2020 Annual Fundraiser Magazine

ANNUAL REPORT

Metropolitan Asian Family Services

Celebrating our 28th Year.

A Year to Remember, A Year to be Grateful, A Year to be Resilient, A Year to be Giving.

OUR Mission

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.

Table of Contents Welcome

President & Ex. Dir. Welcome Letter

04

Address by Paula Basta, Director, IDOA

06

Annual Report Annual Report

08

Covid-19 Response

10

Programs & Grants

12

A Look Back

18

Financials & Initiatives 2019/20 Financial Highlights

20

2019 Annual Fundraiser

24

2019 International Round Table

27

2020 Mini Virtual Fundraiser

28

People Behind MAFS Our Board of Directors

32

MAFS Staff & Locations

34

Awards 36 Donors 39

mafsinc.com

Letter from the President & Executive Director Dear Friends, The year 2020 started with an unprecedented pandemic. We have been challenged, not as a country alone, but as an entire planet. Dealing with this situation is no easy task, but “United We Can Stand Alive!�. For months, our immigrant seniors, the most vulnerable population to COVID-19, have been grappling with this pandemic that continues to wreak havoc in our daily lives.

We at MAFS are working hard to mitigate the impact that COVID-19 has had on our senior communities. As a Place of Care, our staff worked hard to ensure that our participants, regardless of race, income, and immigration status, have access to high-quality home care and freshly cooked meals delivered at their doorstep. We continue to learn and utilize new teleconference technologies like Zoom and Teams with our seniors and provide activities that keep them connected, entertained, and

mafsinc.com

informed about safety measures. Growing and maintaining the trust of seniors, their families, and the community is vital for MAFS. As a Senior Care Provider, we must realign our organization to the new safety measures outlined by IDOA, CDC, and IDPH so our facilities can re-open safely and programs continue daily operations.

we are getting ready to open our facilities in the “new normal”. Thank you to our Board Members and staff for your continued support. Please continue to follow social distancing guidelines, wear your masks, and wash your hands. Your adherence to these safety policies will keep you and others safe and Alive!

We have taken all the necessary precautions for our seniors, staff, and drivers such as temperature screenings and mandatory mask coverings. Seniors will always maintain a 6ft distance in our locations wearing a mask, washing their hands, and using hand sanitizers.

We have 2 medical-grade HEPA filters at each ADS site. We brought Sanitizing ‘Fogging’ machines to spray a mist of disinfectant on all surfaces frequently. We retrofitted the bathrooms in all our locations with touch-less toilets, faucets, soap dispensers, and dryers.

Finally, while our focus has been to serve Seniors and the communities during COVID-19,

Sincerely,

Dr. Firdaus Jafri President - MAFS

Santosh Kumar Executive Director - MAFS

5

A Message from Paula Basta Director, IDOA

December 19, 2020 Metropolitan Asian Family Services Firdaus Jafri, President 7541 N. Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60645 Dear Friends: It is my honor to welcome you, virtually, to the Metropolitan Asian Family Services annual fundraiser celebrating 28 years of service to our community.

For nearly three decades, Metropolitan Asian Family Services has played a vital role helping seniors live independently by providing community-based care and connecting them to the services they deserve. While the delivery methods have changed during the pandemic, Metropolitan Asian Family Services has successfully continued to provide knowledge, programming, and resources to our older Illinoisans in innovative ways.

Metropolitan Asian Family Services has been bold in its flexibility and creativity during these challenging times. I am deeply humbled by the work that you have been doing during this time of crisis, and I want you to know that we would not be able to support so many older adults without you. All of us have had to make difficult adjustments during these past nine months, but please know that we are in this together. Thank you for your dedication and continuing to think outside of the box.

I know that today’s fundraiser is a little different in nature, and you all look forward to networking and interacting with your friends. Although we cannot meet in person, it is my hope that today’s event reenergizes your spirit, and provides you with the confidence to tackle problems, and address them head on with resilience - as you have been. As always, thank you for setting the bar and inspiring others, so that together we may all continue to support today, while planning for tomorrow. Please stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,

Paula Basta, M.Div. Director, Illinois Department on Aging

mafsinc.com

JOE EICHMAN

SHEILA BUCK

FOR MORE INFO CALL

800-433-3808 BEATA BIEDRON

HEALTH INSURANCE | LIFE INSURANCE | MEDICARE | DENTAL 7

We welcome you to celebrate Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) 28th Anniversary of its revolutionary human services journey!

MAFS has been on the frontlines of humanity empowering the community since 1992.

mafsinc.com

MAFS has touched and improved thousands of lives to help navigate American Government Public Policies and Benefit Programs to receive benefits in Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Access To Care, Citizenship, Immigration, Transportation, Kids Care, SSI Prescription Drugs (Medicare Part D), SNAP (Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program, LIHEAP, Direct Vendor Payment and Reconnection Assistance Cash Assistance Program, Percentage of Income Payment Plan, Furnace Assistance, Peoples Gas Share the warmth program, ComEd Residential Special hardship, Nutritional Congregate Meals Program, SAHELI Research Program, Adult Literacy Program, Memory Café and many such Public Benefit programs.

These beneficial programs are sustainable only through various funding by States, Counties, Private businesses and individuals like you!

I sincerely thank all our patrons for being a big part of our organization’s fabric over those 28 years. To help construct and withstand all its sacrifices and hard work to be one of the largest and oldest Not for Profit Organization in the US. It takes special dedication and genuine perseverance to build a stable and strong organization that can stand firm in the wake of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Your generous donations have not only helped us survive these tough times but paved a strong trail over the years to sustain our Hot and Nutritious meal program

Annual Report

which feeds the seniors fresh, well-balanced meal.

Also, through the public benefits program, they get the medical insurance and in turn lead a healthier life!

A special thanks to AgeOptions and City of Chicago funding, which enabled us to provide around 30,000 hot and nutritious meals last year alone. With other donations, we were able to serve 4,000 seniors and families under our Public Benefit Programs.

As we continue to fight the pandemic, I urge you to support our noble cause by joining us for MAFS’s 28th Annual Gala, an eventful virtual fundraiser!

Centered around the theme of “Thank You and Salute to Our Frontline Warriors”. A special highlight of this fundraiser is a feature on our frontline warriors, thanking them for fearlessly surging ahead during COVID-19 to provide essential services to seniors and community at large. This platform also brings together elected officials, Congressman, Senators, Mayors, Global Thought Leaders along with major Stakeholders and Gatekeepers of the Senior Community. The virtual platform will feature groundbreaking ideas, innovative experiences, successful coping mechanisms, leaders and achievers who will determine our future. I strongly believe that significant conversations are the way to generate effective solutions to tackle the current crisis and show us ways to adapt to the new normal.

9

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, work and serve. At MAFS it’s our duty to serve our community and we had to find new and innovative ways to reach out and support those most vulnerable and in need while doing our utmost to protect our staff.

Covid-19 Response With the COVID-19 wreaking havoc across the world, MAFS centers had to close on March 18, 2020, which resulted in a temporary suspension of all our in-person programs as per IDOA, IDPH, and CDC guidelines. However, we could not simply forget or ignore the elder ethnic population who are dependent on our programs to meet their health, social and psychological needs. MAFS responded to their needs by pivoting its programs and transitioning them into suitable formats to continue providing essential services to our seniors. While some Programs like the Congregate Meals changed into home delivered packaged meals, others like Memory CafĂŠ, Adult Literacy, and Public Benefits were adapted to be conducted remotely via virtual online sessions/phone. This ensured that seniors, who are the most vulnerable, are not deprived of any benefits and remain socially connected during these difficult times of isolation. We strictly adhere to the COVID-19 safety guidelines and measures while conducting all program activities.

Home-Delivered Meals

Our seniors are accustomed to gathering and having fresh and healthy meals prepared every day at our locations. Now, due to COVID restrictions, they are homebound. However, we want to make sure that seniors get the same nutritious and home cooked meals, which include breakfast, lunch and snacks, delivered to their homes as per their needs. We are happy and proud to say that we have delivered close to 32,000 healthy home cooked meals to our seniors during this lock down period and are continuing to do so. Our staff have put their own lives in danger while fulfilling and continuing the services to the seniors.

Golden Diners service has been a blessing to my husband and me during COVID-19. Both of us have some preexisting conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, hypertension which makes us more susceptible to COVID-19.

Since we are senior citizens who do not have car resulting in very limited mobility, we truly rely on services provided by you. My husband has been hospitalized several times and had lost significant amount of weight. My husband really likes healthy and tasty food, and it has helped him gain some weight. We both appreciate the delicious, balanced, nutritious food which tastes just like homemade food! We congratulate Mr. Dahyabhai Patel of MAFS in Chicago, their location manager Mr. Shrenik Dalal and other staff for their prompt and excellent service, and overall superb management. In these times, services like these are more beneficial for people like us. Thank you for keeping us safe during this global pandemic. Keep up the good work!

- Mrs. Manju Desai & Mr. Upendra Desai

mafsinc.com

Staying Connected Virtual Format

Our seniors love getting together to socialize with their friends, sing songs, and play games. To prevent social isolation and loneliness amongst our clients, regular wellness checks are being done via phone, WhatsApp, and Zoom meetings by our program coordinators. Agency staff patiently taught our seniors to use technology and are successfully conducting activities like singing, prayers, storytelling, bingo, exercise, telling jokes, word games, sharing food recipes, etc. This way MAFS is making sure that our clients are positive and hopeful during these crucial times. Who knew our seniors were so tech-savvy?

Memory Café The pandemic did not prevent MAFS from continuing to serve one of the most delicate segments of seniors- those going through dementia and mild memory loss. When we checked with our clients about the possibility of a virtual Memory Café, they showed great enthusiasm for it! That motivated us to go ahead and organize it via Zoom as it was the most convenient platform for all. The first online session took place on 22nd April and we have never looked back since then! Senior participants join the group every 4th Wednesday along with staff members. They play various memory games and have healthy discussions on various stimulating topics.

Adult Literacy Program Like other programs, MAFS’ Adult literacy classes for seniors are also being conducted virtually via zoom.

Senior students from Roselle, Naperville, and Niles location get together virtually along with their volunteer tutors, 2 days a week to study Math and English and improve their basic literacy skills. MAFS is proud of its seniors who continue to display their zeal for learning despite the pandemic and all the negativity around!

Annual Report

Hybrid format Public Benefits Program

When the pandemic started, our Public Benefit Programs that assist clients with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Energy assistance, Immigration/Citizenship, etc. were suspended right away. However, our public benefit staff continued to provide information, individual counseling/case management to clients over the phone/email, and fill out their applications online. This way clients continue to receive services while staying safe within the confines of their homes. MAFS gradually started in-person interaction from June end and is serving the clients strictly on an appointment basis. We are maintaining social distancing and taking other safety precautions while doing so.

