Supporting Schools on Wheels of Massachusetts

Apr 5

South Shore Dermatology Physicians’ Dr. Shroff-Mehta and our practice have had a long-term relationship with School on Wheels of MA (SOWMA). Learn more from Dr. Shroff-Mehta’s first-hand account of this meaningful service within our community.

Helping children impacted by homelessness

My relationship with School on Wheels of MA (SOWMA) first began around 18 years ago after meeting with the lovely, passionate, and dynamic founder of the organization, Cheryl Opper. Cheryl and the organization’s mission to lift up children impacted by homelessness, by providing them with resources to help them succeed in education, spoke to my heart. How could it not?

At the time, with three young children of my own and parents who had upheld a similar mission for decades in their home state in India, I just knew I wanted to get involved.

Deepening roots in the community

This was the exact time that my partners and I were founding our dermatology practice, South Shore Dermatology Physicians, in Easton, MA. The timing and the fact that SOWMA began locally seemed a perfect way to support the community.

Cheryl’s vision and passion for starting and growing SOWMA from its infancy also resonated with us as we formed our new practice. We are all part of this great community, and feeling empowered to help one another was a concept we could support and embrace.

Our first activity was to assemble backpacks full of school supplies in the garage of a local home. Before commencing this project, we learned that the average age of a child impacted by homelessness is eight! I know none of us will ever forget that fact. As School on Wheels grew, so did my children and South Shore Dermatology Physicians.

Staying engaged through valuable service

As a family and dermatology group, we stayed engaged with SOWMA. We participated in activities ranging from donating school supplies, packing backpacks, attending the organization’s annual Run, Walk & Wag for Kids event as a team, and ultimately becoming tutors.

Tutoring became a weekly family activity, with three or four of us participating by meeting students at a local shelter. It was a valuable time and a joint experience I will never forget. We met so many wonderful people along the way, including SOWMA staff, volunteers, and students.

5 people wearing athletic clothes and smiling while posing for selfy — Dr. Shroff-Mehta’s family participating in SOWMA’s annual Run, Walk & Wag for Kids event from home in 2020

Dr. Shroff-Mehta with Nevaeh, SOWMA’s Site Coordinator

Building bonds as a tutor

Last year, I became an empty nester. After some time away, I rejoined SOWMA as a tutor in September 2025. It has been an incredible experience, and I asked a friend to join me.

I have met the most wonderful children at the site in Brockton. It feels like every week, we develop more rapport. They count on seeing me, and I love seeing them.

It has been a little jarring to know that there is a limit to how long they will stay in each location, as determined by recent legislation. One week they will be at our session, and the next week they may be gone. It has been hard for me since often the students don’t know they are leaving, which means no farewell.

I can only imagine that for them, it means a huge life disruption: a move, perhaps a change in school (even mid-year), and maybe a longer commute to school too.

A meaningful mission

The goal of creating parity and providing support for students impacted by homelessness, as it concerns their education, is riddled with challenges. It’s such a worthwhile, meaningful mission, and as I continue engaging with SOWMA, I see the tireless commitment of the staff and volunteers, which always warms my heart. I want to contribute in any small way that I am able.

“Seva” is a Sanskrit word that means selfless service. Over many years, SOWMA has provided the invaluable opportunity to bond with my family and co-workers by supporting local children in our community. As Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

This feels even truer during tumultuous times, and I am grateful SOWMA exists to do its good work. I am thankful for this opportunity to serve and look forward to making any difference I can through this worthwhile, valuable organization.