goals The goals of the Foundation are two fold.
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To rid the minds of the senior citizens of the fear that age means decline and retirement means loneliness, isolation, loss of prestige and so on. The Foundation works assiduously to re-instil in the elderly minds the confidence that age and productivity are not mutually exclusive. It does this by utilising their experience and maturity in activities that serve the needs of the community. The other goal is achieved by attending to the needs of the elderly whose social support systems have weakened or are non-existent. Values There are certain values implicit in the philosophy and practices at Dignity Foundation. The values are:

Equality We believe in serving all our members equally without any discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, and socio-economic status. Simplicity

We strive to make everything as simple as possible for those we serve. Positive Thinking We are guided by our optimistic view of the world and the power of positive thinking. Anything is possible because we believe it so. Self-belief We have an unshaken confidence in our own abilities to overcome all challenges. Perseverance We will never give-up because it is the easy thing to do. We are relentless and tireless in our pursuits. COMMUNITY SERVICES
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Dignity Helpline Dignity Ration Service Dignity Dementia Day Care Dignity Civic Service Dignity On Wheels Dignity Loneliness Mitigation Dignity Computer Skills Senior Citizens ID Card Dignity Counselling Services Trusted Information Chai Masti Centres

Helpline - (020) 30439100 Dignity Helpline started as a telephonic extension to the Dignity Companionship service. The nature of emergency help for elders in difficult circumstances has changed the functioning of the Helpline. It is today dedicated exclusively for the help and rescue of older persons. Distress calls from elders seeking assistance are handled by a qualified social worker. Everyday Helpline receives 8-10 calls of

elders who are being abused, harassed, neglected, or denied their rights. The trouble may be with their children, relatives, neighbours, institutions, etc. The nature of help rendered: Volunteers Volunteers trained in social skills and basic counselling are sent to the senior citizen's residence on a fact-finding mission. Thereafter, appropriate assistance is provided to the aggrieved caller. Dignity volunteers found that in many cases their counselling by itself was not enough. Other types of additional assistance are often required for an effective and speedy redressal of grievances. The following referral network has been put in place to deal with the above problems: Legal Aid Lawyer's help to advice Dignity Foundation as well as the victim on matters relating to property, will, nomination, transfer, name change etc. A group of lawyers are available at regular intervals for consultation to the distressed parent/s. Assistance has also been provided in successfully bringing to the notice of the High Court the agony suffered by the aggrieved parent/s who have filed cases of harassment, trespass, etc. but had not had a hearing for as long as twenty years. Legal assistance is also provided in the form of informative articles which find a regular place in the magazine Dignity Dialogue published every month. Reconciliation Forum It has been set up with a view to expediting the solution to legal problems and helping the parties avoid expensive and time-consuming litigation. The forum consists of retired members of the higher judiciary, civil and police service and a psychiatrist / psychologist / counsellor and social worker. The forum meets to study selected cases presented by Dignity Foundation after all possible channels of negotiation have been exhausted by the Foundation volunteers & staff. These are usually cases which could have a conclusion and benefit from advice and pressure from an eminent group of persons. Police Assistance

The Police Commissioner's Office in Mumbai and Chennai have directed all the police stations in Mumbai and Chennai that elder abuse cases brought in by the Dignity Foundation volunteers need to be attended to on top priority. This has already proved very successful. Children / relatives have, in most cases, been effectively prevented from inflicting mental and physical torture on their parents Police help to warn the errant "child" to treat the parent better. Police authority is also used to provide emergency assistance and rescue from imminent abuse. The second move by the police in Mumbai has been to request the Foundation to institute Chapter Case proceedings with the help of the Asst. Police Commissioners who have special magisterial powers to bind the errant son/daughter/caretaker to good conduct. Psychological Assistance A Psychiatrist's / Psychotherapist's/ Counsellor's help is sought for dealing with the psychological problems that are common among the abused parents or in helping the parent cope better with the circumstances. Clinical assessments are made on the basis of which recommendations are given. Dignity Helpline in 5 Cities Mumbai Dignity Helpline 022 6138 1100

Chennai Dignity Helpline 044 4213 3002 Kolkata Dignity Helpline 033 3069 0999 Bengaluru Dignity Helpline Pune Dignity Helpline COMMUNITY SERVICES
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080 4151 1307 020 3043 9100

Dignity Helpline Dignity Ration Service Dignity Civic Service Dignity On Wheels Dignity Computer Skills

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Senior Citizens ID Card Dignity Counselling Services Chai Masti Centres