We continue to provide remote services to clients who are not yet comfortable venturing out. Our committed staff is assisting clients to access emergency public benefits and social services that are available during the pandemic like filing for unemployment, stimulus checks, etc.

SAHELI Research Study

MAFS is committed to improving the heart health of the South Asian Community during the COVID-19 pandemic as it continues to enroll participants into the SAHELI research to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and prevent chances of heart attacks and strokes.

Low contact and no contact protocols are being implemented in the research study. When screenings are conducted, finger sticks are administered in person for A1c and Lipid Panels.

Weight and BP are measured either in person or remotely by shipping weighing scales and BP monitors to participants’ homes. Participants convey their weight and BP readings to their Health Educator via phone or Zoom. Health Surveys, individual counseling sessions, group education sessions, and group exercise classes are being conducted remotely.

11

I am 74 years old and have been living alone since my wife’s death. I never learned to cook as my wife who was a great cook usually prepared food for us. When I lost her 15 years ago, getting proper meals proved to be a challenge. Being a vegetarian added to my problem as it was very difficult to find suitable food. Fortunately, I heard about the MAFS lunch program and enrolled in it. For the last 12 years, I have been coming to the congregate site every single day! I can proudly say that the only family I have is MAFS, which gives me food, companionship, and happiness!

- Suresh Patel

Nutrition Program To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art. Our staff and members strongly believe in this adage.

We serve hot, fresh, home cooked meals that take into account the dietary requirements and traditions of Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. We also help educate participants on choosing the right kind of foods that help prevent & manage diseases like diabetes and hypertension which are common in our culture.

The smell of masala in the kitchen does not only entice one’s appetite, it also brings people together. Sharing a meal with a group can be the cure seniors need against feelings of social isolation. So, come join us for a meal and tell that joke you know!

Meals Served 330

Aug 19

320

850

990

Sept 19

350

833

924

Oct 19

303

908

13,656 Meals Served in Chicago

10,785 Nov 19

Dec 19

Jan 20

MAFS is in its 20th year of serving hot lunches to the senior citizen population. These lunches are nutritionally balanced but more importantly they provide an opportunity for seniors to make friends and socialize to break free from isolation. These meals are freshly prepared by trained cooks under strict hygienic conditions. We provided 29,947 hot meals to the community this year from our Chicago (funded by the City of Chicago), Niles and Schaumburg (funded by Age Options) facilities.

986

938

Jul 19

962

875

892

334

916

857

338

Feb 20

451

Mar 20

458

890

838

422

809

687

May 20

726

June 20

787

Schaumburg Congregate Meals

5,506

Meals Served in Schaumburg

824

491

1048

Apr 20

Meals Served in Niles

945

2085

857

2170

1125

1428

Chicago Golden Diners

Niles

Congregate Meals

Have you ever wondered what benefits you qualify for? Many people do not know what is available to them. MAFS can help you understand and apply for benefits like:

medicare citizenship

immigration

food stamps (snap)

liheap

medicaid

transportation

kids care

access to care ssi prescription drug

ship

Public Benefits Program Title lll B (T-CLIP) - AgeOptions

MAFS is a pioneer in providing social services to low-income and underserved populations. The demand for these kinds of services is increasing due to the slow recovery of our economy. MAFS staff assists clients 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 benefits 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, Urdu, Gujarati, 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 3993 cases in Cook, Suburban Cook County, DuPage and Lake County.

Energy Assistance Program - CEDA

social security

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 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 offices 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 in order to receive funds.

This year we have helped 2,400 eligible families through this program. Please call 773-465-3015 to apply for the CEDA program.

SHIP - CLESE

MAFS is a Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) certified site. You can take advantage of our free statewide senior health insurance counseling service for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Our staff members, Shane Solanki, Tarinda McGee, Urvashi Bhatt, Eugenie Favre, Jaishree Nagaraj and Radhika Subramanian are SHIP certified counselors. Seniors with any Medicare or Medicaid queries can contact them for appointments. This year we served 1,244 individuals. For more information about this program, please call 773-465-3015 (Chicago); 847-824-9414 (Niles); 630-705-1208 (Naperville)

SHIP MMAI– Age Options

This year MAFS received the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Medicare Medicaid Alignment (MMAI) grant from Age Options. It boosted our ongoing SHIP program by helping us provide free senior health insurance counseling service specifically for Medicare Medicaid Alignment cases in the Suburban Cook area.

Our certified SHIP counselors Shane Solanki, Tarinda McGee, Urvashi Bhatt and Eugenie Favre served 308 clients under this program.

The CEDA Energy Assistance Program is a fantastic program helping seniors pay their utility bills which are usually quite high. The intake services by the MAFS staff are great because you can talk to them, ask questions, and clear your doubts. Mr. Harish Mahajan, MAFS CEDA Specialist, briefed me about the program and patiently filled out and submitted my application. He was very efficient, understanding, and helpful. After talking to him I felt much better. The program helps me pay my light and heat bills and that relieves me of a lot of stress. Mr. Mahajan also informed me about other MAFS programs that benefit seniors. I thank all the public benefit staff at MAFS and wish them good luck!

- Shirly Arpasi

mafsinc.com I was not aware of the benefits that I can receive as a senior citizen but Mrs. Urvashi Bhatt at the MAFS Chicago location briefed me very patiently about all the benefits I was entitled to. After conducting my assessment, she suggested that I could get Medicaid. I expressed my concern that I had no knowledge about the application process and faced limited mobility as I could not drive. Mrs. Bhatt advised me about the whole process, helped me fill out the application, and also followed up thoroughly for an early action. It is due to her efforts that I got Medicaid within a month! I want to thank her and MAFS for providing the much-needed public benefit services to the community.

—NEERA KAURA

DuPage Human Services Grant Dupage County

MAFS is funded under DuPage County Asian Human Service Program (HSGF) to support the underserved Asian immigrant community (residing DuPage County) to provide basic needs (food, clothing, furniture and medical) counseling/support treatment, case management and client advocacy. The annual target number of clients who will benefit was 100, but our social workers have served 300 clients to date. We provide these services from Naperville, Carol Stream and Roselle Locations. Please call 630-705-1208 for more information.

Immigration/Citizenship - Niles Township

Since its establishment, MAFS has, and continues to provide a full range of Immigration/ Citizenship services to the community including but not limited to Naturalization/Citizenship; Green Card Renewals; Family Petitions; OCI applications; Passport Renewals and other related applications. This year we have helped 215 individuals including seniors with information, guidance, and immigration applicationsmost common ones being N400 for citizenship and I-130 for family petition. Please call 847-824-9414 to avail Immigration services.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL).

MAFS helps with this program by focusing on three key areas: • Protecting beneficiaries from Medicare & Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.

• Helping to detect Medicare & Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.

Reporting Medicare & Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse so further actions can be taken

I approached MAFS to get help with a US citizenship application for my 83 years old mother, Shardaben Patel.

I had a few concerns that she could not speak, read, or write English and was also disabled. Mr. Shane Solanki did an in-depth study of her case and advised me to obtain the N-648 form certificate of disability from her doctor. As a result of her medical condition she wasn’t able to understand/follow instructions and lacked the cognitive skills to read and comprehend information.

While reviewing my mom’s case they realized that she had already spent more than 20 years on a Green Card in the US and her age was 65 and above. This made her qualify for exemption from the English test and also get a translator. In a month’s time, we got the good news that her application has been approved by USCIS and we are waiting for the next steps!

- Hemant Patel

Affordable Care Act Asian Health Coalition

Senior Medicare Patrol – CLESE

SMP empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.

SMPs are grant-funded projects of the federal U.S.

Annual Report

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 25 individuals into Medicaid or Marketplace health insurance and reach out to over 1,000 people through outreaching at temples, mosques, churches, and Gurudwaras.

15

SAHELI is one of the first healthy Lifestyle Intervention Research Study for South Asians (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepali, and Bhutani) in America.

Health Research South Asian Healthy Heart Lifestyle Intervention (SAHELI): Northwestern University

South Asians are underrepresented in heart disease prevention research even though they have a very high risk compared to other ethnic groups in the U.S. The primary research goal of the study is to understand the best ways to lower heart disease risk in South Asians.

MAFS has been a partner with Northwestern University with this heart health study, SAHELI, to help raise awareness of CVD, and to improve cardiovascular health among the South Asian Population living in the U.S. since 2012. MAFS has collaborated with NU on various other health research studies since 2005.

Persons who are between the ages of 18 to 65 interested in the study are tested initially, after six and twelve months for A1c, Lipid including Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides. A screening for BMI, BP, and anthropometry for the cuff, waist, and hip are done as well. After the screening is conducted, they are counseled for their readings as to what is normal and borderline range, and if they are at high risk. The intervention group attend 16 health education and exercise classes, and 4 booster classes which are optional. On the other hand, health education material is sent to the control group at their homes.

Most participants experience success with their own CVD goals such as Weight Reduction, BP, Cholesterol, and/or Sugar. So far 175 participants have benefited and experienced a positive difference in their overall health as well from this exceptional research study conducted at MAFS. This year alone we had 93 participants actively enrolled in SAHELI at MAFS and the numbers are growing as South Asian population is becoming more aware of their heart health. For enrollment and further information, please call our Chicago office at 773-465-3105.

The long-term goal of this research is to determine if a culturally-targeted, primary prevention lifestyle intervention provided to South Asian immigrants in a community-based setting is sustainable as far as physical activity which entails cardiovascular and resistance training, healthy dietary behaviors, stress management techniques; thus, achieving the ultimate outcome of preventing and delaying heart disease.

I joined the SAHELI program because I felt negative about my cholesterol and weight and after these 7 months at Saheli, I feel much better and my cholesterol and weight have gone down, which is a much-needed positive result. My A1C has also decreased from 6.6 to 5.9. From my experience, the SAHELI program is educational, enjoyable, and informational. Our lovely health educator, Himali Bharucha is an excellent coach and guide and she makes the program worthwhile.

- Tajuddaula

South Asians Active Together (SAATH): Northwestern University

A Multilevel Physical Activity Intervention for South Asian Women and Girls The confluence of immigration, culture, and gender create distinct barriers to physical activity 16-WEEK INTERVENTION 160 South Asian mothers with sedentary lifestyles and daughters approximately (11-16 years of age) dyads were recruited starting April 2019 at MAFS. It will be conducted via a 2-arm randomized design, a 16-week intervention with Dyadic counseling, peer discussion groups, group exercise, and family walking groups, in comparison with a wait-list control which will receive brief education. Mothers’ point-of-care will be A1c and may be lipid profile as well as BMI, BP, and anthropometry, and daughters point-of-care will be BMI and BP with a maximum of 4 assessments with reimbursement of gift cards. Outcomes expected: walking/running and sedentary time; CVD risk factors in mothers (improvement in waist circumference, weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, lipids).

mafsinc.com

At MAFS we believe in education. Education and knowledge help you better understand yourself and the world around you.

