Rural Empowerment Foundation (REF) was established in 2025 with a clear mission to address the persistent challenges faced by rural and tribal communities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Recognizing gaps in healthcare access, education, livelihoods, and women empowerment, the foundation was formed to work directly at the grassroots level through community participation and sustainable development models.
REF was founded with the belief that long-term change is possible only when communities are empowered with knowledge, skills, and access to essential services.
From its inception, Rural Empowerment Foundation has focused on working closely with local communities, self-help groups, youth, and women to understand real needs and design practical solutions. Rather than short-term relief, the organization prioritizes capacity building, awareness, and self-reliance.
Like many grassroots organizations, REF has faced challenges including limited resources, difficult terrain in tribal areas, and lack of awareness in remote communities. However, the commitment of the team and the trust built with local communities enabled the organization to continue its work with determination and transparency.
Each challenge strengthened REF’s resolve to remain accountable, community-focused, and impact-driven.
Today, Rural Empowerment Foundation actively works across villages in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, with plans to expand into neighboring districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Our programs continue to evolve based on community feedback, data, and partnerships with government bodies, CSR initiatives, and donors.
Rural Empowerment Foundation is a legally registered society and fully compliant with statutory requirements.
Our vision is to build empowered, healthy, educated, and self-reliant rural communities. Moving forward, REF aims to expand health and education programs, strengthen women-led enterprises, partner with CSR and donor agencies, and scale impact across multiple districts.
We believe sustainable change is achieved when communities lead their own development journey.
K. Lavanya
President
Rural Empowerment Foundation
Yakaswamy Kadaboina
General Secretary
Executive Committee Members
A dedicated team of social workers and grassroots leaders guiding REF’s mission
and governance.
Rural Empowerment Foundation (REF) is located in Chegarsala village, Pinapaka Mandal, Bhadradri Kothagudem District, Telangana, India. This region is home to rural and tribal communities that depend largely on agriculture and daily wage livelihoods and often face challenges related to healthcare access, education, nutrition, and employment opportunities.
Being based in a rural area allows us to stay closely connected with the real needs of the communities we serve. We work directly with families, women, children, youth, and community groups at the grassroots level, building trust-based relationships and delivering programs where they are needed most.
Bhadradri Kothagudem district includes several remote and tribal habitations where access to quality healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities is limited. Our presence in this region enables us to respond quickly and effectively to local needs through awareness programs, training initiatives, and community-led interventions.
By working from within the community, we ensure that our programs are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and sustainable.
From our base in Bhadradri Kothagudem District, Rural Empowerment Foundation currently works in nearby villages and mandals, with plans to expand into adjoining districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Our location is accessible by road and connected to nearby towns and mandal headquarters. We welcome visits from donors, CSR partners, volunteers, and well-wishers who wish to understand our work, interact with communities, and see the impact of our programs firsthand.
More than just a physical address, our location represents a center for learning, awareness, and empowerment. It is where health education is delivered, women are empowered, youth are guided, and communities are supported to become self-reliant and resilient.
From this place, Rural Empowerment Foundation continues its mission to serve with commitment, transparency, and a long-term vision for rural development.