METROPOLITAN ASIAN FAMILY SERVICES
MINI
FUNDRAISER
20 1 7 To provide comprehensive & integrated Social Services to the Immigrant population of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East & European countries. These services include but are not limited to educate, counsel, assist & empower individuals & families to become productive members in their new home.
7541 N Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60645 866-330-8627 santoshk@umasinc.com www.mafsinc.com
Shantiben Patel Schaumburg
MAFS
Executive Director
It’s my immense pleasure to welcome you all to Metropolitan Asian Family Services 25th Anniversary year. We have come a long way since 1993, when
month in May! We have been proudly serving
we first started the operations of Metro-
the communities of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
politan Asian Family Services. Over these 25
the Middle East & European countries for the
years, we have grown our dedicated staff,
last 25 years. MAFS stands out as a beacon of
increased centers around Chicagoland area,
hope for the immigrant and senior community
and positively impacted the lives of more
of Chicago and its suburbs.
than 30,000 people in 11 counties. We con-
Celebrating the 25th landmark this year, we feel
tinuously strive to reach out to the State,
even more responsible and energized for the
counties, business partners to collaborate
task ahead of us. Our commitment to help the
with us and help us build more resources for
low-income group and seniors will stay steady
helping the elderly population of Illinois.
and we hope to help many more in the coming
The benefits of this are many fold as the
years.
programs like ours help the low-income
We sincerely thank our patrons and supporters
population to get access to insurance, light
for their continued support.
& heat, immigration assistance, education,
Best Wishes,
food stamps, bus passes etc., which otherwise would be out of reach for them. Our programs for the elderly help avoid feeling of isolation and depression, giving them a place to socialize and mingle with other seniors.
Santosh Kumar
We are also celebrating the Asian Heritage
Executive Director - MAFS
President
As the President of MAFS, I want to extend my congratulations to the entire Asian community for their contributions and achievement in United States of America. I welcome all of you to the celebration of Asian Heri-
MAFS provides compassionate social services. Serving
tage Month and the 25th Anniversary of Metropolitan
seniors and low-income population in Chicago and its
Asian Family Services. Asian American and Pacific Heri-
suburbs, we strive to continuously improve these offer-
tage Month takes place in May. It celebrates the culture,
ings. And work for the seniors of Illinois.
traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific
I request you all to come forward and contribute for the
Islanders in the United States.
cause of our people. And, thank you all for joining us
Metropolitan Asian Family services is a multicultural,
today at this momentous occasion. Let us all work to-
community-based, not-for-profit Tax Exempt 501 (C) (3)
wards the upliftment of society at large.
organization, providing valuable programs to an immigrant and elderly population of Chicagoland area for the
Sincerely,
past 25 years. We are committed to serving the people of India/Pakistan/Bangladesh and East European countries facing multiple linguistic and cultural barriers. Our services include adult day care, home care services, senior lunch program, health seminars and screening, citizenship and immigration assistance, public benefits assistance, job training, computer training and ESL classes, interpretation and translation services, support services for caregivers, and medical clinic. We also serve low-income families with the electricity and gas bill as-
Dr. Firdaus Jafri
sistance program called PIPP/DVP in collaboration with
President - MAFS
CEDA program.
Mini Fundraiser 2017
Our Seniors
Shantiben Patel Schaumburg
Rashmikaben Shah Chicago
Padmaben Desai Niles
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Born on February 17, 1936 in a small village called Karannagar near Kadi, Shantibahen Patel grew up with two brothers and three sisters. Her father was a small merchant selling cattle foods to other villagers. After dropping out from 3rd grade, she helped look after her younger siblings while her mom was working on the farm. She got married at a very young age to Kantilal S. Patel of Sardhav village near Kalol. They spent 22 years in Sardhav with five adorable sons. Her husband worked as a salesman for a cloth merchant in Ahmedabad. Due to his skill and courage,they all moved to Naranpura, Ahmedabad in 1969. Her kids have since grown up, got married and become independent. Her 4th son, Suryakant became a Mechanical Engineer and migrated to Chicago in 1986 with his wife, Anila. This move was a turning point for their family; she came to Chicago for the first time in February 1987 to look after her grandson, Shivam. Chicago has been her home
since then and she has visited India almost 20 times in the last 30 years. All her sons now live in the USA with their families. Currently her family includes five sons and their wives, ten grandchildren and their spouses, and five great grandchildren! She lost my husband unexpectedly on November 8, 2008 which was another turning point in her life. her health began deteriorating after losing her life companion. She went through three joint replacement surgeries in the last 8 years but her love for her big family and faith in God has given her the strength to stay strong. In Shantibahen Patel’s words, “It would be completely unfair not to mention my other family at MAFS that has given me the love, joy and compassion that I’ve needed to stay positive at this stage of my life. Many thanks to Diptiben, Mitalben, all the drivers and fellow seniors for taking care of me and putting up with me!”
