Sakhi for South Asian Women (Sakhi), a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors of gender-based violence in New York City, marked a historic moment yesterday. On March 1, 2024, Sakhi rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), becoming one of the first South Asian American organizations to achieve this milestone. This significant event coincided with the organization’s 35th anniversary and Women’s History Month, serving as a testament to Sakhi’s enduring commitment to creating safer communities for women.
Since its inception in 1989, Sakhi had been a beacon of hope for survivors, providing culturally competent programs and vital resources to address the unique challenges faced by individuals within the South Asian diaspora. Over the past 35 years, Sakhi’s impact had been profound, with over 15,000 lives touched by its services.
Sakhi’s has created a series of impactful initiatives aimed at furthering its support for survivors. One notable achievement was the expansion of Sakhi’s helpline services, which operated from 10 AM to 10 PM on weekdays, with plans for further expansion to a 24/7 helpline in early 2023. This extended availability ensured that survivors had access to critical support and resources when they needed it most.
Additionally, Sakhi secured a landmark $3 million investment from the Ramesh & Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation in 2022. This substantial contribution established the South Asian Safe Families Initiative, dedicated to exploring healing intergenerational trauma and fostering safe environments for families affected by violence.
Throughout 2022, Sakhi continued to prioritize trauma-informed care through initiatives such as solidarity grants, which provided financial assistance to survivors, and flexible training and programmatic efforts. These efforts included the restructuring of Sakhi’s Food Justice Program and the development of ESL, digital skills, and financial literacy classes tailored to survivors’ needs.
Recognizing the critical importance of stable housing in survivors’ journeys to safety and independence, Sakhi significantly increased rental assistance funding within its Housing Program. This essential support empowered survivors to leave abusive situations without the fear of losing shelter or stability, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Sakhi also introduced a robust youth mental health counseling program in 2022, amplifying the impact of its existing Youth Program. Through individual and group counseling sessions, Sakhi provided vital support to young survivors, addressing their unique mental health needs and fostering resilience.
As Sakhi rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange and celebrated its 35th anniversary, these achievements served as a testament to the organization’s unwavering dedication to empowering survivors, ending gender-based violence, and promoting healing and justice within the South Asian diaspora. For more information about Sakhi and its impactful work, visitors could visit www.sakhi.org. To attend their upcoming 2024 gala, please click here.