This Lawyer Is Protecting Over 200 Elders From A Life Of Pain & Loneliness

A distinguished lawyer by profession, Victor Lobo's life took an unexpected turn when his beloved mother faced a health diagnosis. The challenges that unfolded were not just personal but shed light on the struggles encountered by numerous elderly individuals battling various health conditions. 

“As I witnessed the round-the-clock care my mother required, I couldn't help but think about all those people who were going through something similar but lacked the resources to get the right kind of care. I was only able to look after my mother due to my savings, but there were so many people who struggled to afford even one meal, let alone medical care. How could they get by? My mother motivated me to do more for elderly people facing similar challenges.  So in 1996, I decided to start the Shree Peter Memorial Trust in my father's name.”

Mother Teresa Home For Elders was started in Virar, Maharashtra as an initiative of this Trust and today looks after over 150 to 200 elderly people with love and care. Victor’s dedication and compassion have transformed the lives of so many of these elders during their darkest days. 

The World Calls Them ‘Crazy’ But Victor Refuses To Give Up On Them

Imagine the plight of those elderly people wandering the streets of an unknown city, unable to remember where their home is and resorting to spending their days on the streets with hardly any water, forced to eat food from the garbage bins. This could be anyone’s story - it could be our own grandparents, parents or other family members. And Victor has come across so many of them over the years. 

“We find out about them through the police, social workers and even strangers who know about the work we’ve been doing for so long. We then bring them here and give them the food, treatment and care they need. There have been cases when people from Odisha have ended up in Palghar due to their health condition, and because of their condition, it becomes very difficult for them to reunite with their families. For them, Mother Teresa Home For Elders becomes their safe space forever.” 

The individuals residing at this sanctuary experience a variety of health challenges, including difficulties with mobility and seizures, as well as mental health conditions that affect cognition and behavior. A team of 28 committed staff members diligently provide essential care, including medical assistance, nutrition, and hygiene support. Meeting the needs of all residents demands considerable time and resources. Without adequate support, these vulnerable elders may encounter ongoing challenges.

The stories within the walls of Mother Teresa Home For Elders are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. And even though the world labels these people as ‘crazy’ or ‘mad’, Victor never gives up on them. He looks after them like he did his own mother. However, he can’t do it alone any longer. 

With A Heart Full Of Empathy, Victor Is On A Mission To Make A Lasting Impact 

Victor has a dream of helping more elderly people in need. He wants to build a home that can accommodate up to 500 people, but he can only achieve this goal with your support. Your help is crucial in getting construction materials to build the home. In addition to this, he also needs help to get essential items like groceries, adult diapers, hygiene products, and medicines. These items are important to ensuring that the elderly in his care enjoy a healthy life.

Let us work together to build a home that echoes with the laughter of those who have weathered life's storms. The elderly people in Victor's care, like his mother and countless others, deserve a comfortable and safe place to call home.

About the NGO: Established in 1996, the Shree Peter Memorial Trust (SPM Trust) has been a pillar of support for non-formal education, combating substance abuse, and caring for the specially abled. Operating primarily in Mumbai, the Trust has successfully executed numerous social welfare projects in both rural and urban areas. Mother Teresa Home for Elders is the Trust’s initiative that has been operational for over two decades. This initiative caters to the comprehensive needs of elderly and adult individuals, irrespective of gender, who face physical and mental challenges. The Home has been a refuge for hundreds of senior citizens, providing specialized care for the bedridden, semi-bedridden, and those with various physical and mental illnesses.