Saheli, a community-based women’s organization in New England, was founded in 1996. The mission is to empower South Asian women and their families to live safe and healthy lives.

Led by a small staff and a cadre of dedicated volunteers headquartered in Burlington, MA and Shrewsbury, NH, Saheli is uniquely focused on the needs of  South Asians (from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). Saheli staff and volunteers speak most South Asian languages, not limited to Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi and others.

They offer help regardless of religion, ethnicity, age, gender or sexual orientation. The popular community programs serve immigrants and families from all over the world. All clients’ information is kept strictly confidential.

Saheli is an affiliate of the India Association of Greater Boston, and a member of the Indian American Forum for Political Education (IAFPE), and the Indian Circle of Caring (ICC).

Saheli was founded in 1996 in collaboration with the India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) with the mission of providing services to the South Asian community. The organization was created by South Asian immigrant women who witnessed the unacceptable rates of domestic violence in the community. They realized that there were no services available that catered specifically to the needs of South Asian women and were determined to fill the gap. What began as a small, volunteer-run operation is now a respected and effective organization.

In its 19 year history, Saheli has helped thousands of women to reclaim their lives, protect their families, and secure brighter futures.

Saheli is guided by a Board of Directors of core members who are all South Asians and an Advisory Committee of distinguished community members of many races and ethnicities.