Q: Is Maher a Catholic organisation?

A: Maher does not limit itself to any one faith or belief. It has opened its doors to the needy without asking them their faith or without putting any condition in this regard. Maher believes that all religions are the same and that all deserve respect. The women and children at Maher pray to God, not a particular deity or religious symbol.

Q: Where does Maher get its funds?

A: Maher gets its funds from its vast circle of friends. Some of them are in India while others are abroad. Friends of Maher help the institution through money, articles of use, clothes, toys, food grains and other items that they can offer. Some of the local farmers even give the vegetables that they grow on their fields. The government too helps, though in a small way.

Q: How do women and children come to Maher?

A: There are several ways. They come directly through word of mouth or are referred to Maher by another institution or a known person. A few are picked up by Maher's social workers from the roadside or railway platforms or bus stands where they exist in abject conditions.

Q: Do you accept HIV +ve cases?

A: At present, we do not have the facilities to keep HIV positive cases. We however, place them with other institutions, which are expressly meant to provide shelter to such cases.

Q: What are the reasons for women to come to a place like Maher?

A: Most women come to Maher as victims of domestic violence. They usually suffer at the hands of their alcoholic husbands and their in-laws. There are other reasons too, such as rape and sexual abuse, another woman in the husband's life, dire poverty etc. Wherever possible, Maher helps women find legal remedies to their problems.

Q: Are all the children of Maher orphans?

A: Some are orphans. Most of them have a single parent and come from broken homes. A few have both parents who cannot look after them due to poverty, illness or other reasons.

Q: How long do the women stay at Maher?

A: It could be days, weeks, months or even years. If reconciliation is achieved with the husband/family, they go back to their families. Some go to another relative after some time. A few are given vocational guidance and take up jobs outside. Yet others continue to live at Maher, working as housemothers or kitchen assistants or in other capacities. It is Maher's endeavour that every woman should find her place in the social mainstream and not depend on others.

Q: Is there an age limit up to which you keep children?

A: Maher itself is hardly eight years old. We have a few children who are around 18 but Maher always goes by the spirit of the law and not by the letter. There is no "cut off" age for children, but it is expected that they should find their own bearings in society after a basic education with some vocational training, both of which Maher provides. Some of Maher's girls have been married and settled.

Q: What are the medical facilities at Maher?

A: There are resident nurses. Three of the Trustees of Maher are doctors. They provide their services free to Maher's inmates. There are other doctors too who give free or concessional treatment to the women and children of Maher. There is a small medicine chest with herbal medicines and home remedies, for all minor ailments. Regular check-ups are held. The nurses maintain medical files for inmates. There is a sick room too, but most of the time, it is empty.

Q: Why should Maher go into villages when there is so much to do at Maher?

A: Sheltering and caring for destitute women and children is a curative activity. Going to the villages is going to the root of the problem. If we can change the attitude of people towards women and children, if we can give women their rightful place in society, there would be no need for institutions like Maher. This is Maher's aim.


Q: What are the entertainment facilities for children?

A: The children are given the freedom to invent their own games. There is a play area with small slides, swings, trampolines etc. for little kids. The older children play ball or other games in the open area in front of their homes. Picnics and outings are regularly organised. All major festivals are celebrated at Maher. Volunteers come on weekends to tell stories, sing songs and play with the children. At times, video movies are shown at Maher. Outings (picnics) are organized.


Q: What is Maher's strength?

A: Maher's basic strength is the love it has for humanity and its faith in the intrinsic goodness of people. It is this approach that has helped it achieve many reconciliations with even "difficult" husbands and other relatives. Maher believes that where there is a will, there is a way. At the grass root level, Maher’s strengths are its inter-religious approach, operational flexibility due to small homes, keeping mothers and children together as far as possible, lack of rigidity and its steadfastness to it purposes.


Q: How has Maher managed to do so much in such a short time?

A: Through sheer hard work, perseverance and never say die mentality. The dynamism and positivity of its Director Sr. Lucy Kurien are inspirations to the staff of Maher, who are an exceptional bunch of dedicated and diligent workers. Another factor is the unity and teamwork at all levels. At Maher, work is a mission.


Q: How can one help Maher?

A: You can help Maher in whatever manner possible, without unduly inconveniencing yourself. Some do it through monetary contributions, some give material for use, some give their time and services, some spread the good word and canvass support for Maher, but everyone contributes by his kindness and compassion for the inmates of Maher and by good wishes and encouragement to all its ventures.


Q: When can one visit Maher?

A: The doors of Maher are never closed. Still, it is best to visit on a Sunday when the children are at home. On other days, they attend school and have a busy schedule. It is best to give intimation of your visit before actually coming here. All are welcome at Maher.


Q: What were the problems faced by Maher?

A: There is never a time when there are no problems, though there were more in the initial days. Bad roads, inconvenient timings (village meetings mostly being held late in the nights) and distance from Pune made it difficult for us to get good social workers. Funds are always a major source of worry. Right in the beginning, people thought Maher was an agency to convert people from one religion to the other. Now they are convinced that our intentions are genuine. The major problem however, is that compared to the magnitude of the need, Maher's work is infinitesimal. The more we do, the more there is to be done.