I came to Chicago in 1975 and got my green card in 1978. meanwhile, I volunteered my services at the Metropolitan Asian Family Services. When I received my legal status, I got a job as a machine operator mak-ing scarf and then worked for the hospital’s laundry service department. I am proud to say that I am U.S. citizen and self em-ployed for many years such as cooking, baby sitting and worked as a sales girl to provide for my family. i lost my husband in 2015 and i miss him a lot. he was very sincere, loving, supportive and shy person. When I was in India, I never set idle and always keeping myself busy, taking cooking classes, nursing classes, sewing classes and always take pride in working. my childhood was pleasant and I am coming from a wealthy family. my father owned a movie theater so I was very fond of cinema and fashion. I was married in to modest family and had to work hard to make ends meet. I live with my son and daughter-in-law Sonal. I have two grandson name Satyam and Shivam. my
brother-sister lives in Texas and California. because of my smartness and strong work ethics, MAFS asked me to volunteer my services and now I am a helper and organizer. Mrs. Santosh Kumar and Promila Mehta supports me. I help sponsoring Indian festivals such as Di-wali and Tulsi Vivah. I believe in cleanli-ness and big fan of clean India (Swachh Bharat) project. therefore, I volunteer to clean the streets of Chicago. I come to adult day care five days a week and it feels like a family to me. they teach me “be well, live well and age well”. I am saddened and sorry for a great loss of Mr. Pramod Kumar this year. he was a great man with a heart of gold and i miss him seeing him around. Mrs. Santosh Kumar considered me as her family member. we are all fortunate to have Promila Mehta and seniors like her singing bhajan everyday and friendly loving nature. we are a proud MAFS family and enjoy fully. we are happy and healthy seniors because of MAFS! Thanks.
Padmaben Desai was born in 1934 and brought up in Mumbai (then Bombay). She completed her Masters from Wilson College, Baroda. After her marriage in 1958, she migrated to Vadodara and was blessed with three children. Later, she joined fertilizer school and subsequently opened Sanskar Vidyalaya with her partner. She was also the advisor to another school named Angel school. She took her ‘Kovid’ (Hindi) degree from Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Wardha. In 1970, she completed her B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) from M.S. University, Vadodara. In the same year, she got the chance to visit U.S.A. through International Living. In U.S., she visited many schools and was highly impressed by its education system. After her retirement in 1992, she joined the Rotary Club of Vadodara. In 1995, she became the president
of Metro Inner Wheel Rotary Club and used the opportunity to take part in various social work projects. She remained the committee member of Blind School of Vadodara up to the year 2000. She was also the subeditor of her community Gujarati Monthly. Later she settled in Chicago with her family. Fond of education, traveling and drawing, she has traveled many countries of the world with her husband. All her children are highly educated. Now a senior, she is enjoying her life with family and friends at Niles Senior center Chicago. Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) has offered me a chance to spend my later years in a happy and positive environment. Here, I get a chance to meet and socialize with friends of my age and enjoy life.
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Our Services MAFS offers a breadth of services that are targeted to support our community. We can help you with immigration, translation, nutrition, computer training, paying your light and heat bills, or if you’re just in need of a home cooked meal. The Big Picture: MAFS can only sustain itself and serve the community by Grants, Fundraising, Volunteering and In-kind contributions. The majority of MAFS’s funding comes from Grants and Fundraising. One very important factor that is often overlooked is that funding from; State, Federal and Local Government is given ONLY at 65% to 75% at most to what is needed to run the program.
