Empowering Change, Transforming Lives

Our Story

The JJ Metta Memorial Foundation (JJMMF) was founded in 2006 to honor the memory of Jayanth "JJ" Charya, who left this earth on March 5, 2003, at just 19 years of age in his hometown of Rockville, Maryland, USA.

JJ touched everyone he knew with his music, laughter, and generosity of spirit. He was a true humanitarian, always concerned and caring about his fellow human beings. His legacy lives on through the work of JJMMF, which finally came to fruition in 2006 after a long period of thoughtful planning.

Driven by the guiding principle of Mettā—loving-kindness and goodwill—our activities address the most critical needs of marginalized communities in India, with a special focus on Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. We provide compassion, hope, care, food, clothing, counseling, and health care to underprivileged children and women.

Through our action arm, ANEW, we implement holistic programs that enhance education, promote health and hygiene, and foster creativity. Since its inception, JJMMF/ANEW has worked tirelessly to create sustainable, positive change in the lives of those who need it most, ensuring that every child and woman we serve is given the tools they need to succeed.

Our Mission

JJMMF/ANEW provides comprehensive assistance to children, youth, and women in need across India by:

Our Vision

We envision a world where every disadvantaged girl child, adolescent female, and young woman in India has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to realize their full potential and contribute to building a more just and equitable society.

Our Values

Empathy

Serving with compassion and a genuine understanding of the needs of the communities we support.

Integrity

Operating with transparency, responsibility, and accountability in all of our programs and initiatives.

Empowerment

Providing resources and opportunities that enable individuals and communities to become self-sufficient.

Collaboration

Working alongside local communities, partners, and volunteers to maximize the impact of our efforts.

Sustainability

Creating long-lasting solutions that foster self-reliance and resilience in the communities we serve.

Our Presence India & USA

is registered as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the USA (Tax ID: 20-8839471) and operates a strong Indian chapter registered in India (Registration ID: 1609-IV).

The Indian chapter is part of the USA-based JJMMF and operates independently to serve communities across India, with concentrated efforts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Tax Benefits for Indian Donors: Donations to our Indian chapter are eligible for 80G tax exemption under the Income Tax Act. All funds donated to the Indian chapter are exclusively used for activities and programs in India.

What Makes JJMMF Stand Apart

The JJMMF Foundation distinguishes itself through its focused and sustainable approach to empowering marginalized communities in India, especially women and children, by combining education, health, and livelihood initiatives.

Unlike many organizations, JJMMF integrates:

Driving this organization is a passionate leadership team in India and the USA committed to transparency, collaboration, and continuous innovation, inspiring trust and achieving measurable social change for the underprivileged.

Our Journey: Milestones & Achievements in India

Since 2006, JJMMF/ANEW has created a lasting impact through dedicated initiatives across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana:

2012-2013

Built separate toilets for boys and girls at Government High School, Dammaiguda, Telangana, along with a school kitchen, significantly improving hygiene and nutrition facilities for students.

2015

Conducted a medical workshop in Boduppal, Telangana, providing essential health services to the local community.

2017

Adopted an old age home temporarily for one year in Hyderabad, supporting their needs during an emergency transition—a true act of compassion and rapid response.

2018

2019

2020

Donated 20 mobile phones and laptops to underprivileged students in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, to facilitate online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022

Donated a school bus to Sphoorti Foundation, Hyderabad, enabling underprivileged children to access education safely.

2023

Donated a children’s playground to Sphoorti Foundation, creating a safe and fun environment for physical activity.

2024

Our Journey: Milestones & Achievements in India

Since 2006, JJMMF/ANEW has created a lasting impact through dedicated initiatives across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana:

2012-2013

Built separate toilets for boys and girls at Government High School, Dammaiguda, Telangana, along with a school kitchen, significantly improving hygiene and nutrition facilities for students.

2015

Conducted a medical workshop in Boduppal, Telangana, providing essential health services to the local community.

2017

Adopted an old age home temporarily for one year in Hyderabad, supporting their needs during an emergency transition—a true act of compassion and rapid response.