Dignity Counselling Services In a major step to cater to the needs of the elderly, the Rotary Club of Bombay Pier and Dignity Foundation together set up the Senior Citizens Counselling Centre in the Dignity Foundation premises in BMC School Building, Topiwala Lane, opposite Lamington Road Police Station in Mumbai. The then Chief Minister, Shri. Vilasrao Deshmukh, inaugurated the Centre on Wednesday, 30th May, 2003. The Centre works Monday to Friday. Experts in various fields are available for free consultation. They will each be available on time slots on prescribed days on an appointment basis. Please call for appointments Similarly in all the cities where Dignity presence is found, Counselling services are on the forefront. The subjects on which the elderly can seek free guidance include:
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Finance (Taxation, investment, investor complaints, Credit cards etc.) Legal (Property, will, divorce, harassment, fraud etc.) Insurance (Life, General and Medical) Medical (General health, arthritis, blood pressure, eye, diabetes etc.) Psychological counselling Property purchase Homes - Old Age homes, Dignity Lifestyle Travel assistance and bookings -- Air and train Security Alarm provision It is certain that this Centre will fill a huge gap in the life of the elderly who have to go from place to place and travel distances to deal with problems which affect their daily lives. In this One Stop they will get all the referral services and information under one roof.

Dignity Ration Service Mumbai Albert Einstein once said, "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing". Food is one of the primary requirements of every human being. Thus, the right to food is a fundamental "Right to Life" enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Indeed, the Supreme Court has explicitly stated that the right to life should be interpreted as a right to "Life with Human Dignity", which includes the right to food and other basic necessities. The government tries to ensure food security through a wide network of public distribution systems, mid-day meals and through anganwadi schemes. Yet, there is a need for more. Living the dictum, Anna Daan Maha Daan , Dignity Foundation provides ration worth Rs. 600 per month to the poorest old. Food from the Heart Our Mission is to distribute rations to the most needy of the senior population, special hardship cases, and not to let any elderly person go to bed hungry. The Ration project takes off after a physical verification by our Social Worker on the genuineness of the case and is spread across Mumbai. Tie-ups with local kirana shops on moderate rates and monitoring by volunteers through our bus, 'Dignity on Wheels', ensure the ration reaches the most needy, month after month, without fail. Each monthly package contains items like rice, wheat, pulses and lentils, sugar, salt, jaggery, oil and tea. What Difference Can We Make? Sponsorship is a very personal way to improve a needy elder's life. It gives you a chance to share a unique relationship with a needy elder. The programme is an ongoing commitment, although you aren't under any obligation. As a charitable organisation, we rely heavily on the support of our sponsors and well-wishers to enhance the service.
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Provide ASSISTANCE monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually for ration for needy. Give for SUPPORT to old, handicap and infirm. Make a TRIBUTE gift for those you love. Donate towards general CORPUS for other regular activities and future projects.

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You can donate Rs. 7,200 / year [ @ Rs 600/month ] to feed a needy elder with no means of sustenance. This can be your tribute to a loved one. You also gain 'food for your heart', along with an 80-G certificate for tax deduction. One-Time Donation: If you aren't interested in a long-term arrangement, you can make a one-time donation every now and then to provide a basic need. Big or small, it doesn't matter. If everyone offers a small help, we would end up with a big help. Online donation Senior Citizens ID Card In the developed countries of the West and East senior citizens are treated with care and concern giving cognizance to their special life circumstances. Almost all western countries issue Social Security ID cared that entitles the card holder to avail of benefits at shops, service centres and products exclusively meant for senior citizens . In 2001 Dignity Foundation was able to convince the state government, appealing to the Chief Minister, that senior citizens require a special identity card, in order to distinguish their segment for many schemes of assistance. Through a GR dated Sept 24, 2001 and several other successive GRs Dignity Foundation was empowered to issue the ID card with certain guidelines issued for documentation and verification of data provided by the senior citizen. For the first time in India the all-purpose ID card was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra at a function organised by Dignity Foundation and Rotary Club of Bombay Pier on December 8, 2001 at the Chowpathy sands, Mumbai. Under his instructions, the Ministry of Social Welfare arranged for the issue of ID card against payment of Rs. 30. Subsequently this price was changed to Rs.50. Administrative charge has been vested in Dignity Foundation and FESCOM - two NGOs who took the initiative to work for the issue of cards. At present Dignity Foundation has 83 ID Card Centers all over Maharashtra, including 13 centres in Mumbai alone and are in process of opening centres in all the taluka head quarters of Maharashtra. Till 2010 around 9 lakhs ID cards have been issued by Dignity Foundation.

