The Social Apostolate of the Society of St. Ursula is a living expression of our mission to uphold human dignity, empower women, protect children, and build communities rooted in justice, compassion, and hope. Across diverse regions—Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and beyond—our social centres respond creatively and courageously to the needs of the most vulnerable.

Through education, livelihood training, health care, women’s empowerment programmes, and community-building initiatives, each centre bears witness to the Gospel values of service and solidarity. What follows is a consolidated report highlighting the major social interventions carried out across our centres.

The Social Apostolate of the Society of St. Ursula is a living expression of our mission to uphold human dignity, empower women, protect children, and build communities rooted in justice, compassion, and hope. Across diverse regions—Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and beyond—our social centres respond creatively and courageously to the needs of the most vulnerable.

Through education, livelihood training, health care, women’s empowerment programmes, and community-building initiatives, each centre bears witness to the Gospel values of service and solidarity. What follows is a consolidated report highlighting the major social interventions carried out across our centres.

In the rural villages of Pakertoli and Garja, where most families depend on agriculture and daily wage labour with limited income and low literacy levels, our mission focuses on empowerment and self-reliance. Seven women’s Self-Help Groups have been formed, nurturing habits of saving, unity, leadership, and financial independence

Children benefit from support classes that foster discipline, confidence, and a love for learning. To strengthen livelihoods, women are trained in soap and phenyl making, surf powder, mop and chips production, rosary making, and tailoring—enabling them to initiate small home-based enterprises. Thirty tailoring machines were distributed to deserving women and girls, opening new pathways to economic stability

Celebrations such as Women’s Day and Mother’s Day affirm the dignity and strength of women, while regular awareness programmes on health, hygiene, financial literacy, legal rights, and government welfare schemes equip the community with knowledge and confidence. Slowly but steadily, the people of Pakertoli are moving from dependence to self-reliance, and from silence to active participation

Asha Sadan, under the Ashirwad Trust, serves the urban poor in Mumbai’s slums with compassion and commitment. Education is promoted through six Balwadies benefiting 125 children, while students from Grades 3 to 12 receive life skills training, career guidance, and motivational sessions.

The centre also provides health and psycho-social care to around 120 high-risk patients each month through medical check-ups and sessions on mental health, stress management, hygiene, nutrition, yoga, and meditation. Special support is extended to domestic workers, and strong partnerships are maintained with Holy Spirit Hospital, Lions Club, Seven Island Shipping Foundation, and legal aid services. Through collaborative efforts, Asha Sadan continues to restore dignity and hope among marginalized communities.

A new social initiative launched in November 2024 focuses on addressing food insecurity and vulnerability. Monthly ration support is provided to 60 families, including those affected by HIV, TB, cancer, widows, and persons with disabilities.

The centre also celebrates International Women’s Day, offering women a platform to showcase their talents and build self-confidence. A three-month diploma course in tailoring equips young women with practical skills to support their families, and sewing machines are distributed to those in need—encouraging self-employment and dignity of labour.

Seva Sadan is dedicated to empowering young women and strengthening families. Tailoring classes are offered to 25 girls, with materials and fee concessions for students from economically poor families. Confidence-building activities such as competitions and cultural programmes are regularly organized, and certified trainees are assisted in obtaining government-provided sewing machines.

A batch of beauty parlour training was successfully completed, opening new employment opportunities. During school vacations, English classes are conducted for village children. The centre also supports needy families through educational assistance, medical aid, ration distribution, and clothing support. Christmas celebrations provide a joyful platform for students to express their talents through skits and dances, fostering unity and self-expression.

Prerana Bhavan serves tribal communities across nine villages with a holistic approach to development. Educational outreach includes Balwadies in villages, tuition classes for children aged 3–10 at the centre, spoken English and computer classes, and value education. Cultural and festive celebrations—Adivasi Day, Children’s Day, Diwali, Christmas, and annual picnics—nurture identity, joy, and belonging.

Agricultural support is extended to farming families through assistance with seeds, wages, transplanting, and harvesting. Women’s empowerment remains a strong focus, with nearly 500 women involved in Self-Help Groups. Monthly meetings, input sessions, health and nutrition awareness, social education, and prayer services strengthen both skills and spiritual resilience. Six-month tailoring courses are conducted at the centre and in villages, while regular village visits ensure sustained emotional and practical support.

Across all these centres, the mission of the Society of St. Ursula remains unwavering: to uplift the marginalized, empower women, educate children, and foster communities grounded in self-reliance and dignity. Whether in the slums of Mumbai, the tribal belts of Gujarat, or the rural villages of Jharkhand and Maharashtra, our sisters and collaborators continue to touch lives with compassion, courage, and hope.

Together, we are not merely creating livelihoods—we are transforming lives, guiding individuals and families from vulnerability to empowerment, from hardship to hope. This collective commitment stands as a powerful testimony to the Gospel call to serve, heal, and uplift the least among us.