Neha Gupta

Neha Gupta is the founder of a non-profit organization called Empower Orphans.
Empower Orphans is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (www.empowerorphans.org). The mission of Empower Orphans is to address the problems associated with orphans/abandoned children and children born into homes living in poverty by motivating individuals to translate empathy into action.
The organization’s goal is to help create self sufficiency by supplying the children with the tools to gain a basic education and technical skills to enable a sustainable livelihood; helping them to become productive and positive contributors to society. In addition to education, Empower Orphans provides food, clothing, health care, and medical supplies to establish an effective learning environment.
History
The organization was started by Neha Gupta when she was 9 years old. As Neha’s grandparents live in India, she often visits the country. As part of her visits, she has been volunteering at an orphanage located in her grandparent’s hometown, along with her parents. This experience has exposed her not only to a different culture, but the poverty that exists in that part of the world. Additionally, she has been able to witness the challenges that children her age and even younger face.
When she was nine years old and old enough to comprehend the situation, she was deeply saddened that the orphans were unable to gain a good education, as they did not have the money to buy school books. She was also heartbroken when she realized that there was no one in the world who truly loved these children. Instead of internalizing these feelings, she took action and decided that she wanted to help make a difference in their lives. The compassion and selflessness demonstrated by Neha is rare, especially so in children as young as nine.
Neha had the maturity to realize that to make a difference she needed to raise funds. Her approach to fundraising has been very methodical. She started off with conducting a garage sale by selling her toys. The success of the garage sale encouraged her to broaden her efforts. She then started making and selling wine charms by going door to door in her community, participating in craft fairs and by leveraging her network of friends and family.
Achievements
The money has been used to make significant strides towards making a difference in the lives of orphaned and underprivileged children.
Bal Kunj Orphanage in Northern India
* In 2006, a library was started at the Bal Kunj orphanage. Over the years, Empower Orphans has expanded upon the library and has continued to provide stationery to each of the 200 children who live there.
* In addition, technical books are provided to 20 children aged between 14-16 years, enabling them to enter a trade and earn a living.
* Steps have been taken to improve the overall well being of the children. Each child is provided with nutritious food, warm clothes and blankets (to combat the severe winters experienced by northern India) and also footwear.
Shree Geeta Public School (for underprivileged children) in Northern India
* During the summer of 2009, the efforts of Empower Orphans were expanded to provide education and improve wellness among 360 underprivileged children who attend the Shree Geeta Public School.
* The annual education of 10 underprivileged children was sponsored by Empower Orphans. Over 50 children and their parents were interviewed, with recipients’ selected based on need, grades and attendance.
* A four day eye and dental clinic was held at the school, during which medical doctors evaluated the vision and oral care needs of the 360 children.
* 56 children received more advanced eye care, while 103 children received further dental treatment.
* Sewing machines were given to 10 older girls, who can now take on seamstress jobs and stand on their own feet.
Future plans
Empower Orphans is in the process of running a Campaign called ‘Break the Cycle’ to address some of the evils associated with orphaned and underprivileged children. The majority of the orphaned and underprivileged children has limited education and do not have the skills to make a living. Subsequently, the potential of their slipping into a life of crime or prostitution is high. This sequence results in more orphans, abandonment of children and a continuation of the cycle of poverty. To break this cycle, Empower Orphans has outlined a multi-phase campaign - Phase 1 and 2 are already underway.
Awards
* Gold Medal for President's Volunteer Service Award - This includes a certificate and letter from President Obama and a gold lapel pin
* Winner of Wachovia bank's Philanthropic Award ("Who Would You Thank")
References
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*[http://www.empowerorphans.org/userfiles/Punjab%20Keseri%20Aug%204%202009.jpg, Neha helps pay annual school fees for students, Punjab Keseri India, August 4, 2009]
*[http://www.empowerorphans.org/userfiles/Punjab%20Keseri%20Aug%203%202009.jpg, Neha becomes a role model for social work, Punjab Keseri India, August 3, 2009]
*[http://www.empowerorphans.org/userfiles/Philadelphia%20Inquirer%20Mar%2019%202009%20Page%201.jpg Bucks girl crafts way to help others, Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 2009]
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*[http://www.empowerorphans.org/userfiles/Yardley%20News%20Nov13%202008.jpg, Boehm student continues to aid orphanage in India, Yardley News, November 13, 2008]
*[http://www.empowerorphans.org/userfiles/Yardley%20News%20July%2012%202007.jpg Making a difference on the other side of the world, Yardley News, July 12, 2007]
*[http://www.empowerorphans.org/userfiles/Tribune%20India%20Jan%2015%202007.jpg, Tribune India, January 15, 2007]
*[http://www.empowerorphans.org/userfiles/Yardley%20News%20Page1%20Nov%2016%2006.jpg On a mission to help the orphans in India, Yardley News, November 16, 2006]

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