“Visit First, See the Work, Then Contribute”: The Parekh Family’s Continued Support

“We strongly encourage everyone to visit the institution at least once. When you see the work with your own eyes, you will truly understand the dedication behind it.”

For the Parekh Family from Rajkot, Manav Parivar Trust is not a place they discovered recently.

Their association with the Trust goes back to 2019, and over the years, they have continued to visit, observe the development of the institution, and contribute to its work.

Recently, the Parekh family visited Manav Parivar Trust once again to extend their support through a donation.

A Relationship That Began in 2019

Himanshu Parekh, Advocate, from Rajkot, explained that the family is associated with the Trust through their advocate group.

“We have been associated with this institution since 2019. From time to time, whenever we get an opportunity, we continue to visit.”

Over the years, their connection has grown beyond a simple donor relationship.

They have personally met and known several residents of the Trust.

“They Feel Like Members of Our Own Family”

Himanshu Parekh shared that some of the residents are people whom the family has known for years.

Whenever they visit the Trust and see them, they no longer feel like they are meeting strangers.

“There are several mentally challenged individuals whom we have known for years. Whenever we come here and see them, we feel as though they are members of our own family.”

That emotional connection has made the Trust increasingly personal for the Parekh family.

Whenever they have time, they visit—sometimes as a group and sometimes individually.

“We feel that this is our institution.”

“There Is No Answer to the Work Being Done Here”

The family expressed deep appreciation for the work being carried out by the Trust’s trustees, office bearers, and staff.

For them, the scale of the service is difficult to describe in words.

They believe that the people running the institution are putting extraordinary effort into providing facilities and care to hundreds of individuals who need continuous support.

“The work being done here has no comparison. When we see it, we feel that we have a responsibility to repay our debt to society in whatever way we can.”

Their support comes from a sense of gratitude and responsibility—not simply from a desire to donate.

“Visit Before You Decide”

When asked what message they would like to give to others, their answer was clear.

“We request everyone to visit this institution at least once.”

They believe that people can understand the true nature of the work only after seeing it personally.

“Once you visit and understand the institution, you will get a complete idea of how the trustees and office bearers are working tirelessly to provide good facilities to so many mentally challenged individuals.”

Their message is not simply to donate.

It is to come, observe, understand, and then decide how best to contribute.

Witnessing the Growth Over Five Years

One of the most meaningful aspects of the Parekh family’s association is that they have personally witnessed the Trust’s development over several years.

Himanshu Parekh explained that the institution has continued to grow and adopt improved facilities.

“We are personally witnesses to how the institution has developed. Five years ago, the number of residents was much smaller. Today, we understand that around 800 men and women with mental health challenges are receiving care here.”

For a long-term supporter, seeing this growth firsthand provides a unique perspective.

The institution has expanded not only in terms of the number of people being served, but also in its facilities and arrangements.

Cleanliness and Modern Facilities

The Parekh family also appreciated the cleanliness and overall management of the Trust.

They observed that the institution is continuously developing and incorporating improved facilities.

“The institution is growing day by day with newer and improved facilities.”

They appreciated the employees and trustees for ensuring that the residents receive proper care and facilities.

For them, this continued development is another reason to support the institution’s work.

A Growing Responsibility

As the number of residents increases, so does the responsibility of maintaining the institution.

More residents naturally require greater resources for food, accommodation, medical care, hygiene, staff, maintenance, and other daily needs.

The Parekh family recognized this growing responsibility and emphasized the importance of community participation.

Their message was simple:

“Everyone should first visit the institution, see the work, and then provide whatever support is appropriate according to their capacity.”

“See It With Your Own Eyes”

The family repeated one important message:

“Come personally. See it with your own eyes. Then contribute.”

This approach reflects their own experience.

They did not simply hear about Manav Parivar Trust.

They visited it repeatedly over the years.

They saw its residents.

They witnessed its development.

They observed the work of the staff and trustees.

And they chose to remain associated with the institution.

A Long-Term Connection Built on Trust

The Parekh family’s journey with Manav Parivar Trust demonstrates how a one-time visit can develop into a long-term relationship.

Since 2019, their connection has continued through visits, personal interactions, and contributions.

Their relationship with the residents has also become deeply personal.

“We feel that this is our institution.”

That feeling of belonging is perhaps one of the strongest forms of support an organization can receive.

A Message for the Community

The Parekh family’s appeal is straightforward:

Do not judge the work only from photographs or videos. Come and see it yourself.

Visit Manav Parivar Trust.

Meet the residents.

See the facilities.

Understand the daily responsibility involved in caring for hundreds of people.

And then, according to your ability, contribute to the cause.

A visit creates understanding. Understanding creates connection. And connection can inspire meaningful support.

For the Parekh family, this journey has been continuing since 2019.

And their message to society remains:

“Visit first. See the work yourself. Then contribute in whatever way you can.”