Restoring dignity. Renewing hope. Rebuilding lives.

Friends of Mahima is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) human trafficking nonprofit created to expand awareness and financial support for Mahima India’s child trafficking prevention and survivor rehabilitation programs in Kolkata.

Together, we help children affected by trafficking, exploitation, and abuse access safe housing, holistic care, trauma-informed counseling, education, and the long-term support they need to heal and build independent futures.

Children sitting together during a Mahima India program in Kolkata

Our Values

Compassion

We believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity, empathy, and respect. Compassion guides how we serve children, support survivors, communicate their stories, and build relationships with our partners and donors.

Commitment

It’s at the heart of everything we do- a simple promise: to bring hope and healing. Healing from trafficking and exploitation requires more than immediate rescue. We are committed to sustaining the long-term care, education, and opportunities children need to recover, grow, and build independent futures.

Collaboration

Ending human trafficking requires people and organizations across communities, cultures, professions, and faiths to work together. We partner with individuals, businesses, churches, and advocates who share our commitment to preventing exploitation and supporting survivors.

 FAQs

  • Item descMahima India operates the residential homes, outreach centers, and restorative programs that directly serve children and young adults in Kolkata.

    Friends of Mahima is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises awareness and financial support for Mahima India’s work. Together, the two organizations help prevent child trafficking, support survivors, and create long-term pathways to healing and independence.ription

  • Donations to Friends of Mahima help sustain Mahima India’s residential homes, outreach centers, and long-term restorative programs in Kolkata. This support helps provide safe housing, nutritious food, healthcare, trauma-informed counseling, education, legal assistance, vocational training, and other essential care.

    Contributions also strengthen the awareness, fundraising, and operational foundation needed to grow sustainable support for Mahima’s work.

  • Friends of Mahima was founded in 2024 at the request of Mahima India to expand awareness and financial support for its work in Kolkata.

    The organization connects individuals, businesses, churches, and community partners in the United States with Mahima’s mission to prevent child trafficking, support survivors, and create lasting pathways to safety and independence.

  • Mahima India operates three residential homes and two outreach centers in Kolkata.

    The residential homes provide safe housing and holistic, long-term care for girls who have survived trafficking, exploitation, or abuse. The outreach centers provide safe day and overnight programs for children of women working in Kolkata’s red-light district, helping reduce their vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation.

  • Mahima India operates two outreach centers, Ashaloy and Ashaneer, for children whose mothers work in Kolkata’s red-light district.

    Ashaloy is a day program that provides children with a safe place to receive nutritious meals, tutoring, education, and computer classes. Ashaneer is an overnight shelter that offers 24-hour safety, care, and stability away from the risks of the red-light district.

  • Mahima India serves children and young adults who have experienced trafficking, exploitation, or abuse, as well as children who are at increased risk of exploitation.

    The residential homes provide care for girls up to 18 while the outreach programs serve children from infancy through age 13 whose mothers work in Kolkata’s red-light district. Mahima also provides continued educational and vocational support as young people prepare for adulthood and independence.

  • Kolkata is home to one of Asia’s largest red-light districts—an area where commercial sex work is concentrated. There are estimated to be 10,000 to 16,000 women in Kolkata alone. Women may enter the sex trade because of trafficking, coercion, poverty, or limited economic alternatives.

    Children growing up in this environment can face increased risks of abuse, interrupted education, and exploitation. Mahima India’s outreach centers provide safe spaces, education, nutrition, and consistent care to help protect children and create pathways toward greater safety and opportunity.

  • There are many ways to support our mission besides monetarily. First of all we ask for support through prayer. We ask that God lays his hand on those who have been trafficked, exploited, or abused, and guide their counselors, doctors, and every person on their team both directly and indirectly.

    You can also volunteer your time, we offer several trips out to Kolkata, India. But you can also donate your time right from where you are by lending your expertise on video calls with our team in India. Want to get connected? Contact us here and learn about upcoming trips/ ways to serve here.

  • Yes. Friends of Mahima is a registered U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are generally tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors receive a contribution receipt for their records.