Our Story
Ashok Trust began with lived experience, not an idea. Our founder, San Mahajan, grew up in India caring for his family. His brother has severe Down syndrome, his mother lived with schizophrenia, and after losing his father early, care became part of everyday life. There were no systems. No breaks. Just responsibility. That experience shaped a simple belief:
Caring for a child or adult with additional needs can be a full-time responsibility. The current Ashok Trust site already states that over time families can lose personal space, energy, and emotional balance and that respite helps families “breathe again.”
Ashok Trust is a Canada-based non-profit supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, with a strong focus on family wellbeing and respite care.
We work with families who often carry care responsibilities around the clock. Many are emotionally and physically exhausted, with little support and no breaks. Our work is built around one simple understanding: when families are supported, children thrive better.
At Ashok Trust, care does not stop at the child. Our system is designed so families are not confined to constant supervision and stress.
The Unsolved Problem
Challenges Faced by families in Mental Health Support
what do we work for
to Make a Difference ?
Supporting Families, Not Just Individuals Perceptions
Caring for a loved one with additional needs is a full-time responsibility that can leave families with little time to rest or recover. At Ashok Trust, we support families by providing reliable respite care and guidance, allowing caregivers to take a break, regain balance, and continue their journey with strength and peace of mind.
Removing Barriers
Many families face challenges accessing essential support due to financial limitations, lack of awareness, or limited resources. We work to remove these barriers by connecting families with affordable care, therapies, and learning opportunities, ensuring that every individual has the chance to grow, learn, and live with dignity.
Building Sustainable Care
Our approach focuses on long-term impact, not just temporary support. Through structured programs, life-skills training, and continuous care planning, we help individuals become more independent while supporting families in creating a stable, sustainable environment where both caregivers and their loved ones can thrive.
What Do We Aim For ?
Vision
A world where families caring for children and adults with additional needs are supported, not overwhelmed.
We envision communities where respite care is recognised as essential support giving caregivers the time, rest, and confidence they need, while their loved ones receive safe, meaningful care that helps them grow, connect, and live with dignity.
Mission
Our mission is to make respite real and accessible for families who care every day.
Through safe respite programmes, supportive learning environments, and structured daily engagement, we provide children and adults with nurturing care while giving caregivers the space to rest, work, care for their families, and sustain long-term care at home.
At Ashok Trust, respite is not an extra service, it is the foundation that keeps families strong and care sustainable.
Why Respite Care Matters?
Caring for a child or adult with additional needs is a full-time responsibility. Over time, families lose personal space, energy, and emotional balance. Many stop working, socialising, or caring for their own health.
Our respite care allows families to breathe again.
By ensuring children are safe, engaged, and supported during the day, caregivers regain time, stability, and confidence. This leads to healthier families and better outcomes for children.
Our Impact In Their Words
Manisha's Mother
Dhroov's Family
Pratham's Family
Donate
Help Us Bring Change. One Child at a Time.
When you support Ashok Trust, you are not only funding care for a child.
You are giving a family time, rest, and relief.
Your contribution helps provide:
- Structured respite care for families
- Education and therapeutic support
Safe daily programmes for children
Transport, meals, and secure routines
“We are all special. We are all indifferent.
But it takes a rare special human to embrace & raise the other rare, delicate buds to the very top and hold them with care till they blossom, shine & dance with the wind.”
