Organization History and Institutional Profile of BLESS
Founded in 1989 and registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975 (Registration No. 35/1989), BLESS is a non-profit, non-religious development organization based in Reddichavady, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. Established under the visionary leadership of Mr. L.S. Anthonysamy, BLESS was created with a commitment to promoting social transformation and building self-reliant communities among the most vulnerable sections of society. The organization is authorized to receive foreign contributions and has successfully partnered with national and international agencies for more than 36 years.
From its inception, BLESS has worked alongside marginalized communities, government institutions, donor agencies, corporate partners, and volunteers to create sustainable improvements in quality of life. The organization believes that lasting development can only be achieved when families and communities become active participants in their own progress. This family-centered and community-driven approach continues to be the foundation of all BLESS interventions.
Our Journey of Impact
Between 1989 and 1992, BLESS focused on village surveys, socio-economic data collection, and relationship building with rural communities to understand their needs and aspirations. This groundwork laid the foundation for future development interventions.
From 1992 to 1996, with support from CEBEMO, Netherlands, BLESS implemented comprehensive community development programmes in the Portonovo region, focusing on social welfare, community participation, and rural development.
Between 1997 and 2000, the organization expanded its work by providing vocational skill training to school dropouts, promoting women’s self-help groups, and implementing sanitation and hygiene programmes with support from DESWOS (Germany), Solidarité (France), WaterAid (United Kingdom), and the Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation.
From 2000 to 2004, BLESS collaborated with the Government’s Total Sanitation Campaign and worked with 101 Village Panchayats to promote safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene practices among communities, schools, and child care centers.
Transforming Lives Through Tsunami Rehabilitation (2004–2009)
The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami marked one of the most significant chapters in the history of BLESS. The organization played a leading role in relief, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery efforts across coastal communities.
During this period, BLESS:
Rejuvenated 300 acres of agricultural land using sustainable farming techniques and traditional agricultural knowledge.
Trained 2,000 youth in 14 different vocational trades, enabling them to become self-reliant and economically independent.
Promoted 400 Self-Help Groups, facilitating access to revolving funds and livelihood opportunities for women.
Organized 800 bicycle fish vendors into a federation, helping them access micro-credit, insurance, infrastructure support, and improved market opportunities.
Supported more than 800 families through livestock promotion programmes, strengthening household incomes and enhancing self-confidence through community empowerment approaches.
Building Stronger Communities
Over the years, BLESS has expanded its operations across Cuddalore, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Chengalpattu, and Chennai districts, working with vulnerable populations including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, fisherfolk communities, women, children, small and marginal farmers, and other disadvantaged groups.
The organization has developed expertise in:
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation
- Housing and Human Settlements Development
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
- Community Development and Social Mobilization
- Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
- Child Development and Education
- Livelihood Promotion and Economic Development
- Sustainable Agriculture and Land Reclamation
- Health and Nutrition
- Tribal Development
- Fisherfolk Development
- Environmental Protection and Climate Resilience
- Microfinance and Self-Help Group Promotion
- Community Leadership and Capacity Building
Recent Programmes and Achievements
In recent years, BLESS has continued its mission through a range of integrated development initiatives.
Through the Family Focused Village Development Programme (FFVDP), the organization has been working in seven villages to strengthen leadership, education, health, family care, livelihoods, and values-based community development.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, BLESS supported vulnerable communities through the distribution of masks, dry ration kits, awareness campaigns, and vaccination motivation programmes.
The BLESS Specialized Children Adoption Home continues to provide care and protection for abandoned, surrendered, and orphaned children while facilitating legal adoptions in accordance with national regulations.
Through the AEM Children’s Home and Activity Centres,(operated till March 2025) children received educational support, counselling, online learning facilities, sports activities, and life-skill development opportunities.
The organization has also strengthened women’s financial independence through Micro Credit Programmes in partnership with NABARD and NABFINS.
In the area of sanitation, BLESS has facilitated the construction of more than 5,000 household sanitary toilets, approximately 350 Eco-San toilets, and around 300 Tiger Worm toilets, significantly improving public health and environmental sustainability in rural communities.
Educational infrastructure initiatives have provided school sanitation and water facilities benefiting students and teachers in underserved areas.
Through livelihood projects for inland fish vendors, BLESS has promoted integrated aquaculture, climate-resilient livelihoods, financial literacy, and access to credit facilities.
Looking Ahead
Today, BLESS continues to build on its rich legacy of service and innovation. With a dedicated professional team, strong community partnerships, transparent governance, and decades of grassroots experience, the organization remains committed to addressing poverty, social exclusion, inadequate housing, poor sanitation, environmental vulnerability, and limited livelihood opportunities.
As BLESS moves forward, it remains steadfast in its vision of creating empowered families, resilient communities, and sustainable development opportunities for future generations across Tamil Nadu.