To prevent the need for institutionalization by empowering families and strengthening community support systems, Miracle Foundation India, along with its partner organization, Deepak Foundation, has been working closely with communities in Chhota Udepur district, Gujarat.
Over a decade ago, in the village of Nani Dumali in Chhota Udepur, Miraben’s (name changed) life took an unexpected turn when her husband suddenly passed away, leaving her to raise their six children – five daughters and a son – entirely on her own. The financial strain of ensuring their well-being weighed heavily on her. Recognizing the challenges she faced, volunteers from the Village Child Protection Committee and the Bal Panchayat, with support from Miracle Foundation India, began making regular visits to Miraben’s house, encouraging her children to stay in school and pursue their goals. They facilitated her access to an E-Labour Card and enrollment in the Ganga Swarupa Yojana, securing her a widow pension of ₹1,250 per month. Besides, she was supported through an Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana card for healthcare, and educational assistance for her children. This provided the much-needed safety net for Miraben’s family, easing their financial burden and ensuring access to essential services.
The team also encouraged Miraben to make the most of her farmland. They provided guidance and practical assistance to help her improve agricultural productivity, which became a reliable source of income for her family. Her son, after completing his 12th grade, has secured a job in Vadodara, earning ₹8,000 per month, and one of her daughters is now pursuing higher education.
The family’s situation has gradually improved, with their combined incomes helping them manage their household expenses more comfortably. Miraben’s story shows how community support and social welfare programs can transform women’s lives in vulnerable communities, helping them overcome adversity, gain financial independence, and build brighter, more secure futures for themselves and their families.
