SOBHA Hermitage: As people get older, they need support to lead active, healthy, independent and secure lives. This requires a multi-dimensional approach backed with specific programmes providing age appropriate housing and residential care services. In line with this, SOBHA is supporting easing the lives of people from the elderly community in need of such support. SOBHA Hermitage aims to provide shelter and assistance to elderly from weaker sections o society. SOBHA Hermitage has become a home for senior citizens and young widows and their children. Residents of SOBHA Hermitage are extended facilities like independent rooms, a library, a common television room, a gym and also internet access. SOBHA Healthcare addresses the medical needs ofSOBHA Hermitage’s residents. The Hermitage also has an in-house clinic. Apart from providing necessary amenities, many cultural and social activities are also organised at the Hermitage to develop a sense of belonging among the residents. SOBHA Young Mothers Rehabilitation Programme: The SOBHA Young Mothers Rehabilitation Programme is a unique attempt by SOBHA to address rehabilitation issues of young widowed mothers with children. There are 18 mothers and their 27 children living at the Hermitage. Special arrangements are in place for their living, safety, security and welfare, all provided free of cost. Children in the rehabilitation facilities are extended free world class education at the SOBHA Academy. All mothers are encouraged to continue their education and trained to take up proper employment. They are employed in the SOBHA Academy and paid for the work they do, making it a source of potential savings for them. One among them completed her Post Graduation and is employed at the SOBHA Academy as a qualified teacher. Young mothers having grown-up children are provided individual self-contained flats constructed by SOBHA. SOBHA also provides them several facilities including vegetables, provisions, fruits, milk and dresses free of cost. Social Empowerment Measures SOBHA Young Mothers Remarriages: To ensure that young widows rehabilitated at SOBHA Hermitage have meaningful and social lives, regular efforts are being made for their remarriages. Seven such young mothers were remarried and they are now leading successful lives. SOBHA Rural Women’s Empowerment: As a part of women empowerment, 50 widowed mothers and their children from the Vadakkenchery and Kizhakkenchery panchayats are provided basic monthly living support besides clothing, medical and other personal items. Their children’s educational expenses are also met by the Company. Those children who attend government schools are given coaching to improve their performance. SOBHA Social Wedding Programme: SOBHA’s Social Wedding Programme is another constructive activity undertaken by the Company to tackle the social menace of dowry and other issues faced by under privileged segments of society. So far, 550 couples from economically and socially weaker sections have been married under the aegis of the programme, ‘Dowry free social wedding.’ Girls and parents are provided pre-marriage counselling and also post-marriage monitoring to render help if required.