Apnalaya is a non-profit organization founded in 1973, and working in Shivaji Nagar, M East Ward since 1992.Working in underprivileged urban communities, we work to break inter-generational cycle of marginalization by dismantling the following three inter-related intergenerational cycles: (1) ill-health (2) poor education and (3) unemployment. Through this experience Apnalayahas come to realise that although providing services to marginalised people and communities may be necessary to offer immediate relief, and indeed, survival itself, it is not a sustainable solution to the problems faced. Supporting this, studies have indicated that robust socialchange can be made if communities from underprivileged backgrounds take active participation in decision making  and that enabling youth in particular is extremely crucial to bring positive social, economic and civic change. Therefore, through recent years, our programming has evolved to include a focus on enabling and empowering people and communities to actively participate in their own development (this is outlined in more detail below). However, preparing marginalised communities for this type of participation can be a significant challenge; as they often feel disconnected from such systems. We believe that a strategic integration of marginalised and high-risk communities in decision making processes can enable people to pursue a more positive, engaged and meaningful life. We also believe that is only through community-led efforts that decision-makers (including governmental bodies) will take the needed action to make sustainable changes in such communities.

• Apnalaya has been actively involved in Shivaji Nagar since 1998. However, major interventions in specific geographies started from 2014 with mother and child care and disability as the focus. We had done a situational analysis of the areas that we work in Shivaji Nagar in 2016. 
• Apnalaya is a Guide Star India Platinum Winner in 2018-19
• We are also certified as a CAP affiliate from Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy 

Apnalaya began as a day care centre for children of migrant labourers in the hutments of Nariman Point, Mumbai, 1973. By 1990, we had centres in the South, Eastern and Western suburbs of Mumbai where we worked on civic issues (housing, water). In 1998, we were able to withdraw from communities (apart from Shivaji Nagar) as community members were running the projects. However, in Shivaji Nagar people faced a severe lack of amenities. We began the Integrated Community Development Approach as there were several interrelated issues that we had to address for our work to have sustained impact.Since 2016 there has been a focus on creating Samuhik Vikas Samitis (SVS/Community Development Groups) where we train men, women and youth to form volunteer groups. They work with the local government authorities to access civic entitlements.

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