The remaining 25% to 35% must be raised by MAFS to fill this gap. That is why we need our community and people like you to contribute through fundraising activities and/or donations/ contributions in person or through mail. These donations/contributions can be in various ways, like cash, In-kind or volunteering hours of service to support MAFS’s programs. Big Win: Over the years, we have aligned ourselves to different grants outlined on this page as well as brought on experienced staff in terms of grant writing. One of 2017’s biggest accomplishment was the Human Service Grant from DuPage county. This is the 3rd year that MAFS is receiving this grant and the amount awarded was $15K which is more that 500% more than the previous year.
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Grant Extended: For the past 11 years, MAFS has participated in a communitybased partnership with Northwestern University. As part of a new research study funded by the National Institutes of health, we will be starting recruitment into the South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Intervention (SAHELI) which is a culturally tailored lifestyle intervention for South Asian men and women. This research is intended to create a larger network of researchers and community groups to address the serious issues of cardiovascular disease amongst minority populations. The relationship between Northwestern and MAFS has resulted in extending the research grant with MAFS for 5 more years. If you would like to support this research with MAFS, please contact Mrs. Himali Bharucha at 773-465-3105 If you would like to see the findings of this research or want to participate, please visit: www.ARCConline.net
Public Benefits
MAFS is a pioneer in providing social services to low-income and underserved populations. We assist client in accessing public benefits available to fit their individual needs. Our staff helps fill out applications for these services and escorts them to the appropriate public benefit offices such as Department of Human Services or Social Security Administration, Immigration and Naturalization to submit the application and serve as their interpreter. We also translate official forms in Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Spanish, and Bosnian languages to facilitate the process of applying for benefits. Our staff acts as liaisons between the client and public officials to help our community members get the help and support they require. This year we had the privilege of helping complete 2143 cases in Cook, Suburban Cook County, DuPage and Lake County. We also served over 600 people in Senior Opportunity Services (SOS) program funded through Age Options.
>600 people
>2100 cases
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Light Heat Energy Assistance Program is designed to help low-income families pay their heat and light bills. This program is offered multiple times throughout the year and brings hundreds of people from all nationalities to our Chicago and Niles offices. Many of them arrive before the office opens and wait in line for hours to benefit from this program. This service is funded by the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA). MAFS’ staff help clients in processing their application to receive funds. This year we have helped 1759 eligible families through this program.
>1750 families
Affordable Care Act (OBAMACARE)
Metropolitan Asian Family Services has collaborated with the Asian Health Coalition for assisting our community with the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. It was the state-run outreach and education program offered to all legal residents of Illinois to enroll into Medicaid or Marketplace health insurance. We have enrolled over 300 individuals into Medicaid o Marketplace health insurance and reached out to over 2000 people through outreach efforts at temples, mosques, churches and Gurudwaras.
>300 individuals
mafsinc.com
Nutrition Program
at MAFS Golden Dinner (City of Chicago), Congregate Meal (Age Options) At Niles, and Senior Hot Lunch Program (DuPage Senior Citizen Council) at Roselle. We have provided 24,540 hot meals to senior community members in 2016 from all three sites. Even though funding has been affected by the budget cut, our active management and seniors have made it possible by bringing funding privately to continue the meal programs. Want to enjoy a healthy, balanced and freshly cooked meal? Please visit one of our locations near you!
+500% increase in our Human Service Grant from DuPage County
>24,500 meals
+99%
Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
MAFS is a Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) certified. Take advantage of our free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. We have served 641 clients last year in 2016. Our staff members, Connie Dogaru, Meenu Jethi, Charlotte Singh have recently attended a state facilitated 4-day training and are now SHIP certified counselors. Seniors with any Medicare or Medicaid queries can contact them for appointments.
increase in the clients served by SHIP over last year
>600 clients
Asian Human Services Program
The goals of the AHS program are to promote self-sufficiency and to help families achieve independence; ensure the protection of children and other vulnerable residents; and maximize prevention opportunities to strengthen families’ well-being and stability. We have served over 955 Medicaid Clients that includes SNAP and redetermination applications.
+3%
increase in the families served by LIHEAP over last year
>300 individuals
Other Programs: Senior Housing Referral Assistance
>300 individuals
Senior Medicare Program
95
individuals
Social Security Assistance/ Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI)
150
individuals
>34% increase in the individuals served by Affordable Care Act over last year
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Activities at our Senior Centers
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NAPERVILLE - PERORMING YOGA, From front to back, L to R: Esmet Malik, Manju Checker, Kala Thakker, Jasudben Modi, Nileshwari Shah, Navinchandra Sanghvi, Veena Asher, Dalsukh Madhu, Shantilal Thakrar, Snehlata Thakrar, Usha Shah, Mohammed Malik and Babu Modi.
