CHASS

Table of Contents

CHASS (Changanacherry Social Service Society)

Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives, Sustaining Development

The Changanacherry Social Service Society (CHASS), established in 1966, is the official social work department of the Catholic Archdiocese of Changanacherry. Registered under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, CHASS functions as a leading non-governmental organization (NGO) spanning five civil districts of southern Kerala: Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Thiruvananthapuram.

With a democratic governing framework built directly upon village-level representatives and subject experts, CHASS pursues the dignity and development of the poor, weak, and marginalized, completely irrespective of caste, creed, or community.

Vision, Mission & Core Values

Vision & Mission

Our Vision:
A just society based on human values.

Our Mission Statement

Sustainable development of the poor and the marginalized through community organization, awareness, and training.

Core Values

  • Unity – Binding communities together for collective progress.
  • Love – The driving compassionate spark behind our service.
  • Justice – Defending equity and human rights for the vulnerable.
  • Fraternity – Fostering brotherhood and mutual support across society.

Key Historical Milestones

Over its multi-decade journey, CHASS has pioneered innovative social development projects, moving from basic charity to institutionalized structural empowerment.

August 6, 1966
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August 6, 1966
V3.0.3

The Inception

CHASS was officially inaugurated and registered to coordinate welfare services and developmental initiatives for the weaker sections of society.

1968
V2.0.3
1968
V2.0.3

International Partnership

Launched the highly impactful ‘Save A Family Plan’ (SAFP) project, directly pulling vulnerable families out of systemic poverty through sustainable livelihood sponsorships.

1975
V1.0.3
1975
V1.0.3

Industrial & Skill Evolution

Inaugurated the Cooperative Tailoring Centre (COPTAC) alongside massive Khadi & Village Industries programs to secure financial independence for rural women.

1992
1992

National De-Addiction Mandate

Partnered with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, New Delhi, to establish the landmark ACCEPT De-Addiction Center at Punnapra and Kattanam.

2011
Subheading
2011
Subheading

National Recognition

Conferred the prestigious National Award in the field of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities by the Government of India.

Core Pillars of Grassroots Intervention

CHASS operates as a comprehensive development hub, structuring its interventions across highly focused socio-economic sectors.

1. Community Organizations & Grassroots Banking

CHASS mobilizes human resources through a vast web of over 165 affiliated local village units.

  • Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Managing hundreds of active men’s and women’s SHGs, fostering small-scale mutual thrift, community credit, and a unique Death Fund Scheme to financially cushion families during a bereavement.
  • Joint Liability Groups (JLGs): Augmenting institutional credit flow directly to small, marginal, and tenant farmers.

2. Livelihood Initiatives & Vocational Training

CHASS drives independent entrepreneurship by conducting local and regional job-oriented skill training clinics, including:

  • Mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, and honey processing.
  • Tailoring, embroidery, umbrella making, and cloth bag production.
  • Bakery management and advanced food preservation.

3. Ecology, Agriculture & Water Security

  • Farmers’ Clubs: Driving a revived, integrated organic farming culture across 60 specialized clubs.
  • Jalanidhi & Watershed Programs: Implementing extensive water conservation, rain-harvesting, and resource-regeneration projects to ensure safe drinking water access.

4. Public Health & Institutional Care

  • ACCEPT IRCA: Functioning as a designated State Level Coordinating Agency (SLCA) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, leading drug prevention networks, anti-drug campaigns (Sajeevam), and running rehab clinics.
  • Community-Based Rehabilitation: Offering specialized schools, training, and structured care for differently-abled individuals.

Emergency Relief & Habitat Development

CHASS remains at the absolute forefront of crisis management in Kerala, actively working to rebuild regions hit hard by climatic anomalies.

1.Emergency Relief Operations:Immediate Care.

Distributing essential medical supplies, dry rations, sanitary materials, and temporary shelters during major natural calamities and health crises.

2.Habitat Development:Structural Recovery.

Moving beyond immediate relief to provide tile-roofing assistance, low-cost household latrines, and clean water sanitation installations for shelter-less families.

3.Kuttanad Rehabilitation Project:Long-Term Stability.

Devising specialized permanent housing models, micro-employment clusters, and structural reclamation projects specifically for the flood-vulnerable people of the Kuttanad region.

Partner with CHASS

Whether you are an academic student seeking field training through our structured Student Mentorship Programme, a corporate entity looking for verified CSR partnerships, or a donor wanting to sponsor a family, CHASS welcomes your collaboration.

Official Email: chass1966@gmail.comly.

Director / Secretary: [Insert Priest’s Name]

Central Office Address: CHASS, P.B. No. 20, Changanacherry, Kottayam, Kerala – 686101

Contact Number: +91 81380 88730 | 0481-2400085

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