Since 1973, Don Bosco Social Service Society (DBSSS) has worked for the upliftment of marginalized communities in Pulianthope through impactful and sustained programs. It built over 1000 fireproof houses in the 1990s, provided continuous disaster relief, and empowered women through Maadhar Sangams, leading to social reforms like the closure of liquor shops. DBSSS promoted education, health awareness, and financial inclusion through savings schemes and SHGs. Key initiatives include the National Child Labour Project (benefiting 1800 children), Arivoli Iyakkam, and a low-cost medicinal dispensary. It also ran a long-standing pre-school, a Children’s Centre, and vocational training in tailoring and typewriting. Efforts like house counselling, alcohol deaddiction awareness, and collaboration with HelpAge India enhanced community wellbeing. Under the National Urban Livelihood Mission, it supported SHGs, tuitions, career guidance, and women’s empowerment. Recent initiatives like Class 10 tuition centres and programs like DESH reflect DBSSS’s continued commitment to holistic urban development.
Disaster Relief (Since 1973): Distributed relief materials and food supplies during floods and natural disasters every year, ensuring basic survival support.
Women Empowerment through Maadhar Sangams: Enabled community leaders to fight anti-social issues; closed two TASMAC liquor shops and addressed various women's issues.
Community Mobilization: Petitions submitted by Maadhar Sangams and manrams of Ambedkar Nagar, Nehru Nagar, and Sastri Nagar addressed civic issues and local governance problems.
Educational Awareness Programs: Conducted regular campaigns to increase school enrollment and reduce dropouts.
Health Awareness: Raised awareness on chronic and lifestyle diseases, improving preventive healthcare understanding.
Savings Scheme (1980s): Launched a community savings program with interest, promoting financial literacy and stability.
Tailoring Training (Since 1980s): Continues to empower women with vocational skills for self-employment.
Medicinal Dispensary (1988–2000): Provided affordable healthcare for women and children with medicine costs capped at Rs. 80, serving the poor effectively.
Housing Development (1990s): Constructed over 1000 fireproof houses, providing safe and secure housing for slum residents.
Arivoli Iyakkam (1991–1994): Involved 120 members in adult literacy efforts, contributing to increased literacy rates.
Post-2001 Livelihood Support: Implemented NABARD-SHGs and linked communities to government welfare schemes for sustainable development.
DESH Project: Recognized with a II place award for effective implementation and community impact.
Cleanliness Drives: Organized rallies and street plays to promote hygiene, sanitation, and environmental awareness.
National Child Labour Project (1998–2013):
Conducted child labour surveys
Offered non-formal and formal education
Benefited 1800 students
Awarded the Best Teacher award from DBSSS.
Pre-School Program (1998–2020):
Operated from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Gradual fee system: Free → Rs. 50 → Rs. 100 → Rs. 2500/year
Improved access to early childhood education.
Children’s Centre (1993–1998): Provided a half-day schooling model for 600 children, combining education with support services.
House Counselling (2001–2003): Offered mental health and family support to improve well-being and social harmony.
National Urban Livelihood Mission (2016–2023):
Created and strengthened Self-Help Groups
Provided Rs. 10,000 subsidies till 2021
Promoted women’s economic empowerment.
Women, Youth, and Children Programs (2017–2021):
Ran free tuition centres
Distributed relief materials
Conducted career guidance for youth.
Mobile Medical Services: Collaborated with HelpAge India to provide doorstep healthcare to the elderly and underprivileged.
Alcohol Deaddiction Awareness: Led community-based campaigns to reduce alcohol dependency and its social impact.
Typewriting and Tailoring Classes (Nov 2023–ongoing): Introduced new skill development programs to enhance employability and promote livelihoods
Tuition Centre for Class 10 (June 2024–ongoing): Started free tuition for Class 10 students to boost academic performance.