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VERNON HILLS - LAUGHING CLUB EXCERCISE, Top row L to R Suman Patel; Bhavna Patel; Madhu Mathur; Bharatkumar Soni; Middle row Lto R: Sherbanu Gillani, Panna Modi; Vitthalbhai Patel; Veero Masih; Surendrakumar Brahmbhatt; Fredy D’Mello; Navnitlal Shah.; Bottom row L to R: Gurdev Jhuti; Harminder Grewal; Kashmir Singh; Madanmohan Modi; Natvarlal Shah; and Mohammed Khan.
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NILES - WALKING CLASS PROVIDED BY WHITE CRANE WELLNESS CENTER, Top Row L to R: Mangattukattil Jose, Vara Jagadish, Khan Riyaz, Majmudaaravinash, Selani Subhash, Vyas Ramesh, Pandya Dilip, George Peter, Shah Kanaiyalalm, Modi Dipesh, Patel Ambalal, Bodiwala, Nandlal,Dixit Manishankar, Patel Manu P,Patel Ramanbhai; Middle Row L to R: Mary Mangatukattil, Khatoon Hamida, Chatriwala Habiba,Dalal Lilavanti, Vyas Jayshree, Pandya Kusum, Kotak Pushpagaur V, Padma Desai,Shah Kamalaben, Patel Madhukanta R, Logam Jayraman; Bottom Row L to R: Siddiqui Muhammad, Ayoob Nargis, Ayoob Younus, Amin Suresh, Rattan Ahlowalia
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CHICAGO- VOLUNTEERS & STAFF SERVING HOT MEALS TO SENIORS, Standing L to R: Dahyabhai Patel, Sumitraben Patel, Elizabeth, Vijaya Bhandari
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ORLAND PARK, Standing L to R: Aleykutty Mathai, Chandubhai Patel, Hifzur Sarvana, Mahidas Kothadia, Chandrakanta Patel, Bhanumati Patel, Sumitraben Patel, Sharmisthaben Shah & Jyotiben Shah; Sitting left to right- Jaya Samnani, Vajiben Kothadia, Ramanlal Shah, Kamla Beri & Sareen Nirmal
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SCHAUMBURG - 2017 HOLI CELEBRATION, Top row L to R: Hasmukhbhai Bhagwakar,
Hasmukhbhai Kachhia, Manubhai R Patel, Subhashbhai Gandhi, Gunvantbhai Gandhi, Chandubhai Patel (Niles), Chandrakant Patel, Ranchodbhai Patel, Shantilal Topiwal; Third Row L to R: Sarojben Patel, Jayeshbhai Desai, Harjinder Kaur, Sharda Patel, Manorama Desai, Arvindbhai Patel, Shantaben R Patel, Raojibhai Patel, Prafulchandra Patel, Purshotambhai Thakur, Ram Gupta, Darshna Gupta, Nirmala Topiwala, Pushpaben Bhagwakar, Kanchanben Shah; Second row L to R: Vidya Patel, Premila Patel, Manjulla C Patel, Shakuntala Mehta, Sarojben Topiwala; Bottom row L to R: Malini Patel, Shantiben Patel, Yashomatiben Patel, Dileep Patel, Akber Nensey
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Meet our Key Staff
Connie Dogaru SOS Coordinator Niles
Meenu Jethi SOS Coordinator Roselle
Harish Mahajan SOS Coordinator Chicago
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We would like to thank our incredible staff! They are the ones that put in the long hours and give up their weekends so they can find new and innovative ways to help our community. It is not bricks or the building but their tireless dedication and commitment that are the real strength in our organization. Connie Dogaru, our Senior SOS Coordinator, has extensive experience doing public benefits work and case management. She has been with MAFS since 2013 and provided social service assistance to over 2325 members and clients in 2016. She is a SHIP counselor and an Intake EST with CEDA. Connie begins with an initial one-on-one meeting to assess a client’s needs and to determine their eligibility for benefits. Once eligibility is determined and the client has provided the necessary documentation she will meet with the client again to complete all appropriate paperwork. Depending on the service SOS Coordinators may need to escort some clients to the appropriate government agency such as the DHS, Social Security or USCIS. In most instances, an SOS Coordinator serves as an advocate for some or all conversations between a public official and their client. In some cases, follow-up visits are required. She goes the extra mile to help engage and support the community
Meenu Jethi landed in this country at the age of twentytwo, barely after finishing her master’s degree. She endured her share of personal struggles but gives credit to her strong social support system. When her son was all grown up she wanted to find a platform to give back by helping and guiding others. Fortunately, she found that opportunity at MAFS. Through MAFS, she helps people in need by screening their household incomes and educating them on their eligibility for public benefits, saving them thousands of dollars in their household budgets that they can reallocate to other essential needs. With changing administration and laws, we continue to work very hard to save the rights of seniors and low income families. Every now and then, Meenu hears stories of gratitude from low income families on how they became citizens with our guidance on avoiding expensive fees for their citizenship applications. Helping people in need, regardless of race and ethnicity, and giving them sustenance and hope is an immensely rewarding experience that Meenu will be forever grateful for. Because of MAFS, she finds her personal mission accomplished and wishes to continue to help and contribute to this mission until she is healthy and capable.
