DIGNITY FREEDOM NETWORK

The Dignity Freedom Network stands with the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in South Asia by providing education, healthcare, and economic development programs.
Heavenly Treasures is working with them to provide additional access to market here in the US for the artisans they support throughout India.

"The history of marginalized people can be symbolized by a clay cup.

It is common in rural villages for drinks to be served in a clay cup. Those in marginalized groups are sometimes required to crush their cup on the ground after they use it, ensuring others from being “polluted” by drinking from the same cup in the future.

Due to their low position in society, marginalized people are often used without consequence. They are raped, held captive in brothels and temple ceremonies, and forced to work as bonded laborers.

They are usually without education, without economic opportunities, without healthcare, without hope for their future.

It has been this way for 3,000 year. Marginalized groups are often considered less than human. Worthy only to be slaves, to be broken and crushed.

DFN serves women, children and communities. Today, a new generation of people is standing up for their rights. For education, for health, for economic opportunity. We are committed to standing alongside them."

FOR CHILDREN

Children gain necessary skills in a safe, encouraging learning environment away from the hands of traffickers.

FOR WOMEN

Women learn valuable trade skills so they can stand independently long-term.

FOR COMMUNITIES

Over 100 Good Shepherd Schools across India are impacting 26,000 children.

We hope Heavenly Treasures' partnership with DFN will provide access to market with even more artisans - to provide hope, employment and a new life in Christ with the people of India!

Stuti, founder of the helping hands sewing project.

HELPING HANDS india

In a rural community near Bangalore, India, a small church group has started a sewing project. Our friend Stuti is a nurse by trade but is a pastor's wife and mother. She is working with these women in her church to help provide a livelihood for them. Basic sewing is being taught to these women. We are currently working with Stuti to sell handicrafts made by artisans to support this new sewing project.

A TOUCH OF LOVE FOUNDATION

When the tsunami hit South India on 26 December 2004, A Touch of Love Foundation was in South India within 50 days. [They] still have a Children’s home there with 36 orphaned and semi orphaned children living full time under loving care. They receive education, all meals, clothes, tutoring, medical care and sports every day. Many have graduated from college and become engineers, electricians, nurses and some go into commerce. There is an education program to help local village children, both pre-school and after school. The children receive food, tutoring from licensed teachers, English language help and any school supplies needed. They have treated over 10,000 patients in their medical clinic. Patients receive non-emergency care at greatly reduced rates to allow the poorest villagers to get meaningful medical care.

Learn more about: A Touch of Love

operation equip india

Operation Equip India is a multi-organizational Christian initiative dedicated to equipping India's disabled with the physical, spiritual, educational and socio-economic tools necessary for a life of independence and advancement.

Since it's founding in 1997, thousands of disabled children and people affected by leprosy have been reached through this initiative, thanks to the faithful support of volunteers and donors both in India and abroad.

Changed Lives in India

Daniel is a young man from a Muslim background who came to live in our hostel during his studies. He cannot stand due a polio deformity he has had since he was three. When he was searching for colleges to go for a teaching program, he was told, "you can't teach because you can't stand." He came to the center through the recommendation of our craft teacher and received calipers. Now, Daniel can stand up with the help of his calipers and walking stick, he applied again for the teaching program. He is now studying in the teaching program where he was previously rejected. Although he faces fears about his student teaching, he feels encouraged and empowered. Coming from a family where his parents are hard-working laborers, he is one of four children who has a chance to make a better life for his family!

This is a young lady with spina bifida who came to Equip India in 1999. As a result of her disability, she has no sensation in her feet and often suffers from painful foot ulcers, making walking very difficult. Since coming to us, she completed high school and pre-university studies, as well as completing our vocational training program. Dorcas is just one of the young women in whom we've seen a life change. After graduation, she worked as a home worker in our handicrafts program, making products at home to earn a living. She was not sure what to do next with her life, but through her work with the handicapped, she was selected for a job interview at a local partner, a rare occurence for India's disabled women. She now works with that partner in their handicrafts showroom. She is overjoyed to have the opportunity to work and provide for her family. Among the staff with whom she now works, Dorcas shines like a diamond. She is a bright testimony of Christ's life-altering power and the effects of his practical love!