Services

1. GFATM/C19/RM Social Protection Grant Project 2023-24The GFATM/C19/RM Social Protection Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing access to social protection and HIV services for key and vulnerable populations across 14 intervention states in India. This project, which is set to run from January 2023 to December 2024, is being implemented by a collaborative network of stakeholders, including three Sub-Recipients (SRs), 50 Sub-Sub Recipients (SSRs), and 150 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), with Saathii serving as the Principal Recipient (PR).Swathi Mahila Sangha (SMS) from the Taaras coalition has been appointed to spearhead the implementation of this project in five states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, in collaboration with 14 SSRs.Key developments in the implementation process include:
   1. Support from SLPMS SSR: The SLPMS SSR is actively supporting four Community Organizations (COs): SLPMS- Madurai, DPMS- Dindigul, CMTNS- Coimbatore, TPSPMS
   2. Infrastructure and Staffing: The necessary office infrastructure has been established, including finalized rental agreements. Staff recruitment has been completed, with all documentation for offer letters, appointment letters, and joining letters properly recorded in the
   3. Training of Community Facilitators, from the selected COs, 80 potential Community Facilitators (CFs) were trained in two separate batches. Currently, 34 CFs are actively engaged in fieldwork, contributing to the outreach and efficacy of the
   4. Documentation and Verification: All documents related to the project

   implementation, including the training of CFs, have been thoroughly verified and documented in the SSR, ensuring a high level of transparency and accountability.

   This structured approach will enhance the project’s ability to effectively reach and support key and vulnerable populations, ensuring that they have better access to essential social protection and HIV services within the targeted states. The coordinated efforts between the SRs, SSRs, and CBOs are crucial for the success of this initiative.

Our organization is dedicated to supporting women living with HIV (PLHIV) and their children. Every month, we provide essential groceries and nutritious food to 40 PLHIV members, helping them to maintain their health and

well-being. Our goal is to ensure that these individuals and their families receive the necessary support to thrive, despite the challenges they face.

Our organization prioritizes health and wellbeing, and we regularly conduct medical camps in various locations across Madurai district. These camps offer our members access to essential health services, such as: Blood Pressure monitoring,

Diabetes screening, Eye tests, General health check-ups.

Our goal is to promote early detection and prevention of health issues, ensuring our members receive timely and appropriate medical care.

In our ongoing efforts to support community members, we conduct regular Social Protection Camps in the areas of Alanganallur, Thathaneri, and Karumpalai. These camps serve as vital opportunities for community outreach and assistance. During this reporting period, we have successfully facilitated the issuance and collection of 1,507 documents, which include:

• ID Cards: Essential for identification and access to various
• Bank Account Setups: Enabling community members to engage in financial transactions and access social welfare
• Social Protection Scheme Documents: Helping individuals apply for and receive benefits from government programs designed to support vulnerable populations.

These initiatives not only empower our community members by providing them with necessary documentation but also enhance their access to essential services and resources. We remain committed to continuing this work, ensuring that more community members can benefit from social protection initiatives.

We are pleased to report that we have successfully formed 24 Arokiya Groups consisting of community members across various localities. These groups are instrumental in promoting health awareness and improving access to health services

within the following areas: Alanganallur, Thallakulam, Aarapalayam, Thathaneri,Sellur,- Koodal Nagar,- Fathima Nagar,- Anjal Nagar,- Arasaradi,- Simmakkal,- Anna Nagar,- Iyar Bangalaw,- Krishnapuram Colony,- Aruldasspuram.

Each Arokiya Group serves as a platform for community members to collaborate on health-related issues, share information, and access necessary health services. These groups focus on education, prevention, and timely intervention, ensuring that community members are well-informed about health practices and available resources.

The formation of these Arokiya Groups reflects our commitment to fostering community engagement and enhancing the overall health and well-being of residents in these areas. Through these collective efforts, we aim to empower individuals to take charge of their health and support one another in addressing health challenges.

Through our Livelihood Program, we have successfully supported approximately 50 individuals from the sex work sector in transitioning to alternative livelihood activities. This initiative is designed to empower community members by providing them with the necessary skills, training, and resources to change their professions and improve their socioeconomic status.

Our program includes:

*Skill Development Training*: Offering workshops and training sessions in various fields such as handicrafts, hospitality, tailoring, and other viable professions.

*Financial Support*: Providing assistance in the form of microloans or grants to help individuals start their new ventures.

*Ongoing Mentorship*: Pairing participants with mentors who guide them through the process of building their new careers.

*Community Support*: Creating a supportive network among participants to share

By facilitating this transition, we aim not only to enhance the livelihoods of these individuals but also to contribute to their overall well- being and reintegration into the community. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for positive change and fostering empowerment among vulnerable populationsexperiences, challenges, and successes.

The SLPMS Community-Based Organization (CBO) has initiated a new entrepreneurship venture named “Koodal” (The

Women Collective Forum). This initiative aims to empower women through collective economic activities and is exemplifying the spirit of collaboration and self-sufficiency within our community.

Some members of the SLPMS Arogya Groups are

actively engaged in producing household products for sale as part of this small-scale business. These products are not only crafted with care but also reflect the talents and skills of the women involved.

To enhance visibility and promote these products, the SLPMS Board Members and staff are working diligently to collect various items and set up a sales outlet within the CO’s office campus. This strategic location is intended to attract potential customers and create a steady flow of sales.

The objectives of this entrepreneurship initiative include:

 

Resource Mobilization: Generating consistent income streams to support the collective and individual members’ efforts.

Empowerment: Enabling women to stand on their own feet, increasing their financial independence and self-esteem.

Skill Development: Providing training and opportunities for women to enhance their skills in product development and marketing.

Community Impact: Contributing to the local economy by promoting locally made products and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship. By launching “Koodal”, we are taking significant steps towards building sustainable livelihoods, thus allowing women in our community to thrive and contribute positively to their families and society as a whole.