Harish Mahajan has been working with MAFS for more than 10 years as a volunteer. He is an engineer and has worked with the ONGC in India and in national oil companies in the Middle East before moving to the US with his family. He is a very hard working, reliable, efficient and sincere worker. We are proud to have him with us. Harish Mahajan is a Senior SOS Coordinator. He helps seniors and new immigrants on various matters like Public Benefits, free telephones & free ride card, immigration services (such as petitions for immediate family members, Citizenship, Green card/passport renewals, etc.), OCI, renewal of Indian passports, visas, and advising seniors on various subjects. He works as an Intake EST with CEDA helping seniors, disabled and other low income households get help for their utility bills. On June, 18th, 2015, Mr. Mahajan was the Volunteer Award by AgeOptions for dedicated work at MAFS.
9015 N Milwaukee Ave Niles, IL 60714 224-601-7008 connied@umasinc.com
127 E Main Street Roselle, IL. 60172 847-306-7596 meenuj@umasinc.com
7541 N Western Ave Chicago, IL 60645 872-208-4009 harishm@umasinc.com
Our Homecare Program As you get older maintaining your independence and living in your own home can become near impossible as everyday chores become more & more difficult. Our homecare program helps you keep your independence from the privacy & comfort of your own home. We match families with caregivers that share your culture and follow a care plan built based on your needs. Our caregivers assist with chores around the house including cooking, shopping, personal care, grooming, and transportation to medical appointments, when necessary. THIS SERVICE IS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE!
Eligibility Requirements:
Our Caregivers.
Who We Are
Universal Metro Asian Services has
Your Language.
been providing Homecare and Adult Day
We provide Caregivers (home care aides)
Care services in the Chicagoland area for over 15 years! Our aim is to serve immi-
that share your language and cultural background whenever possible. Our caregivers are fluent in Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, Nepali, English, Spanish, Bosnian, and Russian just to name a few.
With over 2500+ highly
trained staff we can find the one that will
grant populations of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe. For the past three decades we have been at the forefront of meeting the requirements of the South Asian immigrant community and have since evolved to serve all communities. UMAS is an equal opportunity employer.
2900+ 2500+ HAPPY HOME CARE CLIENTS
CAREGIVERS ON STAFF
11 CHICAGOLAND LOCATIONS
Our Adult Day Care Program Getting older doesn't mean being lonely or slowing down. Your golden years can be a great time! Our adult day care centers provide a venue for the elderly to get involved in structured and fun-filled activities. We provide breakfast, hot lunch and snacks to our participants. On-site medical monitoring is available by trained nurses. Yoga & fitness sessions, health education and seminars, recreational activities and round trip transportation services from their home to our centers by our experienced drivers are also available free of charge for those who qualify. Come join the party at one of our 6 convenient Chicagoland locations.
Door to Door Transportation We provide door to door pick-up and drop-off services in comfortable vans and curb to curb assistance by our drivers for our participants.
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HAPPY ADULT DAY CARE CLIENTS
ADULT DAY CARE LOCATIONS
*Client data is current as of 3/2016
866.330.UMAS (8627)
umasinc.com