Education Program I am 88 years old and a student of the MAFS Adult Literacy Program for the last 2 years. I think it is very difficult to be in the world when you don’t know the language in which you are expected to communicate.

After I started ESL classes, I was able to communicate with my grandchild which makes me very happy. I can now understand some of the signs in the grocery stores which makes shopping much easier. Learning a new language at this age gives me sheer joy! In each class, I aim to learn at least one sentence which I share with my grandchild when he comes home! I am very thankful to MAFS and tutor volunteers for teaching me this important skill.

- Manjulaben Trivedi

Adult Literacy - IL Secretary of State

Adult Literacy Program funded by the office of Secretary of State, Jesse White. Started in July 2018, this program is running very successfully at 3 locations. We have 50 senior students, who are learning English as a Second Language (ESL). We have 25 volunteer tutors who run this program smoothly.

This program has undoubtedly helped seniors improve their English learning skills and simplified their daily lives by helping them manage their banking needs by reading, understanding, writing and signing their own forms. They can communicate on the telephone with ease! They are now able to communicate with their grandchildren effortlessly, who have been born and brought up in the US. They can count currency helping them shop and be independent. They understand and watch regular TV programs. If you are interested in enrolling in this program, please feel free to call us at 630-788-3557 for further information.

Annual Report

Memory Café – Age Options

MAFS “Memory Café” also known as “Comfort Me Café” program is currently in its 2nd year. Memory Café is a wonderful, welcoming place for individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairment.

In this program, individuals participate in a variety of activities like memory games, crafts, music, painting and motivational speeches with family member or caregivers. Memory Café is beneficial not only to those affected but to the caregivers as well. It is not just a place to just “drop off” your loved one for a while, but also a way to enjoy activities with them as a break from the normal routine. They can simply enjoy the company of those with similar things in common. Activities are varied but tend to focus on the pictures that are apt to cause one to reminisce about times gone by. That “connection” to the past can be as comforting as it is medically beneficial.

Please benefit by registering for this program by calling, 847-306-7423 if your parents or your loved ones need help! We meet every fourth Wednesday of each month at 1421 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL.

I am thankful to Mrs. Santosh Kumar for starting Memory Café classes for us seniors. It is very helpful and has benefitted my husband a lot.

Memory Café has different activities every month which keeps him busy and his mind active. His memory power has become better. The staff is constantly adding interesting new games and activities to the sessions which we enjoy a lot. Our congratulations and blessings to MAFS and Memory Café coordinators Mital Patel, Neha Patel and Dipti Shah.

- Shanthilal and Saroj Topiwala

17

A Look Back

Our 2019/20 Services At a GlAnce

Census 2020 This year MAFS received funding from Age Options to build awareness about the 2020 Census and reach out to the hard to count communities encouraging as many as possible to register for Census. MAFS left no stone unturned to do the task. It embarked upon the Census campaign in February and persistently educated thousands of people about the Census till the end of the campaign in October. Following are the activities it undertook for Census:

Presentations & Marketing – We did elaborate

presentations at 10 of our locations spreading awareness about the importance of the Census and educating seniors and their families about various ways to register for it. We printed and distributed thousands of flyer’s and posters amongst community members, and associations. We made extensive use of social media/Facebook to send out messages about Census. Our total social media reach was 22,437 people through 16 posts between Feb-Oct 2020!

29,947 Meals Served

3,993

TCLIP Clients Served

participating in the Census drive. Throughout the workshop, there was an emphasis laid out on the power of numbers and how it can effectively be tied to the quality of life issues through greater funding from the federal government.

Census Seminar – MAFS held a Census 2020

Seminar on July 2nd at our Naperville center to discuss the importance of the Census with the South Asian community of Chicagoland and to encourage them to get counted. The session was conducted via Zoom by Mrs. Kumar, Executive Director, MAFS. The esteemed panelists for the workshop included a representative from the office of US Congressmen - Danny K Davis & Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois State Comptroller - Susana Mendoza, Mayor of Naperville - Steve Chirico, Mayor of Hanover Park - Rodney Craig, State Representatives - Michelle Mussman & Diana Pappas, US Census Bureau Theresa Le, Census 2020 Liaison for Naperville - Mark Rice; MEATF Chairman - Martino Tangkar; American Multi-Ethnic Coalition President - Dr. Vijay Prabhakar; Indian American Business Coalition Secretary - Ravi Govindaraj and Representative of Telegu Community - Vasavi Chakka.

Census Panel Discussion - The 2020 Census

Census Workshop - We did a workshop with

prominent community leaders at its Roselle location on February 23rd. It was done in association with the National Council of Asian Indian Association.

14 prominent leaders and influencers of the Indian Community came together to unveil the significance of Census 2020 to get an accurate count of the burgeoning Indian American population. Teresa Lee of the US Census Bureau made a presentation on Census operations and how the Indian American community can be effectively be counted. She laid out three S’s - Simple, Safe, and Significant in

Naperville Complete Count Committee hosted a Facebook Live panel discussion on the 2020 US Census on July 23rd. Many Government Officials and Dignitaries attended and Mrs. Kumar spoke about how her association with the Census goes a long way ever since she started MAFS 30 years ago. She was also a part of the 2010 Census. She informed everyone about all the initiatives MAFS is taking to promote Census amongst the South Asian community and further added that minority communities fall under two extreme ends of the spectrum - either highly educated or completely uneducated with no knowledge of computers. This acts as a big hindrance for them to register. She has 3000 workers like home care aides who are

mafsinc.com

2,400

Families helped with Utility Bills

1,224

SHIP Clients Served

92

People Learning

in SAHELI

unaware of the letter sent by the Census. Her own domestic worker was unaware of the Census which led to finding out that there are 11 members in her family who did not fill the census yet. She made sure all of them registered with the Census 2020 immediately. This made her realize that we have to penetrate deeper into sections working as essential workers in places like Motels, Hotels, Dunkin Donuts, gas stations, etc. She sent her staff to these places to educate them to register.

MAFS open houses – We held Open Houses to

provide all immigration-related services from JulyOctober 2020, every Wednesday at Chicago, Niles, Schaumburg, and Roselle locations on a rotation basis. We used this opportunity to do on the spot Census registration and got hundreds of people to walk in and register for the Census! Official Census Representatives assisted us in the task. We distributed Census merchandise given to MAFS by the US Census Bureau. These giveaways worked as an incentive to encourage people to enroll for Census 2020.

1,000

People Helped with Immigration

25

Families enrolled in the ACA

What’s Next?

Niles Township Grant

Since its inception, MAFS has and continues to provide help with the immigration and naturalization process for community members. The Immigration Assistance Program, despite being very valuable for the community remained unfunded for many years but not anymore! After 28 years of providing immigration services, MAFS has received its first grant in July 2020 from Niles Township to fund this program. This grant is being utilized to provide a full range of Immigration/ Citizenship services to the community.

DuPage Coronavirus Relief Fund

MAFS received the Coronavirus Direct Cost Relief fund from DuPage to cover some part of COVID related expenses incurred at MAFS DuPage county locations in Naperville, Carol Stream, and Roselle.

Almost 51% of our expenses incurred between March-December 2020 were reimbursed which provided us with much-needed financial relief.

Research Study, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign

Our Census video in Hindi was selected by the US Census Bureau to be broadcasted nationwide! We also participated in the 2020 Census Naperville Video Competition and were the winner of the 2020 Census Naperville Award!

Annual Report

Starting January 2021, MAFS will be partnering with the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign on a research study. The goal is to understand the role that family caregivers of older South Asian immigrants may have as “sociocultural navigators” with the health care system, including their experiences, challenges, and concerns. We will recruit participants and the research findings will identify the issues and needs of family caregivers of the older immigrants our organization serves. It may also positively impact the policies and practices around health care delivery for older immigrants for whom effective care may require the participation of family caregivers.

19

Financial Highlights Why Donate? 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 but one factor that is often overlooked is that funding from State, Federal and Local Government make up ONLY 65% to 75% of the cost to run these programs. The remaining 25% to 35% deficit must be raised by MAFS through

fundraising and donations. That is why we need our community and people like you to contribute through fundraising activities, donations, and contributions in person, through mail, or online.

These donations/contributions can be done in several ways, including money, in-kind donations of space or supplies, and/or volunteering time and talent to serve & support MAFS’s programs.

38%

27%

AgeOptions

Donations/ Fundraising Inkind

5%

IL Secretary of State

TOTAL REVENUE

$642,946.54

2%

HSGF DuPage Human Services

10%

City of Chicago

9%

NWU SAHELI

20

3%

CLESE

6% CEDA

$136,900

$779.9K EXPNESES

$642.9K TOT REVENUE

2019/20 DEFICIT

$174,600

21 Without fundraising & donations MAFS would have a deficit of over $255,400. It was with the help of donors such as yourselves that we were able to raise $174,600 ($118,500 net) to offset our losses to $136,900 and continue our services.

FUNDRAISING & DONATIONS

$468,300

GRANT FUNDING

9%

IL Secretary of State

2%

HSGF DuPage Human Services

7%

Donations/ Fundraising Inkind

9%

NWU SAHELI

TOTAL EXPENSES

2%

$779,931.30

CLESE

5% CEDA

10%

City of Chicago

56%

AgeOptions

2121

Congregate Meal

Financial HiGHlights

AgeOptions

Revenue: $161,434.01 Expenses: $293,552.95 Deficit: $132,118.94

T-CLIP

Golden Diners

AgeOptions

City of Chicago

Revenue: $69,849 Expenses: $123,928.06 Deficit: $54,079.06

Revenue: $62,191.15 Expenses: $76,685.34 Deficit: $14,494.19

SHIP

LIHEAP

CLESE

CEDA

Revenue: $19,079.16 Expenses: $20,768.12 Deficit: $1,688.96

Revenue: $37,762.00 Expenses: $42,023.04 Deficit: $4,261.04

Asian Human Services

SAHELI

Northwestern University

DuPage Human Services

Revenue: $56,794.92 Expenses: $66,623.77 Deficit: $9,828.85

Revenue: $15,000.00 Expenses: $16,403.62 Deficit: $1,403.62

Memory Cafe

Adult Literacy

Revenue: $7,500 Expenses: $15,770.68 Deficit: $8,270.68

Revenue: $35,000.00 Expenses: $70,752.25 Deficit: $35,752.25

Secretary of State

Age Options

22

Wages

Supplies Food

Auto Expenses

IT Expenses

Rent and Utlities

Advertising and Promotion

Professional Fees

Office Expenses

Charges/ Fees/ Licenses

$142,317 Funds Raised

Madhura Sane perfoms a series of dances honoring Gandhiji’s Journey for Gandhiji’s 150th Birth Anniversary

24

2019 Fundraiser Metropolitan Asian Family Services, triumphantly launched another starstudded Annual Global Gala Fundraiser to Digitally Shape the Future of our Seniors and to celebrate and honor the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, with elected officials from around the world, including US Congressman, IL State Representatives, and renowned professionals and entrepreneurs from the US and around the world!

