ABOUT US:

The Foundation and Its Initiatives

Formed in June 2004, The Sundari Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-denominational, public charity organized for charitable and educational purposes, including specifically providing relief to homeless, poor, distressed and disadvantaged women and children.   By way of example, such relief is intended to include basic human services and resources for women and children, such as shelter, housing, food, clothing, social services, counseling, education, health services, alternative therapies, socialization activities and basic life skills and job training; education and elimination of prejudice and discrimination, and promotion of enlightened social consciousness of and for their dignity, humanity and needs. 

The first initiative of the Foundation was the establishment of the “Lotus House” as a prototype resource center and transitional housing facility for homeless women in the heart of Overtown, one of Miami’s poorest neighborhoods.  Overtown was selected by the Foundation because of the overwhelming need of women in this impoverished community for shelter, support, resources and civic engagement in the face of a gap in the continuum of existing services. 

Lotus House provides free housing with comprehensive support services in a respectful, non-stigmatizing environment for up to fifty women and sixteen infants at a time.  Lotus House is not a typical short term shelter, but a place where women are nurtured and supported to empower them to improve the quality of their lives on every level, achieve greater self sufficiency, and transition to permanent homes off the streets.

In the first year of operation, Lotus House served over 80 homeless women, coming from hospitals, safe houses, rehab centers, prison, temporary shelters, and straight off the streets.For many, Lotus House is the “shelter of last resort,” as time spent in other temporary shelters does not afford them an opportunity to address untreated medical and mental health issues, obtain employment, and save the funds needed to secure affordable housing.

In the spring of 2007, Lotus House expanded its facilities to include a new building serving homeless pregnant women and their infants. In its newly expanded facilities, Lotus House is able to serve over 130 women and children each year who are among the most needy and fragile populations in this community. 

Though the Foundation is non-denominational, the inspiration for its mind, body, spirit paradigm is derived from “Sundari,” one of the wisdom goddesses in the Hindu tradition known for her true, inner beauty and representing the embodiment of enlightened consciousness.  The shelter was named the “Lotus House” after the lotus flower, a universal symbol of compassion and hope.

True to its namesake, the primary purpose of the Lotus House is to support, connect, uplift, and empower poor, disadvantaged and homeless women and children, affording them an opportunity to learn and grow at every level.  Although Lotus House was its first initiative, the Foundation provides support to other non-profit agencies serving poor, disadvantaged and homeless women and children in the West Grove, Liberty City and Overtown neighborhoods of Miami.  Subject to securing necessary funding, the Foundation hopes to establish additional facilities and programming to further its mission to serve women and children most in need in our community.  We are truly dedicated to promoting the education, advancement and social inclusion of poor, disadvantaged and homeless women and children in our all endeavors, and the vision of the Foundation continues to blossom!

BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS – 2007-2008

The Sundari Foundation enjoys the support of two Boards of Directors in the furtherance of its mission.  The Honorary Board of Directors of the Foundation was created to bring together prominent community and business leaders who share the vision of the Foundation and are helping to provide for its future.  Please contact us if you are interested in joining!