About Us

Founder's Message

Support

We provide free school supplies, digital learning tools, nutritious meals, hygiene kits, and compassionate mentorship to uplift learning, dignity, and daily survival.

Embrace

We embrace underprivileged and special needs children, ages 5 to 17, with patience, compassion, and resources that help them thrive in inclusive settings.

Value

We nurture every child’s self-worth through free learning tools, meals, and emotional mentorship - empowering confidence, creativity, & lifelong potential.

Accept

We accept and uplift every child and their caregiver, breaking barriers around disability, stigma, emotional wellness, and social isolation - ensuring no child feels unseen, excluded, or left behind.

Namaste: Welcome To International SEVA

Why We Exist: To Restore Every Unprivileged & Special Child’s Dignity 

As a child growing up in Central Africa, I saw what many ignored: children with disabilities hidden away, families in poverty left to struggle in silence. Yet, I also witnessed quiet heroism – my parents, who gave without recognition, participating gupt daan – selfless, anonymous acts of generosity. Their compassion became my blueprint for life.  

Years later, this mission became deeply personal when my niece was born with Down syndrome. Suddenly, the struggle wasn’t “out there”- it was ours. We faced sharp stigma, rejection, and exhausting hospital visits. Neighbours turned away. Whispers followed. But our family refused to let fear write her story. We showed up with patience, love, structure, and unshakable belief in her worth.

That decision transformed her life… and mine. With early intervention, encouragement and exposure to the world that believed in her, she discovered her voice — and her joy. Watching her blossom revealed an undeniable truth:

Every child – regardless of ability, income, or geography – deserves to be supported with compassion, Embraced with love, Valued with dignity, and Accepted with open arms.

That truth gave birth to International SEVA.

What Drives Us

  • Children with special needs and families in poverty often face silence, not support.
  • Dignity is not optional – it’s every child’s birthright.
  • Real change does not demand thousands – It requires consistency, compassion, and community.
  • One SEVA At A Time, we replace isolation with belonging, despiar with dignity and stigma with strength.
 

Together We Can Rewrite their Story

  • Every act of kindness brings a child closer to hope, confidence and dignity.
  • Your support builds futures filled with belongings and respect where others see only limits.

With Gratitude and Determination,

Nalini K. Desai

About International SEVA

Support, Embrace, Value, Accept

WHO WE ARE:
International SEVA is a U.S. 501(c)(3) volunteer-led nonprofit. With compassion and zero-cost services, we aim to Support, Embrace, Value and Accept underprivileged children and those with developmental disabilities, ages 5 to 17.  We operate with no paid staff – just purpose-driven volunteers.

WHAT WE DO:
At International SEVA, we recognize the diverse needs of children.  With the support of our dedicated volunteers, we strive to make a meaningful difference. We provide education, nutrition, and emotional support – fighting stigma, depression, hunger, and social isolation.

WHERE WE SERVE:
We operate primarily in Virginia, U.S., and rural Gujarat, India where children are most underserved.
🟡 Urgent Needs:
🔸 1,300+ children on our waitlist in Gujarat.
🔸 500+ children with autism and Down syndrome in Central Africa.

2025 CDC Report:
1 in 31 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism. The need is growing – in the U.S. and globally.

WHY IT MATTERS:
Children with autism and Down syndrome face unique daily challenges, often resulting in:

  • Limited or no access to quality education.
  • Poor nutrition and weakened immune systems.
  • Social stigma, isolation, and lack of inclusion.

They are frequently invisible to society – hungry, overlooked, and left behind.  They deserve better. They deserve dignity, opportunity, and care..

OUR GOAL IS TO OFFER:
💛 One SEVA At A Time:  We bring dignity, inclusion, and hope.

YOUR SUPPORT PROMOTES:
✅ Awareness – Ending stigma through community education.
✅ Community Uplift – Building belonging across generations.
✅ Wellness – Providing healthy food, care, and confidence.

Where others see disabilities, we see divine abilities

Donate Now

Make a Difference with International SEVA

Your generosity powers our mission to Support, Embrace, Value, and Accept children living in poverty and those with developmental disabilities in remote, underserved regions.

Whether you give directly, host a fundraiser, or join one of our events, every act of kindness helps us build a world where every child feels seen, supported, and able to thrive.

💛 Together, we can bring dignity, nourishment, and hope – One SEVA at a time.