Our Annual Gala started with the auspicious Deep Lighting Ceremony by Ms. Kumar, Board Members, and distinguished guests as a universal symbol of truth, peace, and prosperity. A fabulous invocation dance, the Ganesh Vandana, was gracefully performed by Miss Gauri Yadav.

Following this was, “MAFS in Action”, a video illuminating MAFS’s history of service for the last 27 years. Next, Sagar Kumar, Treasurer, MAFS, presented the Annual Report where he showed gaps in funding and the importance of fundraising to continue our organization’s services.

The entertainment started with our seniors performing a rhythmic dance, “Down the Memory Lane”. It was the most cheered dance as their energy and enthusiasm were unparalleled. After, Ms. Kumar and the President of Cook County Board, Toni Preckwinkle, took center stage to discuss how MAFS was created, evolved, and multiplied to the 14 well-equipped centers. Ms. Kumar shared her experience about an isolated senior couple some 30 years ago, who was left home alone by their working children, who had no other choices in the US. The couple had no idea of how to operate an oven, in order to merely make a cup of tea! Ms. Kumar helped them at that time but was grief-stricken! This incident triggered her to form the now prominent MAFS organization to help the isolated senior immigrant community. President Preckwinkle was moved by this explanation, and this conversation enlightened the audience about the formation of MAFS. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Sesquicentennial Medallion of Excellence and the Ganghiji’s Charka to the top 20 Global Icons. Danny K. Davis - US Representative, Toni Preckwinkle - President of Cook County Board of Commissioners, Niranjan Shah - Chairman Globetrotters, Dr. Bharat Barai - Manav SEVA Mandir Founder, Ms. Paula Basta - Director Of IDOA, Dr. Satish Udpa - Acting President, Michigan State University, Dr. Mildred Harris – Commissioner of Chicago Housing Authority, Lalitha Kumaramangalam - Director India Foundation, Delhi, Parvez Hayat (IPS) - Former Director General of Police, India, Dr. Vemuri

Murthy – Chairman of Board of Trustees, Chicago Medical Society, Tel K. Ganesan – Founder/Executive Chairman KYYBA Group, Dr. Ranga Reddy – Former President, AAPI, Mr. Martino Tangkar – National President of the Indonesian Diaspora, Ms. Neelam Dwivedi – President, Raj Reality, Mr. Mohan C. Hemmadi – Sparsh Hospice Co-Founder, India, Caldwell Velnambi – President-Elect, Fetna, Dallas, S. V. Anchan – CEO Safesea Group, Dr. Preerna Kohli – Clinical Psychologist, and Krish Suthanithran – CEO Team Best Group, Virginia, were awarded the Gandhi Sesquicentennial Medallion of Excellence by Hon. Consul General Shri Sudhakar Dalela and the Gandhiji Charka was presented to the Top 20 Global icons by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. This was a truly Historic Moment! Anita Lerche, an International singer from Indianapolis stole the heart of the audience as she sang Bapu’s favorite Bhajan ‘Vaishnav Jan to Tene Kahiye’. This was followed by the reflections of Mahatma Gandhiji by the adorable, Miss Steffana Angel Paul of Longwood Elementary School in Naperville.

Following this, Madhura Sane’s dance honoring Gandhiji’s Journey was incomparable. Dinner was served at this time, however; the audience could not take their eyes off the poised dancer and her balletic and graceful movements. Ms. Sane danced fluently and effortlessly well portraying the simple life of Gandhiji.

Next, was a Mexican dance performed by Ballet Folkloric Quetzalcoatl. Our very own Rosa Barraza did a great job as one of the dancers.

The spotlight fell on our young Executive Sagar Kumar, as he went up the stage to join the performance. Following this, MAFS Seniors, Board Members, and Staff presented a skit named Sarhadey which is a tribute to our Veterans who sacrificed their lives for the country. A special mention to Mr. Kamran Issac who played an excellent background score on the keyboard.

Dr. Rakesh Asthana, Secretary of MAFS, took center stage and appealed to the audience to support the MAFS mission. We had many generous donors who contributed in order to support our mission! Kudos to our Donors!

Next, a meaningful skit, “Gandhi Ek Yugpurush”, was performed by Mandi Theatre. This was followed by the MAFS raffle conducted by the event organizer, Dipti Shah. Following this, Dr. Jafri, MAFS President, presented the employee awards. Ms. Padma Mehta was conferred with the MAFS President Award. A special salute was offered to the Hon. Anna Hazare - Social Activist and Bindu Dalmia, New Delhi. The Pramod Kumar Philanthropy award was granted to Dr. Ratnam Chitturi - Founder and President of the North-South Foundation for his selfless service in helping the children worldwide to excel academically. Our Community Service Award was given to Michelle Mussman, IL State Representative, for her relentless service. The Partnership Award was aptly awarded to Dr. Namratha Kandula, Northwestern University. The Pillar of MAFS award to Awilda Gonzalez - Project Manager, Coordinator of the Year to Shane Solanki, Employee of the Year to Shrenik Dalal, Volunteer of the Year to Anita Rawal, Outreach Award to Kiran Patel, and Cook of the Year to Nayanaben Patel. Cheers to our award winners!

Last but not least was the Grand Finale by the Bollywood Famed Sufi Singer, Indira Naik! This nightingale’s voice was hypnotic! Vocally she had a fabulous tone and had really good control on the high notes, a great overall performance!

A special thanks to our event chairperson, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, who spent relentless months planning this or this event. His handwork was obvious as the show was a huge success! Next year’s organizers will have their hands full trying to equal the quality of this year’s event. Kudos Dr. Prabhakar!

26

2019 International Round Table Our historic Round Table commenced at 3:30 pm at Waterford Banquets in Elmhurst, IL on October 12th, 2019. It was a symposium for delegates to share their view to mold a better life for seniors to lead a content and independent life in the digital future. This meeting was attended by 51 attendees from all over the world including US Congressman Bill Foster, Congressional Meeting Chair. Before the meeting, Saving Human Lives: A Tribute To Mahatma Gandhi, an exclusive handson CPR training was presented by Dr. Vemuri Murthy, Chairman, Chicago Medical Society. After this informative session, the meeting commenced as attendees introduced themselves. They spoke about their experiences in improving the lives of seniors all over the world. In order for seniors to be prepared for the digital future, 2 important conclusions were developed: 1. Increasing the caregiver base to accommodate the growing senior population which is estimated to be more than one billion by 2030.

2. To include a human touch while fulfilling their emotional needs.

While concluding, Congressman Bill Foster and the other leaders were honored by Ms. Santosh Kumar with the Colors of MAFS, the blue and white sash with the logos of MAFS and Universal Metro Asian Services (UMAS). They were also given a special miniature working replica of Gandhiji’s pocket watch specially bought for this occasion, from Rashtrapati Bhavan, India.

$26,186 Funds Raised

2020 Mini Fundraiser Our 28th Semi-Annual Virtual Summit 2020 was held on Friday, July 31st, 2020, at 11:00 am CST and at 9:30 pm IST. Our theme was “Care of Seniors During The COVID-19 Pandemic”. It was our first time having a virtual event due to COVID-19 restrictions. Our team under the leadership of Executive Director - Mrs. Santosh Kumar, IT Director – Mr. Prashant Kumar, Operational Director – Mr. Sagar Kumar, along with unparalleled help from our Dear Chairman of the Organizing Committee Dr. Vijay Prabhakar.

28

The program started with Gauri Yadav’s angelic voice, singing the American National Anthem, and Ms. Padma Mehta’s soulfully rendered the Indian National Anthem. Dr. Vijay Prabhakar introduced the Chief Guests of the event, Dr. (Smt.) Tamilisai Soundararajan, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana who joined us virtually all the way from Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad, India, and The Living Legend, Hon. Congressman Danny K Davis who joined us live from Washington DC. Following this Mr. Sagar Kumar introduced the enthralling video depicting the birth and history of MAFS. The welcoming speech was given by Dr. Firdaus Jafri, DDS – President MAFS, and she welcomed chief guests, panelists, distinguished speakers, seniors, and viewers.

Following the phenomenal speech of Mrs. Kumar, State Rep. Michelle Mussman, who has always been a strong advocate of MAFS and a true darling for seniors, congratulated Mrs. Kumar and her dedicated staff for finding new and creative ways to serve the seniors who may be lonely at home without proper food, during this horrible Pandemic. She mentioned that she is grateful for the “Lions work” MAFS continues to do even during trying times. Ms. Mussman had 3 requests for MAFS on behalf of the state of Illinois, 1. Fill out the CENSUS, 2. Fill out a Vote by Mail Ballot in one’s comfortable language, and 3. DONATE Generously to MAFS so they can continue to do their exemplary work.

Next was a greeting by Ms. Smita Shah Co-Chair, Chicago Planning Commission, City Of Chicago. She is also the CEO of SPAAN Tech, Inc. and chairman of the Delhi-Chicago sister cities. She is a young entrepreneur with a great deal of community leadership and an advocate of the Business Leaders of the Midwest. She thanked MAFS for taking the lead to help during these critical times. “This is a human rights issue”, she added and is very happy to support MAFS for their dedicated work to the community of Chicago.

Dr. Sreenivas Reddy is a trustee of Chicago Medical Society, the oldest Medical Organization in the US, and a member of the State of Illinois Physician Disciplinary Board. In his greetings, Dr. Reddy conveyed his sincere gratitude and support to MAFS for their tireless effort to be at the forefront of delivering food and support to the seniors during this horrific time of COVID-19.

Next, manager Ms. Dipti Shah introduced a Bollywood Dance Medley performed by seniors who are in their 70s and 80s. The dance video was a pleasure to watch and a refreshing break to see the senior dancers living life to the fullest. We indeed have a lot to learn from them.

Our keynote address was delivered by the Danny K Davis, US Congressman, IL 7th District. He spoke highly of Mrs. Kumar who followed her dream and started her vision in a small office and has branched out into several locations in the Chicagoland area to serve the needy.

