How it started

HEARTS was established in January 2000 as a response to the vulnerability and negligence of street children found begging and living roughly on the platforms of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh state, India. It primarily focused on early intervention of these children, re-uniting them with families where possible and providing opportunities to sustain their livelihood i.e. education, health care and economic empowerment through savings and vocational training opportunities.

HEARTS strengthened its capacity and social awareness by networking with various networks and advocacy forums particularly the Future In Our Hands International Network. HEARTS was inspired by the FIOH movement whose philosophy is to reflect solidarity and empathy by encouraging values such as co-operation, sharing, fellowship, truth and compassion.

It grew rapidly in the last seven years building rapport locally with the Government, Railways, Police Force, community, volunteers and entrepreneurs.

Management

HEARTS is registered as public charitable society in the year 2000. The Governing body consist of nine members of which four are women, who meet twice a year and visit the programmes at least once in two months. The President, Treasurer and an Executive member are directly involved with the day to day management of the organisation. Other members come to volunteer in their time. All members try within their capacity to raise local donations.

HEARTS committee members and senior staff are well acquainted with management programmes related to Non Government Organisations. The Director is professionally trained in ‘Result Based Management’ and familiar with tools such as ‘Logical Framework Analysis’. Senior staff were trained in planning and management conducted by external agencies. HEARTS use computerised programmes and software to record financial and progress reports.

Legal status

• Registered charity under the Societies Registration Act XX1 of 1860. Registration No: 9/2000.

• Registered with the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976 to receive foreign contributions. Registration No: 010190276.

• Registered with the Income Tax department for tax exemption under section 80G. Registration No: 1(109)/R-2/CIT-GNT/06-07.

• Registered with the Income Tax department for permanent registration under section 12A. Registration No: I (90)/R-2/2002-03.

• Member of the Indian Chamber of Non Government Organisation. No: 2714

• Accounts are audited independently by an external Auditor every year.

• Recognised by national and international networks and volunteers.