Overview and Mission

St. Camillus Ashram, located in Yellampet, Secunderabad, is a significant initiative of the Sneha Charitable Trust (SCT), focused on providing care for children with multiple disabilities, destitute individuals, and offering rehabilitation services. The initial vision for the Ashram was to create a multi-faceted center that could serve children with severe disabilities, offer a haven for the destitute, and provide occupational rehabilitation services. As part of this vision, the Camillo Occupational Rehabilitation Centre was inaugurated in 2016. However, the primary focus of St. Camillus Ashram today remains Daivalayam, a compassionate home for children with physical and mental disabilities.

"Daivalayam," meaning "Temple of God," is dedicated to offering holistic care for these children, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect as the image of God. The center provides a range of services aimed at improving their quality of life, including medical care, physical therapy, special education, and spiritual care.

Services and Care at Daivalayam

The services provided at Daivalayam are tailored to the unique needs of each child, addressing both their physical and emotional well-being. The key services include: * In-House Facility for 30 Children Daivalayam houses 45 children with disabilities in three well-equipped wards. Each ward accommodates 10 children, with attached bathrooms and other essential facilities to ensure their comfort and hygiene.

* 24/7 Personal Care
The children receive constant, round-the-clock care due to their physical and mental disabilities. This includes assistance with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, changing clothes and diapers, ensuring that every need is met with love and care.

* Nutritional Care

Given the special dietary needs of these children, Daivalayam provides individualized nutritional care. Many of the children require liquid food, and the staff ensures that each child’s specific nutritional requirements are met, ensuring their well-being.

* Physiotherapy and Exercises
Regular physiotherapy is provided to children with physical disabilities. A part-time physiotherapist works with the children in a well-equipped physiotherapy unit to help improve their mobility and overall physical health.

* Medical Care
Given the fragile health of the children, regular medical check-ups are conducted by visiting doctors. In addition, the children are taken to the National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH) in Hyderabad every six months for comprehensive assessments. Any medical emergencies are promptly addressed, with immediate transfers to nearby hospitals when needed, accompanied by caretakers.

* Special Education
Children who are able to benefit from education attend Manovikas Kendra, a school for special children located in Medchal. Eight children currently attend this school, where they receive individualized attention to develop their cognitive and motor skills.

* Spiritual Care
Daily prayers are an essential part of life at Daivalayam. Special prayers are occasionally organized, although the children do not actively participate in the services due to their disabilities. This spiritual care reinforces the belief that each child is valued and cherished as a child of God.

* Recreational and Entertainment Activities
Children at Daivalayam are engaged in recreational activities designed to bring them joy and keep them active. These include special entertainment programs that foster happiness and a sense of community, creating an environment filled with love and care.

Development and Growth of Daivalayam
The journey of Daivalayam began in January 2017, when Bro. Madhu and a small team of caretakers moved into the newly built facility. Over time, the center expanded, and by December 2017, it became home to 10 children, with Fr. Benny, Bro. Madhu, and a dedicated staff of eight working together to provide quality care. Although the original plan for a destitute home has not yet materialized, Daivalayam continues to focus on the children’s care, improving their lives every day.

Current Demographics
Currently, Daivalayam is home to45 children with various disabilities. The children are referred to the centre by the Child Welfare Committees of districts in Telangana. Most of these children are orphans, and many have multiple disabilities. The center is supported by a dedicated staff, including caregivers, physiotherapists, and teachers, all working to ensure that the children receive the best possible care and attention.

Vision
To provide comprehensive healthcare and compassionate care to the sick and disabled, with a special focus on marginalized, neglected, and vulnerable individuals, ensuring that their human dignity is upheld.

Mission
To create an environment filled with love and care for physically and mentally disabled children, enhancing their quality of life and promoting their dignity and well-being.