Trustee Message

Aai Day Care Sanstha, Pen – A Journey of Love, Courage, and Change

I, Mrs. Swati Mahendra Mohite, founding trustee of Aai Day Care Sanstha, Pen (Raigad), was once just a content, newly married homemaker. My life took an unexpected turn in July 1993, when my daughter Chaitali was born with over 90% Cerebral Palsy. The initial shock was overwhelming. But soon, my husband and I chose not to despair, but to act.

With Chaitali in our arms, we began regular journeys to Mumbai using unreliable public transport to consult neurologists and specialists. These experiences taught us that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) require specialized care and education to live meaningful lives. Motivated by this, I completed a B.Ed. in Special Education and began to raise Chaitali using professional knowledge and heartfelt devotion.
We were unaware then that many families in our small town of Pen were facing similar struggles. As word of Chaitali’s progress spread, requests poured in from parents seeking help for their own children. I opened my home to four such children. But as the numbers grew rapidly, it became clear we needed a larger space, trained professionals, and specialized equipment.
Unfortunately, most families couldn’t afford the services their children desperately needed. Refusing them was not an option. Guided by well-wishers, I decided to form a public charitable trust, and in 2010, Aai Day Care Sanstha was born.

Since then, what began as a humble effort has grown into a professionally managed center serving 68 children—12 of whom are residential students—with a staff of 32 dedicated professionals. Our four-floor building includes:

  • A fully-equipped 40-bed residential hostel for boys and girls with disabilities

  • A licensed day-care special school

  • A 1000 sq. ft. vocational training and production unit

Our vocational center empowers students by training them to create earthen lamps, candles, artificial flowers, jewelry, rakhis, saree folders, bags, and more. These products are sold at schools, malls, and exhibitions. The income is proportionately deposited into the students’ bank accounts—fostering dignity, financial independence, and a sense of responsibility.

Our staff conducts community sensitization workshops, visits schools to provide outreach training, and ensures holistic support for each child and their family.

Our staff conducts community sensitization workshops, visits schools to provide outreach training, and ensures holistic support for each child and their family.

Despite receiving a government license (on a permanently non-grant basis), our operating expenses are extensive. We need support for:

  • Staff salaries

  • Educational materials and interactive aids

  • Physiotherapy, speech, and occupational therapy equipment

  • Raw materials for vocational training

  • Hostel kitchen groceries and hygiene supplies

  • Sponsorship of tuition and transport fees for underprivileged students

  • Office and infrastructure upgrades

  • Voluntary services from doctors, psychologists, therapists, and counselors

I humbly appeal to individuals, corporate houses, and philanthropic organizations to join us in this life-transforming mission. Your support can help us nurture the potential of children whom the world often overlooks—but who, when given a chance, shine brilliantly.
After 15 years of tireless work, nothing brings me more joy than watching my children win trophies, tell stories, or dance on stage with radiant smiles. Every small success reaffirms our belief: with love, training, and opportunity, every child can thrive.

Contact:
Mrs. Swati Mahendra Mohite
9766628593
Founder Trustee, Aai Day Care Sanstha
‘Sulochana’, Lokmanya CHS, near Karmel School, Pen, Raigad

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