From Visakhapatnam to Tomelila
In the early 1980s, in a quiet corner of southern Sweden, one woman made a decision that would echo far beyond her small town.
Her name was Ingrid Wallin—a Swedish single mother living in Tomelilla. Life around her was modest and ordinary: familiar streets, familiar faces, a society that often kept its distance from anything “different.” Yet Ingrid carried something that could not be contained by culture, geography, or fear: a deep compassion for children.
This is the story of how her choice became more than a personal act of love—how it became a testimony of care, and ultimately, a seed that helped inspire RefugeRoot’s Safe Shelter project.
Read This : Safe Shelter
Tomelilla was not a global city. It was not a place known for diversity, and in that era, the reality of skin color and difference could be heavy—especially in communities where people were not used to seeing families that didn’t “match” the norm.
Ingrid knew that choosing to adopt a child internationally would draw attention. She also knew it would bring questions, assumptions, and sometimes judgment.
But she believed something stronger than what people might say.
She believed that a child in need deserves more than sympathy.
A child deserves a home.
From Ingrid’s story to RefugeRoot’s “Safe Shelter”
RefugeRoot was born from real stories—stories of vulnerability, survival, and the kind of kindness that changes a child’s future.
Ingrid’s decision planted a living example inside our foundation:
When you create shelter for one child, you create hope for generations.
That is why RefugeRoot’s Safe Shelter project exists.
Because around the world, there are children who need what Satya received:
- a safe place to sleep
- adults who protect them
- care that is consistent
- an environment where they can heal and grow
A safe shelter is not simply a building. It is a message to a child that says: “You matter. You are not alone.”
Read This : Safe Shelter
What “Safe Shelter” means for RefugeRoot
Safe Shelter is RefugeRoot’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children through:
- safe housing and basic care
- stable routines and supervision
- emotional support and dignity-centered care
- long-term pathways toward education, well-being, and opportunity
We believe the most important question is not only “Can we help?”
But “Can we help in a way that lasts?”
That is what Ingrid modeled.
Not temporary compassion—committed compassion.
How you can be part of Safe Shelter
If Ingrid’s story speaks to you, consider taking one step with us:
- Support Safe Shelter through a donation (one-time or monthly)
- Volunteer your time, skills, or professional network
- Share this story to help others see what compassion can do
Because when compassion becomes action, a child’s future can change. And sometimes, it starts with one person—one decision—one home. Plant roots. Grow futures.
