Shadhika Newsletter Archive
September 14, 1994
Dear Friends,
This is the time of year when we normally get ready for the annual fund-raising party, so you may be wondering why the plans are not yet in place. The main reason is that I was not able to make the trip to Calcutta yet this year, so I cannot report anything based on first-hand experience. I am hoping to make the trip after Christmas, so the annual party will be moved to the Spring, when I hope to bring you a detailed account of recent developments.
Even though I have not been at Paripurnata personally this year, I am in close contact and have news to tell you. You will recall that in my last letter I told you about the release of a large group of women prisoners resulting from new legislation reversing the practice of incarceration for non-criminal women. In this new climate there is increased pressure toward a larger capacity for residents at Paripurnata. You may remember that we are using about half of a government building for the half-way house, and that we have been negotiating with the authorities for the rest of the building. This is a slow process, and to date there has been little actual progress beyond assurances, promises, and delays. Eventually the Board decided that it would be more productive to approach the local middle class for support, and they mounted a local fund raising effort. They found a donor who offered a substantial plot of land with an unfinished building just outside Calcutta to the project!
So our principal goal this year is to finish the building, which would be about twice the size of the present facility, and to move the half-way house there. I don't yet have a budget for this, but should be able to report on it next Spring. Locally, in Calcutta, fund raising is continuing for the same purpose with my brother's leadership. He signed up a well-known classical dancer and a magician to donate their time and talent for a charity performance in October. The show will be during the ten days of the most sacred Hindu religious festivities, a time when people tend to be more generous than at other times. My brother was also able to reserve, through his employer, a large auditorium for the show -- free of charge.
While it is premature to plan details just yet, Mrs. Siromoni is already thinking of the new projects she would like to start in the original facility once the new building becomes available. The new building would house the live-in residents, while the old one would perhaps become a day facility for skill training and group sessions for those who are discharged from Paripurnata but still need some on-going support. Mrs. Siromoni is interested in starting a project for men leaving prison as well, but she and I agreed that funds raised by me will be reserved for the original women's project for now. I believe you will agree with me that it is wiser to get closer to completing one project before starting too many others, and run the risk of spreading oneself too thin.
So this year I would like to appeal to your generosity specifically for the building fund. I hope to take a check with me to present to Paripurnata in January or February, and to report to you on progress after my return.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank my good friends, Clara and Antonio Luciani, who decided to take over sponsorship of a Paripurnata resident by donating a monthly check for a dollar-a-day. They were impressed with the statistic I reported some time ago, that about a dollar per day is enough to feed a person at Paripurnata, and have faithfully sent me their monthly gift ever since. This makes them our most generous donor for the year! A similar plan may appeal to some of you as well. I am enclosing a donation slip and return envelope for your convenience.
I will be in touch in the New Year about our next get-together and personal report. Until then I hope you have a good year and pleasant holidays.
Juthica Stangl