By Viraj Shroff-Mehta, MD
SOWMA Volunteer Since 2008
My relationship with School on Wheels of MA began nearly 18 years ago when I met its passionate founder, Cheryl Opper. Her mission to support children impacted by homelessness through education immediately spoke to my heart. With three young children of my own, and parents who modeled a similar commitment to service in India, I knew I wanted to get involved.
At the time, my partners and I were launching South Shore Dermatology Physicians in Easton. Supporting SOWMA felt like a natural way to invest in the community. Chery’s vision for growing SOWMA from the ground up mirrored our own journey.
Our first project was assembling backpacks filled with school supplies in a local garage. Before we began, we learned that the average age of a child impacted by homelessness is eight, a fact none of us will forget. As SOWMA grew, so did my children and our practice.
Over the years, our family and our dermatology team stayed engaged, donating supplies, packing backpacks, participating in the annual Walk and Run, and eventually tutoring. Tutoring became a weekly family commitment at a local shelter and remains one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve shared. The students, staff, and fellow volunteers have been extraordinary.
After becoming an empty nester, I returned to tutoring in September 2025, inviting a friend to join me. At our Brockton site, the connections grow deeper each week. The students count on seeing us, and we cherish seeing them. It’s heartbreaking when a child suddenly leaves, sometimes without warning, facing not just a move but potentially a mid-year school change and new commute. The resilience these children show is humbling.
SOWMA’s mission, to create educational parity for students experiencing homelessness, is both challenging and profoundly worthwhile. The dedication of the staff and volunteers inspires me constantly. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute in even a small way.
“Seva,” a Sanskrit word meaning selfless service, has long guided my life. Through SOWMA, I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside my family and colleagues in support of local children. As Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” That feels especially true today. I am deeply thankful for SOWMA and for the chance to continue this meaningful work.
