Saheli at 30: Three Decades of Hope, Courage and Empowerment as Boston Nonprofit Prepares for Nirbhaya Gala
With demand for survivor services rising, Saheli will celebrate its 30th anniversary on December 5 at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge, bringing the community together to support its mission of helping survivors of domestic violence build safer, independent lives.
By Aruna Krishnamurthy/Saheli Board Member
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Thirty years ago, Saheli began with a mission to help survivors of domestic violence find safety, support and a path forward. Three decades later, the Massachusetts-based nonprofit is marking a milestone that reflects both the lives it has touched and the continuing need for its work.
Saheli will celebrate its 30th anniversary with Nirbhaya 2026, its signature biennial fundraising gala, on Saturday, December 5, at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge. The event will honor three decades of service while rallying community support for the organization’s next chapter of growth, outreach and survivor empowerment.
For Saheli, the anniversary is a celebration of progress, but it is also a reminder that domestic violence remains a pressing concern, particularly for immigrant communities where language barriers, cultural expectations, financial dependence and fear of stigma can prevent survivors from seeking help.
“Thirty years of service is not just a milestone for Saheli; it is a testament to the courage of survivors who have taken the first step toward a safer life and the compassion of a community that has stood beside them,” said Neelam Wali, president of Saheli Boston.
“As we celebrate this remarkable journey, we are also looking ahead. We want to reach more survivors, strengthen our services, expand access to housing, legal assistance, mental health care and economic empowerment, and ensure that no one feels they have to face domestic violence alone. Our next chapter will depend on the continued commitment of our donors, volunteers, partners and the wider community. Together, we can turn 30 years of hope into an even stronger future for the people who need us,” Wali added.
Saheli provides free, confidential and culturally responsive services to survivors of domestic violence in South Asian and Arabic-speaking communities across New England. Its comprehensive approach recognizes that escaping abuse often requires much more than immediate crisis intervention.
The organization offers a confidential helpline, legal advocacy, housing assistance, mental health and counseling services, economic empowerment programs, and financial and computer literacy workshops. These services are designed to help survivors navigate immediate safety concerns while building the stability and independence needed for the future.
Saheli served 322 survivors and their children last year. It also reported an 18% increase in its clientele from 2025 to 2026, highlighting the continued demand for accessible, judgment-free support.
The organization’s work addresses challenges that can be especially difficult for immigrant survivors, including navigating unfamiliar legal systems, finding safe and affordable housing, overcoming financial insecurity and accessing services in a language they understand.
Saheli’s official impact information also highlights its work in legal advocacy, housing stabilization, counseling and economic empowerment, underscoring the range of support survivors may need as they move from crisis toward greater independence.
A milestone anniversary — and a strategic vision for the future
As Saheli celebrates its past, it is also preparing for the years ahead.
The organization is developing a strategic plan to evaluate its achievements and challenges and establish priorities for the next two years. The process is being shaped by board members, with input from staff and the executive team.
Several working groups are focusing on strengthening staff capacity and professional development, expanding survivor support systems, improving access to housing and mental health resources, and advancing economic independence initiatives.
Other priorities include strengthening donor relations, expanding community outreach, raising awareness about domestic violence prevention, and developing parent-adolescent workshops to address urgent needs within the community.
Saheli also plans to expand its volunteer network and deepen partnerships with organizations and communities across New England.
The strategic planning effort comes at a time when nonprofits face an increasingly challenging funding and policy environment. For Saheli, building organizational capacity and strengthening community partnerships will be essential to sustaining its services and responding to the evolving needs of survivors.
The goal is not simply to preserve the organization’s legacy, but to ensure it can continue reaching more people and providing the comprehensive support survivors need to rebuild their lives.
Community support at the heart of Saheli’s mission
Behind Saheli’s work is a network of staff members, board members, volunteers, donors and community partners who contribute to its programs and long-term sustainability.
From securing grants and organizing fundraising events to providing direct services and raising awareness, their collective efforts help keep Saheli’s services available at no cost to survivors.
Nirbhaya 2026 will serve as a focal point for that community commitment. The gala will celebrate those who have contributed to Saheli’s journey while inviting new supporters to invest in its future.
The event’s fundraising and sponsorship opportunities offer individuals and businesses a way to contribute to the organization’s mission. Saheli is encouraging community members, corporate leaders, philanthropists and advocates to participate in the anniversary celebration and help sustain its work.
For survivors, access to assistance can be a turning point — whether that means finding a safe place to stay, obtaining legal guidance, receiving counseling or gaining the financial skills needed to become independent.
Saheli’s 30-year milestone highlights the importance of ensuring that these resources remain accessible to those who need them.
Nirbhaya 2026: An invitation to be part of what comes next
The name Nirbhaya, associated with fearlessness, reflects the spirit of courage and resilience at the center of Saheli’s mission.
The December 5 gala will mark three decades of standing alongside survivors and their families, while looking toward a future in which more people can access safety, dignity and opportunity.
Event details
- Event: Nirbhaya 2026 — Saheli’s 30th Anniversary Fundraising Gala
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Venue: Hyatt Regency Cambridge, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Tickets and sponsorships: saheliboston.org/nirbhaya-2026
Individual ticket availability and corporate and individual sponsorship packages are listed on the organization’s official gala page.
As Saheli enters its fourth decade, its message is clear: the work of empowering survivors requires sustained community commitment. The 30th-anniversary celebration is an opportunity to honor the past, strengthen the present and help build a future in which survivors and their children have the support they need to move forward with confidence and hope.
For more information about Saheli’s services, mission and anniversary gala, visit saheliboston.org.
