Written by: Antonio Martin
At Windy Hill Foundation, our greatest strength comes from our ability to support one other in every way we can. That is why we are proud to highlight our partnership with Chetana Foundation, a non-profit that directs volunteers and donors in 11 chapters across the United States. We were able to sit down and interview the lead of the Chetana Foundation DC Metro Chapter, Sreelatha Narla, and two volunteers who work with her, Harini Kumar and Rithika Ayyappan, to learn more about the Chetana Foundation’s impact.
Chetana Foundation started in Portland, Oregon in 2016, and has since expanded throughout the U.S. The name is rooted from Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages in the world, and means “Consciousness.” Pronounced “Che-TAH-nah,” the organization’s volunteers and organizers focus on the themes of Hunger, Education, and Empowerment across the USA and India. This closely aligns with Windy Hill Foundation’s own four key “Outcome Areas” of education, health & nutrition, financial stability, and community engagement.
Chetana Foundation first started working with Windy Hill Foundation in 2018, when they collaborated with Foundation staff to distribute donated bread to residents in need. In 2020, when Covid hit, Sreelatha and her volunteers were forced to take a break. This year however, we were able to restart the bread delivery program to address resident food needs.
“The bread pickups and drop-offs are always fulfilling experiences, and I’m grateful to make a difference in the community through simple actions,” says Harini. “Through my time with Chetana, I’ve learned the true value of volunteering and how I can personally make a difference.”
In addition to the return of the bread donations, Chetana has diversified the services offered to our Windy Hill residents. One service is the delivery of fresh produce to our elderly and young disabled residents at Levis Hill House every month, allowing vital food access that may prove challenging due to mobility or financial reasons for our residents.
“Seeing the smiles on their faces has been incredibly rewarding, and they eagerly look forward to our monthly visits,” says Sreelatha.
To serve the younger members of our Windy Hill community, Chetana Foundation also organizes annual school supply drives and in 2024 they did a winter coat drive for our Windy Hill community.
“The joy on the children’s faces as they receive their new school bags is truly heartwarming,” says Sreelatha.
In 2025, over 100 residents received school supplies, which included a new backpack, notebook, and writing supplies. 20 families received new, donated jackets and coats for the winter months.
Chetana Foundation’s values align with our own, in that we both want to support independent, responsible residents who can work and contribute to our community.
“Windy Hill Foundation transforms communities by encouraging self-improvement and their main goal is to help people get stable and be self-sufficient. Windy Hill’s focus: Self-Sufficiency & Programs, After-School Academic Support, and Basic Needs & Emergency Support are great empathetic goals, are also the vision of the Chetana Foundation,” adds Rithika, who proves this mission works by volunteering every week.
As a resident service coordinator, Antonio Martin shares how it has been his privilege to work with Chetana Foundation, and to start and grow new programs for our residents, or reignite beloved old ones.
“We are especially grateful to Antonio and Michelle for their outstanding support in helping us connect with the community and spread the word about our events. We are truly thankful for our amazing volunteers and coordinators whose dedication and hard work make our success possible.”
Special thanks to Sreelatha, Harini, Rithika, and all the volunteers that work every week to make their community around them better. Working with Chetana Foundation plays a vital role in Windy Hill Foundation’s mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing to low- and lower-income families and the elderly and encourage self-improvement and self-efficiency among our residents.
