About Us
The Nav Nirman Foundation (NNF) is the ultimate recovery getaway, nestled in pristine breath-taking South – Asian Nature. The staff comprises of warm, spiritually awakened and hospitable people, managed by NNF Trustees .
NNF was started in 1991 in New York by Walter Picardo and his wife, Rosemary Picardo, to serve the South Asian population of New York City that was struggling with addictions. In 1995 the couple opened the Ashram on two acres of land in northern Mumbai, in Murbad, India, and over the last 22 years successfully treated hundreds of patients.
At the Nav Nirman Ashram/rehab the emphasis is put on a holistic treatment plan with a minimum medication. NNF has received numerous commendations, including those from former mayor of New York City Rudolph Giuliani and former president Bill Clinton.
Our Mission
To believe in dignity and worth of all people, the protection of human rights, team work, provision of leadership for the staff and patients, high quality- and community- oriented and culturally sensitive services to people from India and all over the world.
To provide culturally sensitive counseling services to people of all sub-cultures of Indian origin, as well as to foreigners who suffer from problems, caused by alcohol and /or drugs, mental health diseases and people who are victims of domestic violence, marital problems and child abuse.
To improve physical and emotional health with positive thinking in group therapies and by a treatment plan.
To assist in adjustment to alcohol/substances free life style and provide referral to vocational and employment training opportunities.
To inspire people to live a healthy, joyful and successful life.
History
Nav Nirman Foundation (New Beginning) has been created on 19th of August 1991 by Walter Picardo, in New York to meet the growing needs of those who have been affected directly or indirectly by alcoholism and /or drug addictions, mental and /or emotional illness.
With the help of the Mayor of New York City, Walter Picardo started program for South Asian initially proving to the community the possibility of effective treatment by using his own home and resources for a rudimentary treatment center.
In 1995 a friend from India donated Picardo 2 acres of land north of Mumbai in Murbad. In September, together with his wife Rosemary, he came back to India and started the clinic Nav Nirman Foundation (India ) Ashram.
By September 1995 NNF admitted their first patients in temporary quarters as the Centre’s -Ashram buildings were coming up. After 6 months they moved into the completed dormitory with makeshift kitchen at one end of the large room. Since then NNF has grown, developed into empowering place, complete with beautiful surroundings, best rehabilitation center in India.