Project Support is located in Lonavala, approximately 100 km away from Mumbai, servicing girls aged between 3-18 who are caught up in the cycle of drug addiction and prostitution. Rekha Gupta, Project Coordinator for Support recently returned from Mumbai and was deeply moved by the life changing work being done by this project which reaches out to children who have been forced into a life of prostitution and drug addiction, considered pariahs of Mumbai society. In Rekha’s words this project is “Reaping smiles on prized investments”. Home of Hope’s involvement with Project Support began in 2002, with an initial donation of $5,000, Additional funding was given in 2003 and 2004 allowing for a total of 70 girls being brought under the rehabilitation and vocational training program offered here. Success Stories Abound - One Example Lata was rescued from the streets 3 years ago when she was 10 years old. She had been forced into a life of prostitution so she could earn Rs. 20 (50 cents) for her first ‘job’. She was rescued from the street, while she was high on alcohol and drugs, infested with body lice that made massive holes in her scalp. Today, she is completely rehabilitated, and is helping others at the center while working as a peer educator. Whilst there is considerable support for Project Support serving boys, the girls have been largely neglected by donor organizations. The project seeks to Expand by adding 30 girls between 3-10 years of age Find a better location for a more formal education curriculum Have routine monthly checkups for the girls Obtain a vehicle to transport girls during medical crisis Hire professional teachers Implement a mental health program Amazing Facts Surveys indicate there are anywhere between 300,000 -500,000 children below the age of 14 engaged in prostitution in India. In Mumbai, children as young as 9 are bought for up to 60,000 rupees, or US$2,000, at various auctions.		Mark your Calendar: First ever HOH Karoake Fundraiser! Join us for a fun-filled Karaoke Dinner Night with established singers like Vikas, Subhash & Meena. Minimum donations are just $25 (drinks included). When: June 3rd, 2005, 7:00 PM onwards Where: 24941 Prospect Avenue Los Altos Hills CA 94022-5107 For more information on Home of Hope and our current projects and how you can help, please visit us at www.hohinc.org. Your support is very important to the success of our mission. You can also write to us at info@hohinc.org Home of Hope is a Non Profit Charitable Organization Tax ID#94-3342348 sec 501 (c)3 You can also mail your donation checks at: Home of Hope Inc. 190 Tobin Clark Drive Hillsborough, CA 94010