2018

Donated a library to Sphoorti Foundation, Hyderabad, fostering literacy and learning among underprivileged children.

Contributed resources and support to Sphoorti Foundation for holistic child development.

2019

Supported an orphanage of 40 children in Araku, Andhra Pradesh, and donated a solar panel to ensure sustainable energy access.

Collaborated with the Andhra Pradesh government to develop and distribute the "Muddmandaram" illustrative book in social welfare schools.

2020

Donated 20 mobile phones and laptops to underprivileged students in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, to facilitate online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022

Donated a school bus to Sphoorti Foundation, Hyderabad, enabling underprivileged children to access education safely.

2023

Donated a children's playground to Sphoorti Foundation, creating a safe and fun environment for physical activity.

2024

Adopted 25 girl children for education in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, sponsoring their school fees and educational needs.

Donated school bags and water bottles to 200 students in government schools.

2025

Provided educational scholarships to 50 students in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, to promote continued academic success.

2012-2013

Built separate toilets for boys and girls at Government High School, Dammaiguda, Telangana, along with a school kitchen, significantly improving hygiene and nutrition facilities for students.

2015

Conducted a medical workshop in Boduppal, Telangana, providing essential health services to the local community.

2017

Adopted an old age home temporarily for one year in Hyderabad, supporting their needs during an emergency transition—a true act of compassion and rapid response.

2018

Donated a library to Sphoorti Foundation, Hyderabad, fostering literacy and learning among underprivileged children.

Contributed resources and support to Sphoorti Foundation for holistic child development.

2019

Supported an orphanage of 40 children in Araku, Andhra Pradesh, and donated a solar panel to ensure sustainable energy access.

Contributed resources and support to Sphoorti Foundation for holistic child development.

Meet: Our Team

Board Members - India

Mrs. Anuradha

Dr. Kumar

Board Members - USA

Mrs. Anuradha

Dr. Kumar

Meet Our Team

Board Members - India

Mrs. Anuradha

Dr. Kumar

Staff - Members

Yashoda Jayadev

PG Diploma in Mass Communication & Journalism
Lawyer, storyteller, and team player.

Venkat Sharma

Manager, US & India Activities

Neelima Charya

Administrative & Research Officer

Patrick Zickler

Manager, US & India Activities

Magdalena Bray

Art & Design

Board Members - USA

Neelima Charya, MPH, The George Washington University.

Ms. Charya has earned her B.S. in Psychology from UMD College Park, a certificate in paralegal studies, and an MPH from George Washington University.

Ellen MacDonald, Ph.D., Harvard University.

Dr. MacDonald has taught at the high school and university levels and currently works on organizing community events.

Venkat Sharma, B.E, BITS Pilani., MS in Management

Mr. Sharma is a serial entrepreneur, founding and growing four different cross-border companies across India and the US, employing several hundred people across both continents. Most recently, he founded and grew CPA Innovations, LLC – a technology and outsourcing company. He is also the founder and board member of Advantum Health.

Patrick Zickler, B.A, The George Washington University, Northwestern University

Mr. Zickler is an independent consultant in health communications. He has more than three decades of experience in research, writing, and communications management in medical research and public health.

Advisory Board - USA

Judith Lynne Hanna, Ph.D.

Columbia University

Kathleen Finn Jordan , Ph.D.

Michigan State University; Jordan Associates Columbia University

Pamela Squires, M.A.

Columbia University

Ananth Charya, M.D., M.S.P.H

Ohio State University / Georgetown University

Shekhar Sharma, MD

Finance and Regulatory Compliance

Staff - Members

Yashoda Jayadev

PG Diploma in Mass Communication & Journalism
Lawyer, storyteller, and team player.

Venkat Sharma

Manager, US & India Activities

Neelima Charya

Administrative & Research Officer

Patrick Zickler

Manager, US & India Activities

Magdalena Bray

Art & Design

Finance and Regulatory Compliance

Diligen Professional Solutions
Hyderabad, India; Louisville, KY

The JJMMF Foundation does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, political affiliation, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.