The Raj Hope Foundation of Magnolia is making strides to better its organization’s reach in the area and the community has stepped in to help.

The foundation recently applied to the Brazos Transit District for a grant which would allow the foundation to buy a handicapped accessible van for its group of special needs adults.

The van would enable the group to escort its members with special needs to and from learning facilities in The Woodlands and Conroe.

Pictured (back row, from left), Viren Vansadia, Wildwood United Methodist Church Holiday Market Director Judy Banning, (front row, from left) Group Parent Shirley Jennings, Raj Vansadia and Reverend Rusti Moore.

Group parent, Shirley Jennings explained that currently parents drive their children to these facilities while trying to work.

Viren Vansadia said that if the foundation is approved for the grant, then it would have to raise $10,000 in order to show it is capable of supporting and maintaining the van.

Vansadia added that the foundation has already accumulated half of that amount.

“There is a fair chance that our foundation may qualify for the handicapped-accessible van,” Vansadia said. “Now we’re waiting, it’s a big process to go through.”

The Wildwood United Methodist Church in Magnolia donated $1,000 to the Raj Hope Foundation in order to help.

“It’s only seed money and we realize that,” Reverend Rusti Moore said.

Vansadia explained that the ultimate goal for the Raj Hope Foundation is to have a facility in Magnolia for special needs adults to stay active.

In the meantime, the van could help keep the group’s members active by driving them to surrounding facilities, according to Vansadia.

The foundation also plans to begin tutoring classes for the special needs graduates at the Magnolia Inn and Suites main office. The classes would include basic life skills and horticulture.

Vansadia said the foundation plans monthly activities for its members. A dance and Thanksgiving dinner were recently held, as was a bowling trip.

In March the foundation will hold a tennis and golf outing at the April Sound County Club.

For more information about the Raj Hope Foundation, call Vansadia at 832-858-4647 or President Megha Vansadia at 832-858-4641.

Photo by Cheryl Smith

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed