Each of the women who work at Tabby’s has their own unique story. But, there is a commonality among them.​ Yellemma's story provides a snapshot of these women’s lives, revealing the conflict they’ve overcome and the relationships that have saved them in their search for stability and hope.

 

Yellamma was forced to marry her uncle when she was 11 years old. After years of marriage, Yellamma had two sons. When both were very young, they got sick and died. Shortly after the death of her children, Yellamma learned that her sons had been infected with HIV, and that she and her husband also had the devastating virus. Not long after, Yellamma lost her husband to AIDS.

 

When her family and community learned that Yellamma was infected with HIV, they rejected her, kicked her out of her house, and banished her from the village. Since she had no marketable skills and was functionally illiterate, she had no means to provide for herself.

 

Yellamma was completely alone. In the area of India where Yellamma lives, HIV is misunderstood and desperately feared. Further, it is popularly believed that HIV is caused by sins committed in another life, so victims must endure their punishment without outside help, in hope of a better future life. This leaves many people with HIV to fend for themselves without support from friends or family.

 

Yellamma began working the fields, toiling to earn less than ten dollars a week, but persevering to scrape together a living. One day, she came back from work to discover the hut in which she had been living had been burned down. The cause was unknown, but the message was clear: she was not welcome in this village.

 

Then Yellamma heard about Tabby’s! 

 

Desperate for relief, she finally found acceptance and hope. She could earn a stable income, learn skills for her future in a safe work environment, and participate in a loving and accepting community.

 

At Tabby’s, Yellamma earns a living wage. But more importantly, she has found community! She’s found love, compassion, and acceptance among women who have faced similar difficulties.

 

When asked about her situation now, Yellamma says, “I am very happy.”