About Us

Our Story. Our Mission. Our Promise.

At JJ Metta Memorial Foundation, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive—regardless of their background or circumstances.

OUR STORY

A Journey of Compassion
and Commitment

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/ANEW, 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 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.

Children smiling

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

Our Vision

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 Journey: Milestones &
Achievements in India

Since 2006, JMMF/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 Spoorti Foundation, Hyderabad, fostering literacy and learning among underprivileged children.

Contributed resources and support to Spoorti 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 Spoorti Foundation, Hyderabad, enabling underprivileged children to access education safely.

2023

Donated a children’s playground to Spoorti 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.

Meet Our Team

Board Members - India

Mrs. Anuradha Prasad

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.

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

Private Practice West Palm Beach - Florida

Staff - Members

Venkat Sharma

Executive Director

Usha Sharma Charya

Development Director

Magdalena Bray

Art & Design

Hari Sandela

Project Manager

Pravallika

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.

DONATION

Building a
Better Future

For Indian Donors: Donations are eligible for 80G tax exemption.

All funds donated to the Indian chapter are used exclusively for programs in India.

A majority of your donations are used toward supporting school children. Administrative costs are kept to a minimum because volunteers and donated time are used to run the Foundation and its activities.

Donation

Join us in building brighter futures for the girl child and marginalized communities in India.

Quality Education

Health & Hygiene

Creativity & Self Expression