Disabled at an early age and rejected by her parents, alumnus Lorraine (Lolly) Raphael was given a new start at the Homes. This is her story.

"I was born in Kolkata - the ‘City of Joy’ - into a poor family of four (three sisters and one brother). Unfortunately, I contracted polio at the tender age of one, which left me disabled and unable to walk on my own. Due to financial conditions, I was sent to Dr. Graham’s Homes, but my parents then severed all relationship with me. I grew up with feelings of dejection - having no parents, no contact with family, no use of my legs, and not many friends then.

At DGH, I grew up among children from different castes, creeds and religious backgrounds. I was guided by an excellent Principal, Mr. B. T. Brooks, and by disciplined and loving teachers, who made me feel that this was my family. A sense of caring and sharing was woven into the fabric of our daily living. I attended the Sunday School, Youth Fellowship and Teen Ambassador groups from the onset.

It was very difficult for me at this age to reconcile to the fact that I couldn’t walk as a normal person. But the school’s administrative concern towards the treatment of my polio-affected legs was a constant. They sent me to the Christian Medical College and Hospital in Chennai every year to get a freshly adjusted pair of callipers and crutches, and also physiotherapy, since I was a growing girl.

The school also helped me to build up my self-confidence by participating in extracurricular activities. I had a passion for singing and playing the guitar, painting, drama, collecting stamps and skiing, as well as a talent for churning out indigenous handicrafts and learning languages (I speak English, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, Tamil, Norwegian)! Above all, I made lots of friends and their positive response gave me immense satisfaction.

DGH also played an important part in advising me about my future. I was at the threshold of completing school but proper guidance from my teachers enabled me to complete a full Secretarial course. I obtained a First Class Advance certificate, and six other certificates offered by the Pitmans Board in London, UK. Armed with this professional skill, I was prepared and excited to go out and meet the challenges of life.

Arriving in Kolkata’s crowded cosmopolitan city was initially a shock compared to the calm and serene atmosphere I enjoyed in the hills! Since I had to support myself financially for survival, I was compelled to look for employment - but because of my disability, that wasn’t easy. Opportunities arose but did not materialise, as organisations wanting to employ me were not in a position to offer me transport to and from my residence. A feeling of dejection crept in, but then a timely opportunity from DGH to work as Secretary at the School Office instilled new hope and gave me a chance to serve them for some time. Not long after, I received an interview letter from an international NGO in Kolkata. After much counselling from my seniors I came for the interview, passed with flying colours and was immediately selected.

Things began to move well. I took up my assignment as Senior Secretary to the Deputy Director and Emergency Officer for the next 21 years. During my career with the NGO, I had the opportunity to visit many countries on both personal and official levels - Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, Bhutan, Nepal, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Germany, China and Austria, to name a few! I have travelled extensively within India too. I even got a one year scholarship from Norway to do a study on Global Issues, which was such an enriching experience.

In the year 2000, I was specially invited by the Bishop of Oslo, Norway, and an international NGO there, to witness and sing in front of around 3000 youth at a huge programme to bring in the millennium. This was a super hit and many gave their lives to the Lord. I was also asked to speak at churches, youth gatherings, drug addict centres, schools etc during my stay there. In 2007, I received the prestigious Mother Teresa International and Millennium Award for the category of best Social Worker, among other eminent national and international dignitaries, and a “Role Model for the Disabled’ award from the Governor of West Bengal in 2009. In 2020, I was also awarded a Trophy and Certificate of Appreciation from an eminent school in Kolkata, for steadfast sacrifice and understanding in service and dedication towards the society. Presently I continue to do social work in Sunderbans specially catering to watershed management, community development, disability, women and child, etc till date.

All these achievements would never have been possible had it not been for “Daddy Graham”, his wife Katherine, our sponsors, the DGH administrators, the OGBs, and a host of well-wishers and friends worldwide who set their hearts on giving me, and children like me, a place to call home that changed our lives forever. Thank you, friends, for keeping this amazing vision alive for decades, so that generations will be able to stand with their heads held high, confident in the knowledge that they have a total slice of paradise to call their own: Dr Graham’s Homes. Words cannot express our deepest appreciation to you all. Your generosity and thoughtful donations will help to create a thousand more Lollys. May your kindness and love continue to reach deserving children who like me and thousands of OGBs spread across the globe, be living examples and keep HOPE ALIVE forever."