Year of Establishment
2000
Focus Areas
Healthcare, Community Development, Livelihoods / Skills
Geographical Areas of Operations
Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Sindh
About – Brief Overview
AAS Foundation is a Pakistan based non profit organisation that provides trauma informed protection, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support to vulnerable children, women, and men experiencing abuse, exploitation, neglect, and Substance Use Disorder. Established in 2000, the organisation works at the intersection of public health, social protection, and community reintegration, operating nine centres across Karachi, Lahore, and Gilgit.
Its core work includes safe shelter, clinical and psychological care, structured addiction treatment, and long term individual and family counselling. AAS Foundation also delivers life skills education, vocational training, and case management support to help individuals rebuild stability and reduce the risk of revictimisation. The organisation’s approach is multidisciplinary, combining medical, psychological, and social interventions to address the complex needs of people affected by trauma and chronic marginalisation.
AAS Foundation delivers measurable improvements in safety, wellbeing, and long term recovery outcomes. By strengthening protective environments, restoring functional capacity, and supporting reintegration into families and communities, the organisation reduces cycles of harm and expands access to dignified, evidence based care for populations who are often excluded from formal health and social systems.
Core Programs and Services
AAS Foundation delivers comprehensive, evidence based treatment for adults and provides free of cost, evidence based care for children, supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and related vulnerabilities. The core programme areas are:
• Residential Treatment & Rehabilitation Structured inpatient care for men, women, and children across multiple facilities, including Primary Units and Halfway Houses providing detoxification support, counselling, relapse prevention interventions, and life skills development within a therapeutic environment.
• Outpatient & Aftercare Services Ongoing counselling, case management, and recovery monitoring designed to sustain reintegration, strengthen protective factors, and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Child Protection & Development Programmes Safe, nurturing residential spaces for children, including dedicated Children’s Primary Units and School Houses, complemented by education support, psychosocial care, and trauma informed interventions that promote healthy development.
• Women’s Services A specialised Female Unit offering gender sensitive treatment, mental health support, and vocational training in a secure and empowering setting.
• Vocational Training & Education Skill building initiatives such as computer literacy, sewing and embroidery, and technical trades that enhance self reliance and improve long term economic stability.
• Outreach &Community Engagement Active field teams identify and support vulnerable individuals, deliver awareness and harm reduction sessions, and facilitate access to treatment, protection, and social services.
Across all facilities, AAS Foundation provides a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment that integrates medical care, psychological support, education, and rehabilitation within one coordinated system ensuring continuity, dignity, and meaningful recovery outcomes.
Beneficiaries
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15,000 individuals were 15,000 individuals were treated and rehabilitated enabling their recovery and reintegration into society.
Hundreds of thousands of individuals and families through extensive community based outreach, raising awareness on mental health and substance use disorders and encouraging early help seeking behaviours.
250 structured awareness sessions in the last 3 years across diverse settings including schools, colleges, universities, madrasas, churches, and community centres.
What Makes Our Approach Distinct
AAS Foundation operates a comprehensive, community-centred model that delivers free-of-cost or low cost, integrated care across the entire recovery continuum. Its approach combines evidence-based treatment, education, vocational training, and long-term reintegration within a single, coordinated system, ensuring continuity and sustained outcomes. A proactive outreach mechanism identifies and engages vulnerable populations, reducing barriers to access. Dedicated, gender- and age-responsive facilities for women and children reflect a strong commitment to inclusive, family-centred care. By aligning community trust, donor support, and skills-based empowerment, AAS Foundation promotes long-term sustainability, restoring dignity, independence, and meaningful social reintegration.
Impact Stories
Sheraz (name changed) arrived at AAS Foundation at 14, already burdened by experiences no child should face. Growing up in a neighbourhood where drug use was common, he began experimenting at 12.By the time he reached our centre, he struggled with addiction, low self esteem, school disengagement, frequent behavioural issues, and a painful hernia that left him isolated.
Raised by his uncle and aunt, whom he considers his real parents, Sheraz felt loved but restricted. Conflicts at home pushed him toward the streets, negative peers, and eventually alcohol and charas as a way to cope with anxiety and loneliness.
When he entered our programme, he was withdrawn, defensive, and emotionally overwhelmed. Through Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and CBT, he gradually felt safe enough to express himself and rebuild confidence.
Nine months later, Sheraz is substance free, emotionally stable, engaged in learning, and eager to return to school standing on a renewed foundation of hope and resilience.
