Safe&Aware

Chapters

Rhea Makkuni- Head of Chicago Chapter

In a world where strength and compassion go hand in hand, Rhea takes her dedication a step further where she recognizes the essential needs of domestic abuse shelters and the individuals they serve. With a deep understanding of sustainability, she has created hygiene kits for these shelters, incorporating eco-friendly and reusable products.

Rhea has used the Safe&Aware platform to actively campaign to businesses and secured more than $15,000 to pack basic sanitation kits for the shelters.

Safe&Aware became a verified partner through Amazon's I-GIVE program and secured corporate funding in partnership with the Clean the World Foundation. Rhea assembled 150 sustainable hygiene kits for over 300 domestic violence survivors with the help of 150 volunteers. These sustainability hygiene kits have served as a symbol for growth and healing and have helped survivors embark on their journey towards a brighter future.

Rhea has doubled the number of kits she has assembled and is working to distribute them to the International Foundation for Crime Prevention and Victim Care to support over 600 victims both in the United States and internationally.

She is actively fostering partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and the community to gather more resources and support for their cause. By involving others in their mission, she has expanded Safe&Aware’s reach, making a difference in the lives of countless individuals.

Nadia Rosadi - Head of NW Suburbs Chapter

As part of Safe&Aware’s mission of helping individuals feel safe, respected, and valued, Nadia Rosadi has looked for ways Safe&Aware can support those in need in the local community. For the past 2 years, Nadia has spearheaded efforts involving community members.

Nadia has led initiatives involving community members, including annual food drives, where they contribute non-perishable items. She especially focuses on raising youths’ awareness of local issues and encouraging their participation in Safe&Aware’s projects.

This year alone, Nadia has helped Safe&Aware raise and donate about $500 worth in non-perishable items so far.

Nadia has also encouraged Safe&Aware collaborations with local businesses and figures, where Safe&Aware has hosted several seminars and webinars. She also often makes use of her martial arts knowledge to teach classes.

Krishna Makkuni, Head of United Kingdom Chapter, based in Orpington

Krishna Makkuni, an Economics and Mathematics major studying at the University of York, is making waves at Orpington as he spearheads the launch of the UK chapter of Safe&Aware.

Krishna is partnering with the Orpington Police Station to develop a comprehensive training program for local law enforcement officers. This program aims to enhance their understanding of domestic violence cases and improve their response strategies. He's also working closely with the Bromley Domestic Abuse Services, which covers the Orpington area, to ensure that Safe&Aware's efforts complement existing support systems.

Krishna’s goal is to create a network of supportive employers willing to offer job opportunities to domestic violence survivors.

With Orpington as its launchpad, Safe&Aware UK is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against domestic violence, o ffering hope and practical solutions to those affected by this pervasive issue in communities across the United Kingdom.

Nikki Gupta, Head of Chennai, India Chapter

Nikki Gupta, an Electrical Engineering major at the University of Madras, has an innovative approach to expanding Safe&Aware's impact in Chennai by focusing on the emotional and mental well-being of survivors.

    Empowering Survivors Through Employment

    Gupta has forged partnerships with several local job placement agencies to create tailored programs for domestic violence survivors. These include:

  1. Skills Assessment and Training
    Collaborating with Chennai-based vocational training centers to offer free courses in high-demand skills like computer literacy, tailoring, and beauty services.
  2. Resume Building Workshops
    Organizing sessions with HR professionals to help survivors create compelling resumes, often addressing gaps in employment history sensitively.
  3. Interview Preparation
    Partnering with local businesses to conduct mock interviews, helping survivors regain confidence in professional settings.
  4. Flexible Work Arrangements
    Negotiating with companies to offer part-time or work-from-home options, accommodating the unique needs of survivors, especially those with children.

    Comprehensive Family Planning Resources

    Recognizing the importance of reproductive autonomy for survivors, Gupta has developed a network of family planning resources:

  1. Medical Partnerships
    Collaborating with gynecologists and women's health clinics in Chennai to provide free or low-cost reproductive health services.
  2. Education Sessions
    Organizing workshops on various contraception methods, sexual health, and reproductive rights, often conducted in Tamil to ensure accessibility.
  3. Counseling Services
    Offering confidential counseling with trained professionals to discuss family planning options, addressing the specific concerns of domestic violence survivors.
  4. Child Care Support
    Connecting survivors with affordable child care options, enabling them to pursue employment or educational opportunities.

By integrating these employment and family planning resources into Safe&Aware's services, Gupta aims to provide a holistic support system that addresses the immediate needs of survivors while also empowering them to build independent, self-determined futures.