Florence Home Foundation

FHF operates two Children's Centres, one for girls and another for boys. These centres were established to support underprivileged children from impoverished backgrounds, particularly those residing in rural areas with limited access to education. The Girls Centre, initiated in 2007, caters to girls from disadvantaged families, offering them the opportunity to attend school without having to walk long distances. In Semakottai village, FHF provides free accommodation and meals to thirty girls, ages 10 to 16, ensuring they receive education and practical life skills. On the other hand, the Boys Hostel in Killai was established after the 2004 Tsunami to aid in relief efforts. Today, it accommodates 25 boys, ages 6 to 17, who come from challenging family situations. They have access to education, nutritious meals, and opportunities to engage in sports, all contributing to their overall development.

Florence Home Foundation (FHF) conducts TB awareness campaigns in Cuddalore villages, emphasizing preventive measures. Collaborating with other NGOs in the AXSHYA - Reach Project, FHF educates schools and villages about basic hygiene rules to combat health issues. It has made Manthoppu a TB-free village, underscoring the need for ongoing prevention campaigns.

FHF addresses water scarcity in schools, starting with three in the Cuddalore District. Its two-phase programme involves constructing water facilities and reforesting school grounds. Phase one ensures rainwater management and clean drinking water, while phase two promotes tree planting for soil quality and groundwater stabilization. FHF's efforts empower students to champion environmental consciousness, with ongoing guidance and support.

The Florence Home Foundation (FHF) established the Multi Farm Project as a means to achieve financial independence, ensuring better care for the children in its centres. This initiative began with the construction of a farm in Veerapar village in 2000, funded by Emmaus International. Over the years, FHF expanded the farm, planting fruit and ornamental trees, purchasing livestock, and embracing organic farming practices. Today, all farm products are 100% organic, including guavas, sapotas, fish, and milk. The income generated from the farm sustains the Children's Home, covering expenses such as food, clothing, school fees, and staffing. Additionally, the Veerapar farm offers a guest house with six rooms, providing accommodations for those interested in exploring organic farming or seeking a tranquil place to stay while visiting the region through FHF's Eco-Tourism programme.

The Florence Home Foundation (FHF) operates a Micro Credit programme aimed at assisting small businesses during economic challenges. Supported by Emmaus International, this initiative primarily benefits groups and individuals, with 90% of the recipients being women selected based on specific criteria, including widows, single women, those in destitute circumstances, and those facing financial hardship. Many of these women already run small enterprises and seek assistance for various needs, such as school fees. The programme's primary objective is to empower individuals, especially those affected by the Tsunami, by enhancing their livelihood skills. Training programmes encompass activities like sea shell art crafting, fishnet repair, and mud block preparation, enabling them to leverage their skills effectively.

Florence Home Foundation (FHF) engages in several vital community programmes. It provides nourishing meals to vulnerable elderly individuals, addressing the social neglect they often face in Indian society, especially widows. In response to the tsunami, FHF offered relief, distributed essential supplies, replanted trees, and facilitated well desalination and irrigation canal construction. It also supported education through Child Development Centres and tuition centres. FHF actively combats violence against women, offering assistance to those in need, with members actively involved in supporting families facing difficulties, demonstrating its commitment to empowerment and protection.