Our Story
Holy Cross Social Service Society is a secular, non-profit social service organization working alongside Indigenous and marginalized communities in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Vision
A society where women, girls, and marginalized communities live with dignity and equal opportunities.
Mission
To empower women, girls, and marginalized communities through inclusive and sustainable community development.
Objectives
- To strengthen the education, literacy, confidence, life skills, and leadership of women and girls, enabling them to participate actively in their families and communities.
- To promote health awareness, menstrual hygiene, and inclusive support for children and other vulnerable groups to improve their wellbeing and participation.
- To improve household livelihoods, food security, and living conditions through climate-resilient agriculture, skill development, and housing support.
- To strengthen community participation and collaboration with relevant government departments, development partners, and local groups to expand opportunities for sustainable community development.
Legal Status
- Registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, Registration No. 188/1995.
- Registered with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
- Holds tax exemption under Section 12A of the Indian Income Tax Act.
- Possesses a valid Permanent Account Number (PAN).
Our Core Values
At Holy Cross Social Service Society, our work is guided by strong foundational values that ensure dignity, fairness,
and sustainable development for the most vulnerable communities we serve.
Equity
We work to reduce social and economic inequalities by empowering individuals and strengthening their skills for sustainable livelihoods. Our focus is on ensuring fair access to opportunities for everyone.
Human Dignity & Well-Being
Every person deserves respect, equality, and protection from discrimination. We uphold the dignity of every human being—regardless of gender, race, religion, language, or socio-economic background.
Accountability & Transparency
We maintain the highest standards of integrity in all our work. HCSSS is committed to being transparent and accountable to our communities, partners, donors, and stakeholders.
Partnership & Collaboration
We believe that meaningful change happens through collective action. HCSSS actively collaborates with communities, government bodies, and partner organizations to create a deeper and lasting impact.
Self-Sustaining Communities
To address global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity, we support communities in becoming resilient and self-reliant. Our approach encourages long-term sustainability from the ground up.
Government Engagement
As a forward-thinking organization in the social development sector, HCSSS works closely with government and like-minded institutions. Together, we create large-scale, sustainable impact that transforms lives.
Operational Area
Holy Cross Social Service Society works in some of the most remote and underserved regions of Parvathipuram Manyam District and Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, with a dedicated focus on Bhamini Mandal—recognized as an Aspirational Block by NITI Aayog, Government of India.
Bhamini at a Glance
Bhamini Mandal, Parvathipuram Manyam District, located along the Andhra–Odisha border, is characterized by:
- Hilly, forest-covered terrain of the Eastern Ghats
- Limited access to essential services
- High concentrations of Tribal and marginalized populations
- Development challenges that demand focused, community-specific solutions
- Holy Cross implements targeted programs here to drive measurable, time-bound, and impactful change.
Focus Groups
We work with the most vulnerable communities to ensure inclusive and equitable development.
Our primary focus groups include:
Tribal (Indigenous) Communities- Dalits
- Women and Girls
- Children and Youth
- Landless Families
- Small & Marginal Farmers
- Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
Each intervention is designed to address their unique needs and strengthen their social, economic, and developmental opportunities.
Governance and Organizational Structure
General Body
The General Body serves as the highest decision-making authority of Holy Cross Social Service Society. It convenes annually to review and approve annual plans, budgets, policies, and major organizational decisions. The General Body is composed of members with diverse professional backgrounds, ensuring strong guidance and accountability aligned with the organization’s mission.
Executive Board
The Executive Board provides strategic leadership, ensuring the organization remains focused on its long-term goals. Meeting quarterly, the Board reviews program progress, approves new initiatives, and monitors the implementation of policies. Members of the Executive Board are elected by the General Body and play a crucial role in maintaining transparency, promoting good governance, and providing strategic oversight.
Project Director
The Project Director leads the day-to-day operations of Holy Cross Social Service Society. This role includes managing staff, coordinating programs, implementing policies, and ensuring that all projects are carried out effectively and in alignment with the organization’s strategic vision. The Project Director reports directly to the Executive Board and is responsible for achieving program outcomes and organizational objectives.
Staff and Volunteers
Holy Cross Social Service Society employs qualified staff based on project requirements and engages dedicated volunteers to support specific activities. All staff and volunteers are expected to adhere to organizational policies, uphold ethical standards, and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Their commitment and professionalism help ensure the successful implementation of our mission and programs.
From the Project Director’s Desk
Warm greetings from Holy Cross Social Service Society.
For over two decades, we have walked beside the tribal and rural communities of our region, guided by a simple but powerful belief: real change begins when people recognize their own strength. Our mission is to ensure that every child learns, every girl dreams freely, and every family grows with dignity and opportunity.
In villages where challenges are many and resources are few, we remain committed to protecting children, preventing child marriage, empowering girls, and strengthening women’s livelihoods. The courage of the girls we mentor and the resilience of the families we serve inspire us every day.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, supporters, and community members. Together, we are planting seeds of hope—and watching them grow into brighter futures.
With warm regards,
Mr. Karanam CK Prabhu Das
Project Director
Holy Cross Social Service Society