Hope rises from ashes of mother’s grief
WHEN Harinder Kaur’s son was killed in a car accident in 2012, she thought she might never be happy again.
But instead of giving in to her grief, Harinder decided to create a legacy in his name that would reflect his compassionate spirit.
And so, the Harman Foundation was established in 2013 in memory of Harman Preet Singh and that pain was transformed into a source of hope and support for others.
Fast forward to today and the Harman Foundation has become a vital community organisation offering a 24/7 support helpline, domestic and family violence services, women’s shelters, education and wellbeing seminars, advocacy services and much more.
Through the dedication of more than 200 volunteers, the Foundation has helped more than 20,000 people and contributed $7.34 million to the Australian economy.
“Our team’s dedication and passion are the driving forces behind our ability to make a positive impact,” Harinder said.
“The Foundation would not have been possible without the support of my family, close friends and our wonderful community,” Harinder said.
“Together, we pooled our resources, time and energy to create an organisation that could address critical issues.
“In particular, my husband Maninder Singh has been a pillar of support throughout this journey.”
Harinder said she decided to focus the Foundation’s attention on domestic violence, family support, and community empowerment because of the significant need she had observed within the Blacktown community, especially among South Asian families.
“The challenges faced by women and children escaping domestic violence, the need for mental health support, and the importance of empowering vulnerable groups resonated deeply with our mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate support,” she said.
Harinder said since the Foundation’s inception they have seen positive changes as well as ongoing challenges.
“On one hand, awareness about domestic violence and the importance of mental health support has increased, thanks in part to our advocacy and outreach efforts,” she said.
“However, we also see that the demand for our services continues to grow, indicating that these issues remain prevalent. While there are improvements, there is still a significant need for continued support and intervention.”
Harinder believes the growing problem of domestic violence in our community can be attributed to several factors, including societal stress, economic pressures, and a lack of awareness and resources.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, exacerbated domestic tensions and isolation, leading to a surge in domestic violence cases,” she said.
“Additionally, cultural stigmas and fear of repercussions often prevent victims from seeking help.”
The passionate advocate for change said addressing the scourge of domestic violence required a multifaceted approach.
“Firstly, there needs to be more awareness and education about domestic violence and its signs,” Harinder said.
“Secondly, increasing funding and resources for support services like shelters, counselling, and legal assistance is crucial. Empowering victims through education, employment opportunities, and financial independence is also key to breaking the cycle of abuse.
“The government can play a significant role by increasing funding for domestic violence programs, implementing stricter laws and enforcement against perpetrators, and providing comprehensive support systems for victims.
“Additionally, educational programs in schools to teach young people about healthy relationships and respect can help prevent domestic violence from occurring in the first place.”
Harinder said The Harman Foundation was committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals.
“We believe that community involvement and collaboration are essential in making a lasting impact,” she said.
“We are grateful for the support we have received thus far and are always looking for new ways to expand our services and reach. Together, we can foster a more compassionate and resilient community.”
To find out how you can support The Harmon Foundation you can visit their website at www.harmanfoundation.org.au
Image: Harinder Kaur established The Harmon Foundation to honour her son and bring hope to her community.
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