New York City’s Strongest Survivors

May 12, 2020

Last week we began sharing about our recent donations to and ongoing partnerships with three global organizations doing exceptional work to support vulnerable peoples now and moving forward. We first introduced Children Incorporated, a vital player in food access and children’s empowerment efforts across the world. Now, in shifting focus to a local New York City organization, we spotlight Sakhi for South Asian Women who has long-provided essential services to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

Sakhi

COVID-19 has hit New York City hard– affecting impoverished areas and communities of Color in disproportionate ways as pre-existing health disparities are exacerbated by the crisis. Whether it be because these are polluted neighborhoods where many live in multi-family households, lack healthcare access or coverage, and experience disrcrimination when receiving care (and hence do not seek care as often), being labeled a “survivor” in NYC takes on various definitions. Outside of hospitals, there are survivors trapped by stay-at-home orders that have experienced increases in domestic and gender-based violence. This violence is physical, emotional and financial. Fortunately, Sakhi for South Asian Women is relentless in their fight to ensure survivors stay alive and know they are not alone.

Especially considering Organic Baby Food Shop has an office in the NYC area, the OBF community stands with Sakhi and the survivors they support. Sakhi, meaning “woman friend,” was created to fill a critical need to represent the South Asian diaspora in a survivor-led movement for gender-justice and to honor the collective and inherent power of all survivors of violence. Sakhi is committed to serving survivors through a combination of efforts including—but not limited to—direct services, advocacy and organizing, technical assistance, and community outreach.” 80% of Sakhi’s clients are mothers and 75% reside below the federal poverty level. In addition, most are hourly workers without paid sick leave or access to childcare services during the public health crisis.

Sakhi’s response to COVID-19 has been unprecedented as they’ve adapted and shifted their focus to tele-therapy, virtual monthly legal immigration clinics, emergency rental assistance for survivors and their children, increased food access through culturally-curated delivered meals, and further financial support for phone bill payments, sanitary products, diapers and formula, medication, cleaning supplies, etc. Their inspiring efforts are ongoing!

Organic Baby Food Shop directly contributes to their Food Justice Program and Client Emergency Assistance Fund that supports clients and their children in maintaining safe shelter and staying well-nourished throughout.

Our partnership with Sakhi is not possible without you! You can contact Sakhi for further info about their numerous other initiatives and personally support their mission by contributing to their current fundraising campaign to ensure their work and survivors stay alive. #IsolatedButNotAlone

If you are living in an unsafe situation, or are concerned for anyone living in an abusive environment, and need to build a safety plan for you and/or your children, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233