PASTORAL CENTRE
Rev. Fr. M. Dominic Savio,
Secretary- KMSSS
Social Service
Serving People · Strengthening Communities · Sharing Hope
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LEADERSHIP & COORDINATION
Social Service Team
Priests entrusted with guiding and coordinating the social service initiatives of the Diocese.
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PERAMBALUR SOCIAL SERVICE SOCIETY
Rev. Fr. A. Jayaraj
Site-Director,Chalice
CHALICE PROGRAMME
Rev. Fr. S. J. Soosaimanickam
Secretary, PSSS
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SOCIAL SERVICE SOCIETY · 01
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KMSSS
Kumbakonam Multipurpose Social Service Society
About KMSSS
Kumbakonam Multipurpose Social Service Society (KMSSS) is a diocesan social development organisation functioning under the Catholic Diocese of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. It was established in November 1973 and legally registered on 26 November 1973, under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.
KMSSS was established in response to the socio-economic challenges faced by poor and marginalised communities in the Cauvery Delta region. Its primary objective is to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people, irrespective of caste, religion or community, through social development, empowerment, education, livelihood promotion and community participation.
Initially, the organisation focused primarily on charity-based assistance. During the early 1990s, it shifted towards community-oriented development programmes, encouraging the participation and contribution of local communities. In the mid-2000s, KMSSS further strengthened its approach by adopting community empowerment and sustainable development strategies.
Today, KMSSS works towards building a society where vulnerable communities enjoy dignity, equality, opportunities and an improved quality of life.
Geographical Coverage
KMSSS operates in the Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu, covering 12 blocks across three districts:
The organisation primarily works with economically disadvantaged families, children, women, youth, small and marginal farmers, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable sections of society.
Objectives
To perform works of charity for those in need, irrespective of caste, race, community or creed.
To carry on social service activities aimed at improving the living conditions and general welfare of the poor, particularly unemployed farmers and other working people, as well as poor persons of different occupations, irrespective of race, caste, community or creed.
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CHILD SPONSORSHIP · 02
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KMSSS – Chalice
A partnership for children, families and community development
About the Chalice Partnership
KMSSS was established in response to the socio-economic challenges faced by poor and marginalised communities in the Cauvery Delta region. Its primary objective is to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people, irrespective of caste, religion or community, through social development, empowerment, education, livelihood promotion and community participation.
The partnership between KMSSS and Chalice, Canada, has been an important part of the organisation’s efforts to support vulnerable children and families. Chalice has been extending support to the Tamil Nadu programme since 1999.
Through this partnership, children and their families receive assistance to address their educational, nutritional, medical and family development needs. The partnership also supports community-based development initiatives that help families improve their socio-economic conditions and build a more secure future.
The STAR–Chalice programme was officially handed over to KMSSS–Chalice on 1 January 2021, strengthening local programme coordination and implementation.
KMSSS serves as the implementing organisation in Tamil Nadu, coordinating beneficiary identification, assessment, programme implementation, monitoring, documentation and reporting in collaboration with Chalice.
Major Funding Streams and Programmes
Chalice Child Sponsorship Programme
Supports economically disadvantaged children to continue their education and improve their overall well-being.
- Education support through the Development Fund for Families (DFF)
- Nutritional assistance for children and families
- Medical and health-related assistance
- Family development and well-being
- Children’s educational and personal development
Critical Need (CN) and Emergency Assistance
Provides need-based support to sponsored children and families facing unexpected and serious difficulties, particularly medical emergencies and other urgent circumstances, subject to assessment, verification and approval.
Income Generation Programmes (IGP)
Supports vulnerable families in establishing or strengthening small income-generating activities, improving household income, self-reliance and financial independence.
Housing and WASH Programmes
Through Housing Development Programme (HDP), Construction Projects (CP) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, families receive support for house construction, toilet facilities and sanitation improvements.
Chalice Circle Groups (CCGs)
Community-based groups encourage savings, mutual support, family development and collective responsibility, particularly strengthening women’s financial discipline and participation in community development.
Other Institutional and Donor-Supported Programmes
KMSSS has also worked with partners including Kolping India, government development initiatives and child protection programmes. Activities have included women’s self-help groups, educational scholarships, dairy and livestock assistance, sustainable livelihoods, disability rehabilitation and Childline 1098.
Beneficiaries and Development Impact
KMSSS has worked with thousands of individuals and families through its various community development initiatives over the decades.
These figures represent different programme periods and beneficiary categories. They should not be added together as a cumulative total, since overlap may exist.
Our Commitment and Way Forward
KMSSS–Chalice continues to work towards the holistic development of children and their families by addressing immediate needs while promoting long-term self-reliance and community empowerment.
Through the combined efforts of the Diocese of Kumbakonam, Chalice, programme staff, field workers, community groups and local stakeholders, the organisation strives to ensure that vulnerable children receive opportunities for education, good health, nutrition and a dignified future.
With its long-standing experience in social development and its continued commitment to the poor and marginalised, KMSSS remains dedicated to creating sustainable and meaningful changes in the lives of the communities it serves.
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SOCIAL SERVICE SOCIETY · 03
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PSSS
Perambalur Social Service Society
Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of the Perambalur Social Service Society are:
To engage in social service activities aimed at improving the living conditions and general welfare of the poor, particularly farmers.
To co-operate and collaborate with the existing financial institutions for the promotion of economic development.
To organize people and develop local leadership in order to enhance their social, economical, ecological and cultural status with their participation.
MOMENTS OF SERVICE · COMMUNITY · HOPE
Our Social Service Gallery
Explore moments from our programmes, community initiatives and shared mission.
Helping People Help Themselves
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Diocese of Kumbakonam · Social Service Societies
Social Service of the Diocese
Taking humanity in its integrity, the Diocese does not fail to look into the social needs of the people. It carries out social activities through two Social Service Societies: Kumbakonam Multipurpose Social Service Society (KMSSS) and Perambalur Social Service Society (PSSS). The social works are carried out irrespective of caste and creed, with the objective of helping people help themselves. Saving schemes, motivation, self-help groups and awareness programmes are some of their thrusts.