Helpline

(585) 234-1050

Email

saathi_rochester@gmail.com

Vision:

Saathi envisions a South Asian community free of sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Mission:

Saathi’s mission is to empower people of South Asian origin who live in the Greater Rochester area and are experiencing domestic violence. We aim to help them regain their dignity, experience freedom from violence, enjoy a sense of self-worth and be self-sufficient.

origin of saathi

Saathi of Rochester was founded in 2004 by Drs. Shashi and Ravi Sharma. They, along with some other community leaders, saw the need for an organization to help community members experiencing domestic violence. Therefore, the Sharmas assembled a group of likeminded individuals from the community, the legal formalities were completed, necessary funds were committed by community members, and the organization was ready to serve. 20+ years later, Saathi continues to serve the community. Board members and clients of Saathi are grateful to the South Asian community for their financial support without which this work would not be possible.

board members

President

Raje Sathasivam

Vice President

Laiqa Munawar

Secretary

Shahana Koppikar

Treasurer

Sangita Patel

Board members

Advisory Board

Friends of Saathi

Immigration, Accreditation & Recognition

Saathi’s renewal of DOJ’s recognition is active till 2026. It allows Saathi to assist in the immigration needs of Saathi’s clients. Dr. Shashi Sharma, the Founder and the current President of Saathi has partial DOJ accreditation. This allows her to represent the clients in DHS.