Vanaprastha Corps is a US- based service organization in existence since 1992, formally registered with State of Pennsylvania in 2006. It consists of volunteer mental/medical health professionals and physicians who make themselves available on a time-limited basis to provide their services to indigenous and needy people throughout the world.
Behind the visible prosperity and success of the upper classes, there exists the other reality – poverty, depression/suicide, mental disorders, addictions, domestic violence, conversions, ethnic cleansing, violation of human and civil rights.
In the past, Vanaprastha Corps has taken its teams and provided week long mental/medical help camps in Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, Cambodia, Zambia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and many more countries.
Currently negotiations are in progress with Ethiopian professionals/ministry of social welfare to organize a week long mental health/medical/addiction treatment camp in 2010.
Nishkam Seva is the essence of Vanaprastha.
Our Mission
To assess the needs and identify problem areas affecting individuals in various communities, with the help of NGOs, community leadership, and local professionals and government officials.
To connect and coordinate program/ services delivery with local community, universities, national associations and/or professionals.
Treatment programs are directed to address mental health problems, alcoholism/addiction, health issues, as well as problems relating to women/children/elderly.Training the local professional staff is also carried out.
Where we work
Where people are experiencing extreme hardships, threats, conflicts, displacement, disaster, discrimination, etc.
Where Community is experiencing a void due to professionals having emigrated abroad and leadership in the Community being rendered powerless and without professional expertise.
Where Community does not have adequate and necessary resources and trained professionals.
Where Community lacks functioning institutions for crisis intervention, treatment, referrals and services.
Service delivery/programs take place on university premises, at local schools, in Mandirs, and community centers, etc.
What we do
Problem/need identification process is utilized to identify qualified professionals locally and abroad to provide diagnostic and treatment services.
Vanaprastha Team meets/interacts on a regular basis to develop strategy to define volunteers’ responsibilities, to procure supplies, and make travel arrangements.
Ongoing networking is utilized nationally and internationally in order to ensure follow-up and continuity of services by professionals and local leadership.
Planning and arrangements are finalized and confirmed at least 12 months in advance so that local professionals/community leadership can arrange boarding/lodging, and ground transportation for the Vanaprastha team.
Typically morning programs include conferences/lectures/ workshops; while individual treatment/consultations occur in the afternoon.
How you can help
- Volunteer your professional expertise for a period of 3-10 days.
- Help organize the programs and coordinate arrangements.
- Help with the need assessment and point out relevant facts research in this regard.
- Participate in networking to provide follow- up care.
- Offer social work, mental health worker, addiction counselor, and community leadership skills.
- Identify/procure resources such as books, equipment, supplies, medications, etc.for distribution.
Contact
Greesh Sharma, Ph.D.
Tel: 267-467-4878
215-295-3099
Fax: 215.736.3440
Drgreesh@yahoo.com