The benefits of having an ID Card are Railway concession - 30% (60 years). Maharashtra state transport concession- 50% (65 years). Air travel concession - 50% on basic fare only (65 years). Some private hospitals discount - 30% (60 years). Govt. Hospitals treatment free of cost - (60 years). Banks give extra interest - 1/2% (60 years). Post office - on investment upto rs.15 lakh gives - 9% interest (60 years). High court will give priority in hearing - (65 years). Maharashtra professional tax - 100% exemption (65 years). M.TNL - 25% discount on monthly rent - (65 years). Railway have separate queue for senior citizens. Local trains/ best buses have reserved sitting. Income tax relief. Old age home admission free or at nominal cost. During medical emergency details furnished in the card will be of immediate help. The Card bears the stamp and signature of the Tehsildar. Dignity Civic Service The BMC-Dignity Foundation "Joint Venture" Agreement In line with Dignity Foundation's practice of providing structural opportunities to senior citizens for productive ageing, an Action Plan was worked out in February 1998 with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) towards the objective of 'Keeping Mumbai Clean' If a small city like Surat can achieve unprecedented success in cleaning up the city, so can Mumbai through senior citizens who can give the lead - that was the reasoning behind the programme. This service is obtained in Mumbai alone.

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Action Plan Dignity Foundation (DF) has appointed from its subscriber database a total of 663 Dignitarians corresponding to 221 Zones of BMC spread over 23 Wards ( now 24). It has appointed 23 Chief Dignitarians who lead and monitor the activities in each of the 23 Ward areas. (as of 2010 only 12 out of 24 ward groups are active.) The Chief Dignitarian in each Ward is responsible for mobilising, coordinating and reporting action initiated. He also initiates discussion for new ideas, improvement programmes, grievances, and solution by consensus. The Chief Dignitarian also liaises with the local Ward Officers and undertakes supervisory roles wherever required - staff attendance, spot guidance to staff. Dignity Foundation coordinates Reports from all 12 Wards and submits to BMC for the following action points: Remedial and rectification action plan and implementation - results of group discussions that the Chief Dignitarian has in his/her Ward. Handling of garbage in assorted bags (degradable and non-degradable) and instructing residents to act accordingly, ensuring everyday clearance of accumulated garbage, responsible disposal of debris from building /road construction, measures for controlling the choking of drainage holes, and other cleansing work will be the first priority. Suggestions for new/beautification ideas, and funding proposals using local initiative - planting of trees, introduction of potted plants, creation of localised manure through conversion of available garbage and other related activities. Problem areas that require official intervention, and those that cannot be handled by residents alone. Magazine Dignity Dialogue regularly originates articles promoting civic sense, report the progress of the Dignity Civic Service, recognise important contributions of local Dignitarians and instil in them a sense of pride in keeping their Ward clean. Regular reporting of Awards Winners and the actual stories that go along with the cleaning campaign will get published. After some 8 years of organising and monitoring the locality-level activities, the ward groups are pretty independent, taking their own initiatives and maintaining the leadership of Dignity Foundation within the city municipal agenda. The Chief Dignitarians have a good bonding with the Ward Officers (now called Assistant

Municipal Commissioners) and work along with the corporation on all campaigns and drives from time to time. Ghatkopar, a suburb in Mumbai has the distinction of having conducted without fail every Wednesday meeting for the past 12 years in the ward office of the Corporation. The sole credit and recognition goes to its Chief Dignitarian Wilfred Pereira (78). Chai Masti Centres Abuzz with activity every afternoon our Chai Masti Centres are proving to be a refreshing source of enthusiasm and talent. Each day around 60 to 70 Senior Citizens come together in each of our 15 centres in five cities to share, interact and learn from each other. The popularity is riding high with most members not wanting to miss a single afternoon of joy and cheer, so much so that spaces available to us are just not sufficient. The objectives of Chai Masti centres are:
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Senior Citizens get an opportunity to make friends with others their age. They get a platform to showcase their talent, share their joys and life stories. Enhance their leadership qualities. Get immersed in meaningful activity. Acquire and share knowledge in art and craft. Celebrate festivals of all communities together. Activities typically include:

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Guided Tai Chi Cultivation of brain longevity through Bridge (Card Game) Cooking Classes Laughter Club Bhajans Old Hindi Songs/Movie Screening Antakshari Indian Dance Festival Celebrations Group Singing Spiritual Singing Yoga Reading Quiz

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Games Picnics Celebrating Birthdays It is certain that this Centre will fill a huge gap in the life of the elderly who have to go from place to place and travel distances to deal with problems which affect their daily lives. In this One Stop they will get all the referral services and information under one roof. Dignity Foundation - Mumbai HO Helpline: 02226138111

Website: http://www.dignityfoundation.com