As we embark on the second half of 2014, Arab American Family Services is reflecting on the past five months of the year with head up high, looking to tackle whatever tasks and obstacles the rest of 2014 has to offer.
At AAFS, we just completed two courses, English as a Second Language, as well as the NAI Citizenship prep class. We were successful to see over 60 students take part in our classes.
ESL classes were held on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., as well as on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Our Civics classes for citizenship were held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Our student tutoring program has proven to be a successful tool and resource for the community. We have had several participants sign up to tutor youth, as well as many who have sought the help of a tutor. Tutoring is offered Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Bridgeview Community Center located on 7900 S. Oketo.
We are also helping United States citizens exercise their right to vote by opening our office doors to anyone interested in becoming a registered voter.
AAFS was fortunate enough to participate in Service Day, in which staff took part in a community service initiative at A Safe Haven, a non-profit organization that helps prepare those effected by homelessness piece together their lives and work toward a bright future. Participants in Service Day painted, as well as packaged and prepared food to be served.
Also in 2014, AAFS hosted their trip to Brookfield Zoo. The event was to give low-income families a fun time together, free of charge. Lunch was served as families took to the zoo, learning about various animals, soaking up the sun and having a fun time.
Also this year, AAFS had many in depth training sessions and meetings to help increase their knowledge to better assist clients.
AAFS and Life Span met to discuss victim rights in domestic violence and divorce, two increasing issues plaguing the community.
AAFS also announced the date for the 7th Annual Walk in Faith Not in Fear for domestic violence and breast cancer. The event will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2014 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lake Katherine in Palos Heights, IL.
A wonderful partnership has also been formed between AAFS and Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization which teams up mentors and youngsters to help guide our youth towards achieving goals, staying focused, living a successful life and reaching for the stars.
Another success that AAFS has been fortunate to earn was being recognized by the State of Illinois as a Welcoming Center.
The Illinois Welcoming Center is a unique model that offers many state, community, health, employment training, and educational services in one location. As a state recognized Welcoming Center, AAFS will have DIRECT access to and information about social, health care, education, employment, rehabilitation and homeownership services.
In April 30, AAFS Executive Directors Itedal Shalabi and Nareman Taha attended Illinois Muslim Action Day at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, IL.
The event gave AAFS an opportunity to meet with their local legislators and discuss issues that are faced throughout the community. Governor Pat Quinn, along with state senators Mary Flowers, Michael Hastings and Steve Landek met personally with Taha and Shalabi and were very receptive to the concerns of the community. Other topics discussed were creating jobs for the youth and discussing issues teenagers and young adults face. Their was also talks about the possibility of setting aside more public aide for refugees and asylees.
Other events we are proud to have sponsored here at AAFS was the Car Seat Safety Check in which parents had a chance to have their child car seats installed and inspected to ensure safety.
In April, AAFS hosted a donor appreciation luncheon inviting those who have given so much to our organization. The luncheon, held at the Palos Country Club drew over 75 donors and their families.
These were just a few highlights from the first half of 2014. We know with your help and support, the months and years to come will bring more success and help bridge the gaps throughout our communities.