ABOUT US
The Arya Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit that provides need-based adaptive equipment to children with special needs in the Greater St. Louis Region. Founded in 2014, we are 100% volunteer-run and over 90% of individual donations go directly to providing adaptive equipment and services. Here are the main components of our organization:
Providing adaptive equipment to children with special needs in the Greater St. Louis Region. The Arya Foundation will give up to $1000 per child per year towards the purchase of adaptive equipment. This includes equipment such as communication devices, ramps, customized wheelchairs, tomato glasses, and much more!
Providing adaptive holiday toys during the holiday season is our way of making sure every child gets a meaningful gift despite their abilities. The Arya Foundation provides holiday toys to children with special needs, giving them the opportunity to play with a toy without assistance.
Disability Awareness Convention is organized by the Arya Foundation, aims to promote understanding of disabilities and highlight available services. Collaborating with local non-profit organizations, we provide a diverse array of resources and opportunities. Professionals from different fields lead informative sessions focused on the services accessible for children with special needs.
Integrating children with special needs into our community. We want to break down the barriers of communication and show kids and adults that people with special needs are just as valuable to society and the more we work together, the better our environment will be. When our volunteers and kids with special needs make jewellery together, it not only brings them together socially but allows them to contribute in their own special way.
THE LEGACY OF ARYA
Arya was born on Valentine’s Day in 2004. The daughter of two co-founders, she taught us what is meant to love unconditionally. Arya was loved by her family every moment of every day. She made friends with everyone and was an inspiration to us all.
The Arya Foundation was formed in memory of Arya. The support from our friends, family, and community created an organization with a focus on connecting kids with the world. We hope that even our smallest actions have a large impact and improve the lives around us. We are more than an organization: we are the hopes and dreams of children everywhere in promoting a brighter future. It’s about making a positive difference and building happier moments. Most importantly, it’s about “turning challenges into opportunities.”
“There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more”
OUR TEAM
Sunanda
President
Mother of Arya, Sunanda came up with the idea to give back to the community through The Arya Foundation. She manages the relationships with organizations, families, and donors to keep the organization growing.
Pat
Chief Networking Officer
Janice
Chief Financial Officer
While working at Roberg Tax Solutions, Janice makes sure the financial situation of The Arya Foundation is healthy. One of our avid speakers, she is never hesitant to spread the word about us and what we do.
A huge foodie, Elizabeth likes to say her real job in the organization is to manage AJ. She is a Project Manager who ensures there is creativity and innovation in the organizations various programs and services.
A huge computer nerd and father of Arya, Dhananjay is always looking for the next big thing in technology. He oversees the daily operations and makes sure we are providing as many adaptive toys and equipment as possible to families.
Vidya
Gold Member
One of our biggest supporters who later became a Board member, Pat is a do-it-all person who brings fresh ideas and practical solutions, keeping a core focus on supporting families with special needs.
AJ
Chief Event Officer
Brother of Arya, AJ is an avid food blogger and Event Planner. He organizes and manages all of The Arya Foundation’s unique events and ensures it’s attendees have a memorable time.
Elizabeth
Chief Strategy Officer
Michelle
Chief Development Officer
A realtor, Michelle can sell you anything if you ask nicely. Having worked in philanthropy for almost 20 years, she works on spreading the mission of The Arya Foundation to the community.
Dhananjay
Chief Operating Officer
Jessica
Chief Outreach Officer
A mother who deeply understands our cause and supports it wholeheartedly. Jessica grounds our ideas with thoughtful perspective and helps share our goals by weaving in personal memories and meaningful stories.
INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF OUR BOARD?
FRIENDS OF ARYA
Friends of Arya is a membership program that offers exclusive perks while highlighting your support for a meaningful cause. Members receive event tickets, a recognition badge, and additional benefits—an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to improving the lives of children with special needs in the Greater St. Louis region.
* “Friends of Arya” must be approved by a majority vote of Board Members. “Friends of Arya” may attend board meetings and serve on committees but may not serve as Board Members or Officers and do not have voting privileges.
As a parent and advocate, Vidya deeply understands the importance of awareness, resources, and compassionate support for families navigating unique challenges. She believes that connection, understanding, and a caring community can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
Through her association with Arya Foundation as a Friend of Arya, Vidya is honored to support a mission that uplifts special needs families, spreads disability awareness, and creates spaces where every child and family feels seen, supported, and valued. By profession, Vidya is an IT consultant based in St. Louis.
Amar Jadhav
Gold Member
Dr. Amar Jadhav, MD is a board-certified physician practicing in Saint Louis, MO. He brings over 25 years of clinical experience in Internal Medicine and Critical Care Medicine. A supporter of The Arya Foundation, Amar contributes to efforts that provide need-based adaptive equipment to children with special needs in the Greater St. Louis region.
Gold Member
“Friends of Arya” badge
Face and Name on website
Invite to one yearly Board Meeting
Platinum Member
2 Tickets to every Ticketed Event
Sit with the Board during events
“Friends of Arya” badge
Face and Name on website
Invite to one yearly Board Meeting