Asha Meeting

09/16/2007

Attendees: Santosh, Preethi, Itisha, Arun, Ganesh, Gaurav and Bharath

1. Update from Banyan - Preethi

2. Update on Show of Hope - Itisha

1. Updates from Banyan-(http://www.ashanet.org/projects/project-view.php?p=604)

Had a conference call with Porkodi, project coordinator of Banyan on Sept 14, 2007.

Banyan is planning to start a community based health center in Kovalam. This health initiative is aimed to help Banyan residents as well as local people in and around Kovalam who need any medical help. The first health center is planned to be opened in Thirupporur district near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The self help group, which was earlier located in Kilpauk will be moved  to the Kovalam facility. Vizhudugal is the name of the self-help group. It is comprised of Banyan residents and they fight for various basic rights of the Banyan residents. The administrative offices and the working women’s hostel will continue to operate at the Kilpauk center. A fast food café and restaurant which was run by Banyan residents was opened in Kilpauk center. A similar restaurant is also planned in Kovalam, along with a spa center. The community center in Kovalam was opened recently on August 23 2007. Banyan does not have any proposal for any of these initiatives now, but they expect to have a proposal sometime soon.

2. Update on Show of Hope by Itisha - (http://www.ashanet.org/austin/talent07/ )

Prelims are on Sept 29 2007 and finals on Oct 13 2007. We have a rough schedule for both the days. We require 8 volunteers for prelims and 15 volunteers for the finals.