Second Chance Foundation: hope for India’s forgotten elders

AMIDST the fast pace of urban India are the voices of the marginalized. It is for these marginalized, specifically abandoned elders, that Second Chance Foundation emerges as a source of hope. This NGO for abandoned and homeless seniors rescues and cares for those who have been left with no home or support; people who are all alone in the world. Most of these elderly are terminally ill and destitute individuals, who often find themselves living on the very fringes of society – be it roads, hospitals, bus stops or railway stations.

Founded in Hyderabad in Telangana by Jasper Paul and his wife Therisa, Second Chance Foundation embodies a deep-seated commitment to serving the downtrodden and needy individuals. Their mission is not just about rescuing these people from their dire circumstances but also about rehabilitating them and providing them with medical care, shelter, nourishment and psychological support. Jasper Paul’s unwavering belief in upholding human dignity shines through in their dedication to even taking care of the last rites for those who pass away under their care. 

Second Chance Foundation operates with a profound sense of purpose, working hard to “give back to the previous generation who has sacrificed so much for us.” This amplifies the NGO’s commitment to compassionately care for those who are helpless in the world by uplifting the lives of abandoned and marginalized members of society.

The suffering of the elders

The seniors rescued by Second Chance Foundation are often nearing the end of their lives and many grapple with advanced illnesses that are beyond the stage of recovery. Recognizing the gravity of their health situations, the NGO goes above and beyond to provide them with the best medical attention, adequate shelter, nourishing food and the psychological and mental support they need to survive and find purpose in their newfound lease on life.

Second Chance Foundation’s fundraiser 

Jasper Paul’s journey of selfless service began at the tender age of 19 when he encountered a harrowing sight – a 90 year old woman lying injured, bare-bodied and infested with maggots on the roadside. This distressing encounter was a turning point in his life, sparking a lifelong goal to rescue and care for the homeless elderly left to die on the streets. Over the years, Jasper has dedicated himself to this noble cause and rescued more than 2,000 people from the city streets and provided them with love, care and a safe haven at Second Chance Foundation’s shelter home.

Countless elderly individuals find themselves abandoned and left to die on the streets by their own families. It is here that Jasper Paul and his NGO steps in to offer a glimmer of hope and a second chance at life to these forgotten souls. 

Impact of Second Chance Foundation

Second Chance Foundation’s impact is truly transformative. Once rescued, the ailing elderly are brought to the shelter home and treated with love, affection and given urgent medical care. The majority of them make remarkable recoveries, their transformations nothing short of miraculous. Jasper proudly shares, “Most of the elderly make a full recovery and their transformation is absolutely unbelievable.” Beyond immediate care, Second Chance Foundation also operates a free-of-cost hospital for the homeless, embodying their vision to provide quality healthcare to those most in need. Since its inception, Second Chance Foundation has rescued an impressive 1,500 people with more than one hundred currently residing under its roof.

Subbamma’s story: from abandonment to belonging

Subbamma, a 68-year-old resident of the Second Chance Foundation home, shares her poignant story of abandonment and redemption. “Badly injured, starving and sick, I was lying on the roadside with my leg completely fractured and in pieces. When my own children turned their backs on me, Jasper found me,” she recalls. “He cleaned and clothed me and rushed me to the hospital. He became my son.” Subbamma’s personal story is a testament to the NGO’s unwavering commitment to care for over 150 abandoned elderly parents and offer them love, dignity and a sense of belonging.

Facing financial crisis

Despite their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, Second Chance Foundation now finds itself facing a severe financial crisis. With over 200 elders currently residing at Second Chance Foundation, space is becoming a major concern, exacerbated by the burden of renting the shelter home. “With your support, we can do so much more for the homeless elderly,” Jasper pleads. “We can reach out to many more abandoned senior citizens and give them lifelong care.”

Not charity, but life’s purpose

For the team at Second Chance Foundation, the organization is not a charity but their life’s purpose. Its founder shares with conviction, “I have dedicated my entire life to helping the elderly homeless and will not stop until the last abandoned senior citizen is taken off the streets”. His unwavering commitment, coupled with the NGO’s impactful work, underscores the vital importance of supporting this urgent fundraiser.

Giving people a second chance through compassionate giving

Second Chance Foundation’s urgent fundraiser gives people the chance to step forward and make a meaningful difference in the lives of India’s abandoned elderly. By supporting Second Chance Foundation in their mission to rescue and care for these helpless seniors, compassionate donors can help provide urgent medical care, a safe home and the love and dignity the elders so rightfully deserve. As Jasper aptly puts it, “they are the most ignored and untouched part of society,” but with our collective support, we can offer them a second chance at life, proving that compassion and humanity still prevail in our world.

Raising awareness on elder abuse and care

Beyond direct intervention, Second Chance Foundation also prioritizes community engagement and building awareness. Through a series of community awareness campaigns, workshops and talks in educational institutions, Second Chance Foundation aims to shine a light on pressing social concerns, including exploitative practices with regard to people who beg and the rights of senior citizens. By fostering dialogue and raising awareness, Second Chance Foundation seeks to mobilize collective action and drive meaningful change at both the individual and societal levels.

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Second Chance Foundation shines the light in a world where the forgotten often remain invisible. Through their relentless efforts and unwavering commitment, the dedicated team of the Hyderabad-based organization have provided a second chance at a better life and dignified last years for thousands of abandoned and marginalized individuals. 

The work of the organization serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of empathy, kindness and human connection, inspiring us all to reach out and make a difference in the lives of those in need. As Second Chance Foundation continues its journey, we are reminded that it is never too late to make a difference and that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves another chance at life. 

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