The Pramod Kumar Student Scholarship award was presented by Mrs. Santosh Kumar along with her two sons, Mr. Prashant Kumar and Mr. Sagar Kumar, to the visionary Vice-Chancellor of Sher E Kashmir Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Jammu, IN, Dr. J.P. Sharma. Mr. Pramod Kumar was a man of humility, sincerity, honesty, and integrity. His love for sciences and his belief that agriculture and farmers are the cornerstones of India’s economy has led the family to institute a private endowment for a student scholarship to a deserving student of this University. Dr. J.P. Sharma accepted this endowment virtually with a vote of thanks to the Kumar family. He said that he was humbled by this gesture. This award will encourage and be an incentive for deserving students.

Next, we presented the COVID-19 Relief & Rescue Hero 2020 Award to Dr. Kiran Dhillon, Infectious Disease Specialist, Silver Cross Hospital, New Lenox, IL, in recognition of her dedication, commitment, and passion in rendering outstanding clinical care to the Senior Citizens, especially to the Seven Nursing homes in New LenoxJoliet area. Her tireless service to the Senior Citizens residents resulted in zero incidences of COVID-19, which is truly amazing!

For the grand finale the Chief Guest’s Dr. (Smt.) Tamilisai Soundararajan, Hon. Governor of Telangana, India, gave her enlightened, inspiring and insightful speech. She was amazed that MAFS services more than 10,000 seniors is not an easy job. She mentioned the importance of serving vulnerable seniors during this crisis and that the title “Mother Theresa of Chicago” was a very apt title for Mrs. Kumar. She ended her speech by saying “Listen to your elders not because they are right but because they have more experience of being wrong.” She wished Mrs. Kumar to keep up her excellent work to serve the seniors!

Finally, with the unparalleled help of our Dear Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Vijay Prabhakar thanked Mr. Prashant Kumar, Jigar Patel, Darshan Patel, Himanshu Suthar, and Hitanshu Rami for their commendable and flawless work. Mrs. Kumar thanked the Honorable Governor, Dr. Srimathi Tamilisai Soundararajan, Honorable Congressman Danny K Davis, Dr. Firduas Jafri, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, and all the staff & panelists for their kind presence and making this event a grand success.

Congratulations to MAFS on 28 years of exemplary service

M

ark T. cKinney

Office: (847) 395-0199 Cell: (847) 833-0568 Fax: (847) 395-6291 mark@mtmckinney.com

Tax Services • Business and Personal • Accounting Established in 1972 Licensed to practice before the IRS

21�� CENTURY CURES ACT COMPLIANT EVV™ SOLUTION Electronic Visit Verica�on™ Combines mul�ple visit verica�on technologies to ensure visit data is captured, regardless of loca�on. 

Telephonic Visit Verica�on™ validates telephone calls to log in and out, records tasks, �me, and loca�on in real��me.



Mobile Visit Verica�on™ veries caregiver loca�on and visits via GPS enabled devices.



Fixed Visit Verica�on™ device veries visits when no landline or cellular service is available.

Agency Management Automates key opera�onal processes such as Scheduling, Compliance, Billing, Payroll, Repor�ng and Expor�ng. 

Manage end to end “Referral to Cash” processes of running a home care agency.



Manage Medicaid, Private Duty, Medicare, and Facility Staffing lines of business.



Integrate care management tools such as care assessment, care plan, data tracking, and visit record into a single document.

Point‐of‐Care Powered by DeVero. Easy to use data collec�on and remote chart access tool. 

Streamline the process of assessment comple�on and submission



Reduce clinical inconsistencies and documenta�on errors



Eliminate costs associated with paper forms and printed charts



Enhance communica�on between caregiver, agency, and the physician with real��me messaging

Payroll Powered by Paypro. Specic to the Home Care industry and automates the necessary and o�en labor‐intensive business processes. 

Hard checks, direct deposit, and pay cards.



Handle W2, 1099 employees, and contractors.



Track hours for benet eligibility tracking.



Print a list of shi� detail being paid on the earning statement.

Sandata Technologies  26 Harbor Park Drive  Port Washington, NY 11050 1‐800‐544‐7263  infosales@sandata.com  www.sandata.com

32

Our Board Members

Dr. Firdaus Jafri, DDS President

Dr. Jafri is an accomplished dentist with her own practice in Carol Stream, IL. She is currently the President of MAFS. She also serves as a member of the Research Committee of American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the American Dental Association. Her passion for humanitarian efforts, especially for Indian Americans, is manifested through her dedication to multiple organizations in order to help them achieve their goals.

Dr. Jafri has brought many active members to MAFS since she joined, which has enriched MAFS with great advocacy, leadership, and insight into the problems that face immigrants.

Our Board routinely gives their time, money, and resources to organizations fighting to help strengthen the South Asian community here in Chicago. MAFS would be nothing if it were not for their talent, fundraising, goodwill, and donations.

Ms. Sumitra Patel

Vice President

Ms. Sumitra graduated with a degree in psychology from Gujarat College in 1969. Her move to the US in January of 1970 marked the beginning of her family life in Chicago.

Sumitra’s first professional position in the Little Fuse Company was as the Quality Control Supervisor. She retired after 35 years in May 2006 and now spending time with her 4 Grandchildren. She has received numerous awards. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Push Organizations awarded her as the Best Mother in 2010 and New Millennium Women of Dorothy Brown’s Organization presented her “Woman of the New Millennium Award” in 2011. Sumitra is a staunch supporter of MAFS and joined in January 2015. A devoted Hindu, Sumitra is a strong believer of his Holiness Pujya Pramukhswami Maharaj of BAPS.

33

Dr. Rakesh Asthana

Mr. Sagar Kumar

Mr. Nikunj Baxi

Dr. Asthana is a veterinarian by education and a retired Major of the Indian army. After having practiced for eleven years with the Indian Army, he was seconded to the Kuwaiti Army.

He migrated to the US in 1993, Dr. Asthana has worked as a Cardiovascular Specialist, with various pharmaceutical companies like Parke-Davis, Pfizer, Glaxo, Novartis, and Astra Zeneca. He sits on the Board of Directors of Black Feet Volunteer Medical Corps (BVMC), which is an NGO looking after the medical needs of the Native American Blackfeet Tribe in Montana. Rakesh also volunteers his time with “Young Hearts 4 Life”, an organization screening young high school children in the US to avoid “Sudden Cardiac Death” syndrome.

Rakesh firmly believes that the elderly and senior citizens in the US need our help.

Sagar Kumar has an Industrial Engineer degree from Purdue University and received his MBA with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Leadership from Arizona State University. He worked in Honeywell Aerospace as a New Product Development Program Manager for Honeywell’s top commercial jet engine.

He worked for Honeywell for 7 years before moving back to Illinois. Sagar became an active board member in late 2016. He brings a very strategic and project-based mindset to MAFS as well a more technical approach on day to day operations.

Mr. Baxi has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and currently holds a managerial position at a pharmaceutical company in Chicago. His passion is social work and helping the community. Nick is a young, energetic community activist.

He served as the President of Gujarati Samaj of Chicago, one of the oldest and very reputable organizations to date. He has also served as the Director for FIA and the Ribbon Foundation. Nick remains connected with the Gujarati community and continues to serve the Indian American community in various ways.

Mr. James D’Mello

Dr. Sonal N Patel, MD

Ms. Vasanti Bhatt

Mr. D’Mello has a Master’s degree in Education from Maharashtra Mumbai, India. He started his carrier as a Math teacher. He also worked as a Customer Service Manager for Whole Foods Market. At present, he works for Wintrust Bank as a Banking Specialist. He was born in Gujarat Rajkot, India. He was the State and National champion in Soccer & Field Hockey.

Mr. D’Mello found that MAFS is one of the largest institutions that provide all kinds of services to all different Religions in Good Faith and that is what made him come and join the board to give some extra time in helping fund programs and different events. He wants to help our community with all respects to all Religions and stay United as one Citizen.

Dr. Patel is a doctor of anesthesiology and has a fellowship in pain management.

She graduated with honors in 1994. She has more than 23 years of experience in the medical field. She works at St Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates where she is also the clinical director of pain management. She strongly believes in giving back to society and preserving our heritage and culture. Along with supporting MAFS, she also supports VGS and AIA organizations. She joined the board in 2017.

Vasanti was born in Mumbai and raised in Calcutta. As a teenager, Vasanti had the opportunity to volunteer alongside Mother Teresa. Through this experience, she learned about the importance of giving back to the community. She completed a Master’s in Accounting from Calcutta University. She immigrated to the US after getting married, started working, and raised 3 wonderful kids.

She currently runs her real estate company, HOME 4 U Realty. Since she was young she was passionate about selfless service and giving back which inspired her to start her own non-profit, Vasanti Pradip Bhatt Foundation, which helps underprivileged children with basic needs and educational resources. She enjoys art, meditation, and personal development.

Secretary

Board Member

Treasurer

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

34

Staff & Locations

Santosh Kumar

Roshita Pandey

Executive Director

Mrs. Kumar is a counselor, attorney, professor,

community leader, and businesswoman: is the founder and the Executive Director of Metropolitan Asian Family Services, a nonprofit agency working for the wellbeing of the community. Years ago, she set out on a journey to make a difference in the world face by face and what she initiated with a small group of people and a few resources, is now one of the biggest Social Service organization (MAFS) which was recognized and proclaimed by the Governor of State of Illinois on October 17, 2006 as MAFS day under her leadership for her exemplary community services. She is popularly known as “Mother Teresa” of Chicago. She did her Bachelors of Science (1969) from Rajasthan University, Bachelors of Law (1972), Masters in Law (1974) from AMU. At the age of 22, Mrs. Kumar became an attorney and professor of law in the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, and practiced law for 11 years before migrating to the US in 1985. She earned her Law Graduate degree from the US in 1989 and a Computer Desktop Publishing degree in the year 1992.

Mrs. Kumar’s versatility and her restless efforts to wipe out social injustice from the community were recognized by various national & international institutions. Niles Township honored her Leadership & Excellence in serving seniors, the needy and the disable.

She was recognized as “Top Woman of Chicago” by US Congressman Danny Davis, 7th Congressional District on International Women Day of 2016 for her Outstanding Leadership.

The Pillar of Service Award (2009) was given at the Governor’s conference by Charles Johnson, Director of IDOA for Outstanding Leadership & Advocacy on behalf of Ethnic Older Adults

by CLESE. She was honored with the “Jewel of

Grants Manager Rajasthan” award for her pioneering work in serving, leading and enhancing lives of needy people in Chicago, US. Recently, she was given the “Exemplary Community Service” award for her outstanding and dedicated service to the general welfare of the Asian American community in the State of Illinois by Asian American Coalition of Chicago.

Mrs. Kumar defines Social Work as a passion and not just a profession. She derives satisfaction from helping people access resources, solving their problems and seeing them improve. Her philanthropic personality and extraordinary communicating skills enabled her to connect with people and deal with even the most difficult and deeply troubled client. She has extensive counseling experience with individuals, couples and families. She encountered many obstacles and sad situations in this field in all these years but despite everything, she remained optimistic.

She thinks that there’s a great need to help with all that life throws at people and social workers like her can make a difference. She speaks for people who do not get heard and her advocacy efforts light a beacon in their distressed lives.

Mrs. Kumar’s success story couldn’t be completed without the help of her late husband, Mr. Pramod Kumar. He was an Engineer from IIT Kharagpur, India and Master in engineering from IIT Chicago, an entrepreneur a businessman, a philanthropist, who was a backbone to her efforts in serving the community. She is also supported by her two sons, Prashant a Computer Scientist, and Sagar Kumar a Industrial Engineer both from Purdue University. Both have started taking responsibilities at MAFS.

Introducing our new Grants Manager, Roshita Pandey, who has more than 10 years of work experience with a proven track record in fundraising for non-profits & client servicing for leading advertising agencies. She displays strengths in fundraising, grant writing, grant management, program implementation, communications, and public relations.

She has a Master’s degree in Marketing Communications Management from the National Institute of Advertising, New Delhi.

She has also done a Certificate Program in Fundraising Development from the University of Richmond, Virginia.

She started her career as a communication professional with leading advertising agencies in Delhi. After a few years in the corporate sector, she responded to her inner calling to serve the community and made a conscious transition to the nonprofit sector.

That decision held her in good stead as she continued to gather enriching experiences as a fundraising professional in various non-profit organizations in India and the US. As MAFS grants manager, Ms. Pandey supervises all the MAFS programs to ensure effective implementation and brings in the much-needed funds to support these programs. She feels it is a gratifying experience to raise funds for programs that empower and transform the lives of countless immigrants from our South Asian community.

Apart from work, she is an adventurous funloving person and a passionate actor. As a mother of two hyperactive boys drama is part of her everyday life which she has successfully extended to the stage, doing two plays every year! She also enjoys cooking for her family and friends and going on fun family vacations.

She lives by the motto - “If you do good to the world it comes back to you in much greater measure!”

35 We would like to thank our incredible staff, especially in 2020! They are the ones who put themselves in harm’s way, work long hours, and give up their weekends so we can find new and innovative ways to help and protect our community.

Chicago (773)-465-3105 7541 N Western Ave Chicago, IL 60645 Santosh Kumar

Executive Director

Shrenik Dalal Manager Roshita Pandey Grant Manager Promila Mehta Program Coordinator Himali Bharucha Research Coordinator Northwest University of Medicine Eugenie Favre Public Benefits Coordinator Harish Mahajan - Volunteer Kiran Patel CEDA Jagruti Jagatia Senior Support Services Dahyabhai Patel Kitchen Manager Vijay Bhandari Senior Cook Nainaben Patel Kitchen Elizabeth Flores Support Services

NILES (847)-824-9414 Jahnavi Bavisi Manager Tarinda McGee Public Benefits Coordinator Bharatbhai Soni Adult Literacy Rajinder Singh Kitchen Manager Jaya Bhavsar Taiyyaba Bukhari Gita Bodiwala Cooks

SCHAUMBURG (PATEL BROS) (847)-764-8350 Awilda Gonzalez Program Manager Urvashi Bhatt Public Benefits Specialist Ramesh Prajapati Food Handler Pankaj Patel Outreach Coordinator Anita Rawal - Volunteer Yoga Teacher Uma Nath - Volunteer

NAPERVILLE (630)-705-1208 Radhika Subramanian Public Benefits Coordinator Pooja Asnani - Volunteer Meditation Teacher Neelam Akhand - Volunteer Yoga Teacher

NAPERVILLE (Patel Bros) Radhika Subramanian Public Benefits Program

CAROL STREAM (224)-208-1130

Suresh Sangani - Volunteer

Roshita Pandey Adult Literacy

Prem Jalota Program Director

SCHAUMBURG (1421) (847)-306-7623

ORLAND PARK (708)-675-1980

Dipti Shah Memory Cafe Adult Literacy

Grishma Shah Outreach Coordinator

Girish Machhar - Volunteer Spiritual Discourses

ELGIN (224)-242-7002

Shane Solanki Public Benefit Program

Uma Nath - Volunteer Senior Activities/Arts & Culture

VERNON HILLS (224)-207-5075 Bharatbhai Soni Senior Support Services Adult Literacy

Jaishree Nagaraj Outreach Coordinator

36

2019/20 Awards

Vemuri S. Murthy, MD,MS,FAHA,FICS

Dr. Sarada Purna Sonty PhD

Steve Koutsonicolis

Dr. Murthy is an alumnus of Guntur Medical College, Andhra Pradesh, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (General Surgery), and Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL (Anesthesiology). He practiced Anesthesiology for 32 years and chaired the Anesthesiology Department at West Suburban Medical Center, Oak Park, IL for 16 years. He is currently Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of IL at Chicago College of Medicine. Dr. Murthy is a resuscitation education and training expert involved with the American Heart Association for about three decades and initiated a successful model of mandatory resuscitation training at Dr. NTR Medical University, Andhra Pradesh in 2012. Currently, he is involved with Cardiac Arrest Registries in India initiating a model in the State of Telangana.

Dr. Murthy is a former President of the Chicago Medical Society and Indian American Medical Association, IL. He founded the community CPR Project SMILE in 2011 with ongoing Community Cardiac Arrest Awareness and CPR training programs.

He is currently organizing Physician CME webinars working with the Chicago Medical Society and American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

As the current Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Chicago Medical Society, Dr. Murthy is also a member of the COVID-19 Task Force. Dr. Murthy is the recipient of several US and International Awards such as the Medal from US Congressmen as a Global Champion of Resuscitation, Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Physician Awards of the Indian American Medical Association, IL, Most Distinguished Service Award of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Henrietta Herbolsheimer Public Service Award and Leadership Award of the Chicago Medical Society, Global Champion of Health Award from the Global Health Consortium, USA. Paul Harris International Service Award of the Rotary Club, Global Humanitarian Award of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago, and Mahatma Gandhi Sesquicentennial Medallion of Excellence from MAFS.

A foremost thinker in the field of Indian Art Traditions, Vedic-Vedanta studies, broad-based in several humanistic, Indological disciplines, and interfaith interactions. Dr. Saradapurna Sonty is a poet and scholar and has published 24 books envisioning repositioning ancient wisdom and knowledge. Her works include commentaries on Sanskrit works and editorials for Souvenirs & Centenary volumes. Sarada received a Ph.D. in Telugu, Ph.D. in Sanskrit & submitted a thesis for D Litt in Interdisciplinary musicology.

Sarada received “Top Ten Living Telugu Legends in the US”, Paul Harris Award by Rotary, “Top 15 Women of Excellence” Award from US Congressman Danny K Davis, 2018, “First Hindu Woman Service” from Toni Preckwinkle - President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, 2018, “International Year of Women of Interfaith” in 2018, Lifetime Achievement Awards by Congressman Danny K Davis & Vanguri Foundation, TANA, ATA Awards for Excellence in Literature and Cultural Services. Dr. Sarada was a Hindu Delegate for the Parliament of World Religions Chicago, Cape Town, & Montreal. Together with Dr. Sriram Sonty, Sarada Sonty founded SAPNA a 501(c)(3), SRI foundations promoting the cultural art traditions of India for 35 years, Dr. Sarada established and is Director of the Center for Telugu Studies, Veda Vidya Parishad, owner and editor for the ‘Brahmi‘ Journal, and founding member for the Vegeshna School Hyderabad for Physically disabled.

Steve is the managing partner of Steeplechase, a certified public accounting firm providing traditional audit and tax services, in addition to specialized due diligence services on behalf of lenders, private equity investors and privately held companies.

Steve began his career with the audit & transaction advisory group at SMART LLP (later acquired by Grant Thornton LLP). He subsequently served the Irish hedge fund authority Custom House Global as an accountant and liaison between investment managers, auditors, regulatory authorities and, if listed, the relevant stock exchange authorities.

Pramod Kumar Philanthropy

Community Service Award

Partnership Award

Upon returning to the U.S. in 2005, Steve joined the audit group of a Chicago-based CPA firm where he would eventually spearhead a specialized practice area focused on M&A due diligence on behalf of investors and private equity groups.

Steve holds an undergraduate degree from DePaul University’s School of Accountancy and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago Graduate School.

37

Harish Mahajan

Tarinda McGee

Roshita Pandey

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 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 cards, immigration services, OCI, renewal of Indian passports, visas, and advising seniors on various subjects. He works as an Intake EST with CEDA helping seniors, the 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.

Tarinda McGee, a Public Benefits Coordinator at Metropolitan Asian Family Services joined MAFS in 2018 and has been a tremendous asset to the team. Tarinda has a background in Human Services and many other social service programs. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Human Services at Kaplan University and an active member of her community. After graduating Tarinda obtained a job with the State of Illinois Department of Human Services as a caseworker assistant where she worked for four years. Now at MAFS, Ms. McGee is providing our clients with assistance on Social Security, Medicare, SNAP, Medicaid, Community, and Economic Development Association (CEDA) programs, and many more services. Tarinda goes the extra mile for servicing our clients.

As MAFS grants manager, Ms. Pandey supervises all the MAFS programs to ensure effective implementation and brings in the much-needed funds to support these programs. She feels it is a gratifying experience to raise funds for programs that empower and transform the lives of countless immigrants from our South Asian community.

Apart from work, she is an adventurous funloving person and a passionate actor. As a mother of two hyperactive boys drama is part of her everyday life which she has successfully extended to the stage, doing two plays every year! She also enjoys cooking for her family and friends and going on fun family vacations.

She lives by the motto - “If you do good to the world it comes back to you in much greater measure!”

Uma Nauth

Jaishree Nagaraj

Gita Bodiwala

Ms. Nauth received her Master’s Degree in music from Punjab University in India. After a brief teaching assignment, She was appointed a faculty member in the Department of Music. In 1974, She emigrated to the US. She always had an interest in medical sciences and graduated in Medical Technology with high honors. She also had a great passion for music, dancing, painting, sculpturing, and interior decorating.

She has performed professionally in music programs for several years in the Chicago area. Additionally, she has literary interests and has published a book containing poetry and various articles. In these writings, she has tried to integrate life learnings in the fabric of spirituality.As a service to life, she has been volunteering in various senior citizen centers which she finds very rewarding.

Jaishree joined us as Field Supervisor in February 2019. Along with this role she is also serving as a Community Outreach Liaison for Metro Home Health Care (MHHC). As a field supervisor, she makes home visits to every client family making sure they are satisfied with the services provided and every caregiver is comfortable with the families they work with. As a community liaison for MHHC, she meets with seniors at their homes and at our ADS locations to educate and raise awareness about Home Health Services offered for their benefit and welfare. Jaishree volunteers for the NFP organization, Sanjeevini, as a counselor.

She is also a member of “Ekjut Theater” and participates in plays and monologues.

Ms. Bodiwala migrated to the United States from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, with her husband and two young children in 2016. She immediately started working as a Home Care Aide with Universal Metro. Serving seniors made her feel so fortunate that she looked for an opportunity where she can serve multiple seniors at the same time. She then decided to join MAFS and started serving as a cook from January 2020. She is one of the most hardworking cooks, who is always ready to serve. She thinks she is blessed that she is able to work for MAFS.

Pillar of MAFS

Volunteer of the Year

Coordinator of the Year

Outreach Award

Employee of the Year

Cook of the Year

38

2019/20 Staff COvid Hero Awards CHICAGO

SCHAUMBURG

NAPERVILLE

Shrenik Dalal

Dipti Shah

Mukesh Panchal, LPN

Manager

Manager

ADS Nurse

Dayabhai Patel

Niketa Amin

Balvinder Kaur

Kitchen Manger

ADS Aide

Senior Cook

Lugdhisingh Chudasama

Jagdish Z. Patel

Ramila Gandhi

Driver

Driver

Cook

Vijay Bhandari

Raman Patel

Bharat Patel

Cook

Driver

Driver

NILES

SCHAUMBURGPATEL BROS

CAROL STREAM

Rajinder Singh

Raju Patel

Kamlesh Amin

Kitchen Manager

Driver

Driver

Mohammed Khan

Jaweed Akbar

Sudhir Mohammed

Driver

Driver

Driver

VERNON HILLS

ELGIN

ORLAND PARK

Hitandra Luhar

Jitendra Shah

Ashokkumar Patel

Driver

Driver

Driver

39

Our Donors Platinum $15,000

Diamond $10,000

Gold $5,000

Ma Santosh Kumar $2,000-$1,000

Naperville Seniors Aligarh Muslim University Association Greater Chicago Dr. Ranga Reddy EnSoftek Inc. Enterprise Prashant Kumar Raj Realty & Investments Co. Rashmikaben Shah Sagar Kumar Skynet Security Systems Vermuri & Usha Murthy

$999-$500

Awilda Gonzalez Martino Tangkar Pinnacle Prism Vita Pharmacy Best Brains Maharaj Restaurants Dr. Shobashalini Chokkalingam Exeutive Reality Group Harit & Reena Talwar Raja Foods Suchi Sunder

$499 - $250

Beena Chhablani Great Lakes Credit Union Jigar’s Kitchen A to Z Medical Suppy Clover Insurance Compass Dofler Insurance Dr. Mildred Harris NY Life - Suresh Gandhi Seeni & Shree Gurusamy Shahshi & Indu Goel Vasavi Chakka Hudson Energy Kamdar Plaza Kuldeep Sawhney Sarbani Chowdhury Varsha & Ashish Kaura Zenobia L. Sowell

$249-$100

Abha Bhandari Raheja Attoney CK Networks - Chetan Knanna Darlene Harris Modern Accounting and Insurance - Sohan Joshi

Silver $3,000

Dr. Firdaus Jafri Mukesh Bhatt NY Life - Jayshree Thakkar PMS - Ashok Lakshmanan Rochelle Pharmacy Ajay & Anshu Gupta Hindi Club of Illinois Parag Patel Shri Transatlantic Inc. Dr. Bansi Dhar Krishna & Harish Mahajan Mohinder Bedi Muhammad & Esmet Malik Vidyasagar & Nagamani Dharmapuri Prem & Veena Jalota Girish &Rasilda Machhar Jayesh Patel Khyati Dave Promila Metha Chandubhai & Savitaben Patel Nagendar Sripada Hiten & Shakuntla Amin Jasbir & Tarnjeet Bhalla Thakar & Rajinder Basati Triguna & Bhaskar Dave

$99 & Below

Varsha Reithathei Trusha Patel Adrian Espinosa Kusembed Sampat Bird Dog Marketing Group Madhi Macchas Mehta Kishor Rai Arun & Rai Sumitra Raj Jit Raj Sukh Maya Hasmukh Soni Kaushik Gandhi National Library of Addictions Inc Rida Tabani Shobha Patel Subdra Patel

In our seniors words A Poem by

Manju Kalra मेरी किवता का शीष�क है समझौता— कुछ पाने के िलए कुछ खोना पड़ता है . ज़मीन से िमलने के िलए आसमाँ को झुकना पड़ता है । सागर म� समाने के िलए,निदयों को पहाड़ों से उतरना पड़ता है । शमा को छूने के िलये परवाने को जलना पड़ता है । �र�े िनभाने के िलए, अपनी म� को ताक पर रखना पड़ता है। ख़ुशी हािसल करने के िलए, ग़म को िछपाना पड़ता है ।असिलयत से जोड़ने के िलए, झूठे िदखावे को कुचलना पड़ता है । िज़ंदा रहने के िलए, िज़ंदगी से समझौता करना पड़ता है । सब को सादर नम�े। घर म� रह� सुरि�त रह� गे. सव� भव�ु सु�खनः By: Manju Kalra

With Best Best compliments Compliments To to

My name is

Mohinder Bedi I have been coming to Naperville ADS since 2014. I have been very happy & enjoy all the activities with my senior friends.

The staff & the center is like a family to me. During this time of lockdown, the staff has kept us engage with all the activities games etc. That has helped us stay away from loneliness & depression. My family & I are very thankful to the entire staff & the whole team.

Thank you MAFS for being a part of my life

from

Rangwala Hiraben and family

mafsinc.com

Rashmikaben Shah (Chicago)

On behalf of Mrs. Rashmikaben Shah and her family, we would like to congratulate MAFS on their excellent record of serving the senior community for the last 28 years.

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 making scarf and then worked for the hospital’s laundry service department. I am proud to say that I am U.S. citizen and self-employed 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 in India 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 grandsons name Satyam and Shivam. I have a brother and a sister and they live 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. I have a great support of Mrs. Santosh Kumar and Mrs. Promila Mehta in MAFS. I help sponsoring Indian festivals such as Diwali and Tulsi Vivah. I believe in cleanliness and big fam 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 bad sorry for a great loss of Mr. Pramod Kumar. He was a great man with heart of gold and I miss very much. Mrs. Santosh Kumar considered me as he family member.

We are all fortunate to sing bhajan everyday with others as a group. I love friendly and loving atmosphere in MAFS. We are proud MAFS family and enjoy fully. We are happy and healthy seniors because of MAFS! Thanks.

For One of Our Generous Seniors

By Chicago Staff

Rashmikaben is an epitome of selfless love and care towards the seniors and staff. She is a vibrant 84-year-old lady who comes to our Chicago Adult Daycare location for five days a week. She loves celebrating birthdays and festivals with other seniors. She enjoys sponsoring Indian festival, especially, Tulsi Vivah every year. She loves offering sweets and gifts to attendees at this wedding as Tulsi Vivah believed to be the wedding of Shri Krishna and Tulsimata. She was truly saddened this year as she was not able to celebrate Tulsi Vivah and meet her senior friends due to the pandemic.

We all are fortunate to know her for such a long time.

She is like a family member to us. She like to sing Bhajans, exercise with other seniors and volunteer to assist other seniors to play games like Bingo, Caram Board etc. Her loving and friendly nature have made her dear not only to the other seniors but also to the MAFS staff too.

Rashmikaben is truly full of life. After all these years, she just moved away from Chicago, and will be attending our Schaumburg Adult Daycare location. She will be greatly missed by Chicago seniors and staff, especially her talkative nature.

41

In our seniors words

With Best Compliments To

Esther Christian

Malik Esmet

Sunita Parikh

Jagdishchandra Shah

Manju Kalra

Raj Rana

Gitaben Vyas

Monica Wiggan

From Naperville ADS

mafsinc.com

With Best Compliments To

Bimal Kamboj

Grover Narinder

Nagori Shobhna

Sanghvi Navinchandra

“ 2020 has been a year like no other. In these tough times I cannot express enough gratitude to UMAS for continuing to provide services that keep my mom ( Shobhna Nagori ) engaged and give her a peace of mind. On behalf of the Nagori family we sincerely thank all the staff members for their dedication and wish good health to all.­”

—TAPAN NAGORI

“ I love zoom program during Covid-19. All ADS activities are good and interesting. It keeps me busy and engaged. All ADS staff members are working very hard.”

—KAMBOJ BIMAL

In memory of First Death Anniversary of my beloved wife

Shelina

To lose someone I loved so much brings pain beyond belief. There are no words to ease my pain, my sadness and my grief. I feel I have lost someone so close, so wonderful and dear. I think and wish that Shelina you were near but although you have left this world, you are within my heart always. You are guiding like an angel even though we are apart. Love is everlasting and so are my memories. Your legacy that is always there to light the way for me.

Khandubhai Patel 1918 - 2020

Khandbhai was loved come to the center. Family and all his center friends miss him. He was 102 years old. He was Loving and caring person.

He gave us memories hard to forget. God rest is soul in peace.

­­—SURESH CHRISTIAN

43

In our seniors words

With Best Compliments To

Bharatbhai and Kusumben Amin

Yashodhara Bhatt

Jashuben and Parbhubhai Patel

Mahendrabhai Patel

Indukumar Singala

Shardaben Patel

Sarojben Patel

Lalitha and Venkateshwar Korivi

Chandubhai Patel

Shardaben Patel

Vasuben and Shilpaben Patel

From Naperville In-Home Services Seniors.

Thank You For All That You Do!

With Best Compliments To

Tripta Malhotra

Kumudben Purohit

Satish Saggar

Usha Shah

Mary Togaru

Naliniben Trivedi

Kirit Vakharia

Harit Vibhakar

mafsinc.com

From Naperville ADS “With Blessings to MAFS”

Certification Program in Hindi Proficiency

Let’s Learn Hindi

Course for beginners (CPHP-100)

HINDI ACA D E M Y

Virtual Classes Y • एम.ए.ए फ EM

INDI ACA SH D AF

Sadhu T.L. Vaswani

For me not to love bird and beast would be not to love the Lord.

For, His Children are birds and beasts, no less than human beings.

द ं ी स िह अकाद .ए

Gurudeva!

In Darkness do I dwell: And darkness dwells with me.

Lead me out of the darkness into Light.

Thou art the Boatman Divine: In thy mercy take me Across To the Other Shore!

• मी

Dada J.P. Vaswani

10 Week Course Every Saturday

KISHOR MEHTA

Dean of MAFS Hindi Academy

2020

•M

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact Dipti Shah hindiacademy@mafsinc.com 847-306-7423 www.mafsinc.com/Program/HindiAcademy Homemade Indian Food, Snacks & Sweets Catering for small getogether.

Proceeds from this goes to help Educate The Children in Pune, India

For More Information Call Beena Chhablani : 630.915.1719

l Enrol !

Now 45

EFFICIENT EXCEPTIONAL EFFECTIVE

About Wolin & Rosen Wolin & Rosen, Ltd. focuses on one simple goal to provide a full range of superior legal services to individuals and businesses.

Wolin & Rosen, Ltd. Focuses On One Simple Goal: To Provide A Full Range Of Superior Legal Services To Individuals And Businesses.

Our attorneys consistently devote their expertise from rendering advice to solving the legal problems of major institutions, public companies, entrepreneurs and individuals in the United States, Europe and around the world. As lawyers, we take pride in addressing our clients’ problems with solutions that are not only legally correct, but that are also grounded in business reality.

Call us Today For Free Consultation 55 West Monroe Street Suite 3600 Chicago, IL 60603 Tel 312-424-0600 Fax 312-424-0660 Jwolin@wolinlaw.com

SOUTH ASIAN HEALTHY LIFESTYLE INITIATIVE

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? HIGH CHOLESTEROL? DIABETES? You may qualify for a free research study working to reduce heart disease & diabetes risk in the Desi community. Understand your risks by reaching out to SAHELI for a free health screening.

Qualified participants may receive up to $175 & healthy lifestyle classes at no cost.

To qualify you must: Be a South Asian adult (18-65 years old) Have not had a heart attack or stroke Live in the Chicago area

For additional information, please contact MAFS at: @sahelistudy facebook.com/SaheliStudy/

773-465-3105 Ext. 1032 847-824-9414 Ext. 1032 www.sahelistudy.org

Education is the root of the success.

Get Your child off to A

Smater Start

847-904-0000 buffalogrove@bestbrains.com www.bestbrainsbuffalogrove.com

IS NOW PART OF MEDSTAR LABORATORY

MEDSTAR LABORATORY ACQUIRES SOFT LANDING LABS.

Soft Landing Labs is a high complexity toxicology laboratory dedicated to quality quantification of drugs and biological compounds.

WWW.MEDSTARLAB.COM | 708-488-1000

"The difference between ordinary and extra ordinary is that little extra."

Dr iving great futures.

At Enterprise, we believe in being a good neighbor and positive part of the community.

Proud Supporter of Metropolitan Asian Family Services.

For more information, contact: Lucrecia Walter | 630-534-7730 Š 2019 Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.

K01114_8.5x11

• Individual / Business Income Tax Preparation & Filing • Full Service Payroll • Financial Statement Preparation

Dhaval Patel CPA, CMA

President

• Sales Tax Filling • Tax Planning & Business Consultation • Audit Representation

1325 Wiley Road, Suite 160, Schaumburg, IL 60173 dpatel@pinnacle.tax | www.pinnacle.tax 331-431-9223 847-558-8100

Vipal Shah Mortgage Specialist NMLS ID: 1090038

• Conventional, FHA & VA Mortgages • Residential Purchase and Refinance • Residential Jumbo Mortgage • Fixed and ARM Rate Option

1325 Wiley Road, Suite 160, Schaumburg, IL 60173 vshah@prismhomelending.com | www.prismhomelending.com 732-982-6979 847-558-8100

We Can Transfer Your Refill and RX

We Accept All Insurance including medicare & Medicaid અમે મેિડકેર અને મેિડકેઇડ સિહતના તમામ વીમાને ર-વીકારીએ છીએ

Full range RX, CBD, OTC

Contact Today to Transfer your RX

10%

Discount Special on CBD & OTC

SUNIL PATEL ANIL PATEL

BHARGAV PATEL Monday - Friday: 9am - 7pm • Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Phone: 630-517-8023 • Fax: 630-517-8071 279 W. Elk Trail Road • Carol Stream, IL 60188

Enjoy the Culinary Art of Renowned Chefs

Chef Tirtha and Chef Manoj For Catering Contact: Ravi Rawat - 847-749-9088 Sonu Singh - 630-863-4894 Preferred Caterer to Major Hotels and Banquets in Chicagoland 3111 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062

Tel: 847-246-4356 • Fax: 847-246-4381 Email: maharahnorthbrook@gmail.com www.maharaj-northbrook.com

CONGRATULATIONS

H

AS

L

Thank You

For Giving Without Knowing To Whom

A • A M IR C . • SO AB • OS A. • R AN

• IC AL

O

D

•

U • J

IA

TI

LF

RE D

AN

HA

YA

L

NE

R •

IE

•

KH

JA V I E R A L RI FR Z E • DO AN • G EL M A AR •H A RI

AT E B

I

•

O

RO

•

A

Angels on Earth

NI SH

• JORGE • AL EX D • Z I L A E B • ETH E OSA R N • • BA LE N A L D A V

TA

EATRIS • A WIL • B D A A • D ID IKETA I • PT • N MA

L•

IS OR

PRASHANT • SH • ILP AR A G • RK • MELI SA A I M S S A • • K M O I

D

RAINA • N R. • J E AZ G R IM • CARM A JO A N E N • SH I • R R K AF AE

Commercial & Residential

Familyowned and operated business chicagocarpe chicagocarpetandairductcleaners.com chicagocarpetandairductcl trusted by chicagocarpe chicagocarpetandairductcleaners.com chicagocarpetandairductcl Commerc Commercial & Residential Commercial & Res MAFS.

708.

708.655.3325 708.655.3 708 708.655.3325 708.655.

Honest, Fast Family-ow Family-owned and operated Family-owned and op and Reliable business business trusted

by Service MAFS. business trusted byt

10% OFF 10% OFF 10%10% OFF OFF

Absolutely Honest, F Honest, Fast, Reliable Service Honest, Fast, Reliab No Hidden WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD MENTION THIS AD WHEN YOU MENTION THISWHEN AD YOUTHIS WHEN YOU MENTION AD Fees Absolutel Absolutely No Hidden Fees Absolutely No Hidd

WWW.ALLBRITEAMERICA.COM

708.655.3325 Air Duct Air Duct

Air Duct Dryer Vent Carpet Cleaning Cleaning Cleaning DuctVent Vent Air Duct Dryer Vent Dryer Dryer VentAir Carpet Dryer Carpet

Upholstery Cleaning Ca Carpet Upholstery Up

Cleaning Cleaning Cleaning CleaningCleaning CleaningCleaning CleaningCleC Cleaning Cleaning Cleaning Cleaning

Northwest Medical Care DR. SANJAY P. PATEL Internal Medicine Serving Chicago and Suburbs at two convenient locations Holy Family Medical Center 150 N. River Rd, #315 Des Plaines, IL 60016 847-290-1300

Doctor’s Plaza 473 W. Army Trail Rd, #106 Bloomingdale, IL 60108 630-894-8018

We accept all major insurance including Medicare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana Gold Plus, Health Spring United Healthcare and others.

WALK-INS WELCOME • IMMIGRATION PHYSICAL EXAMS

Modern Accounting & Insurance SALES TAX • INCOME TAX • PAYROLL & ACCOUNTING SERVICES CORPORATION/PARTNERSHIP TAXES 6357 N Fairfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 Phone: (773) 761-4357 Cell: (773) 805-4357 Fax: (773) 761-1199 Email: sohanjoshi6357@gmail.com

Astrologer “B h a v i ” M uk es h R. B h a tt *Certified Astrologer Since 40 Years * Fluency in Indian languages and English * Prompt, Accurate response to all life issues * Computerized Charts and Readings

Contact: Mukesh Bhatt Mobile: (773)-818-3118 Email: mukeshbhatt194980 @gmail.com

• Mandatory Liability Policies • Low Full Coverage Rates • Easy Payment Plans • Budget Financing • Immediate Coverage • Low Down Payments

• Driver Discounts • Instant Illinois Insurance Cards • SR-22 Financial Responsibility • Senior Citizens • Vans and Pickup Trucks • Sport Utilities Vehicles

• No Licenses • Out-of-State Licenses • Teenage Drivers • Se Habla Español • Motorcyles

Tel: (773) 973-3700 • Fax: (773) 973-3985 7535 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645 mark@cloverinsurance.com

www.cloverinsurance.com

Supporting our Community.

Protect what matters.

Business Insurance Personal Insurance Life & Health Insurance 630-268-1600 www.concklin.com

WE SERVE OUR COMMUNITY Suresh Gandhi Licensed Agent New York Life Insurance Company Email: sggandhi@ft.newyorklife.com Cell: 777-403-9372

• Individual Life Insurance • Education Planning • Mortgage Protection Retirement Planning • Individual & Family Protection Plan.

Dakshi Anand is a Real Estate broker affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws. 1 Grant Square, Hinsdale IL 60521.

20 N Martingale Road.,Suite 400,Schaumburg,IL 60173-2422 Bus.:847-585-4920 • Fax:847-585-4918

Your Greater Naperville Area Agent.

E X P E RT I SE Over $50 million sold since 2012 First-Time Home Buyers New Construction Homes Seller’s & Buyer’s Agent

Dakshi Anand ABR, SRS, CNC, CSC, ePro Real Estate Broker

630.362.0337 dakshi.anand@compass.com homesbydakshi.com

Relocation Short Sales/Foreclosures Investment Properties Rentals

281 Commonwealth Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188 Ph: 630-362-0685 Email: info@jigarskitchen.com www.jigarskitchen.com

GREAT LAKES CREDIT UNION BELIEVES IN DIVERSITY •Free Checking •Low Rate & Rewards Visa Credit Cards •Auto Loans •Personal Loans •Mortgage Loans -FHA, VA, Fixed Rate, Jumbo •24/7 Account Access •30,000+ Fee-Free ATMs

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Federally insured by NCUA

NMLS #528665

glcu.org | (800) 982-7850

Abha Bhandari Raheja Attorney At Law

Practice Areas • •

US Immigration Law/Visa Matters Business Contracts

LEGAL SOLUTIONS SIMPLIFIED

2646 W. Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60659 Tel: (773) 338-8100 • Fax: (773) 338-8114 www.kamdarplaza.com Email: info@kamdarplaza.com

• •

Real Estate Transactions Wills and Estate Planning

www.abrlawgroup.com

Phone: 312-912-4000, 630-360-3037 Fax: 630-541-8469

abha@abrlawgroup.com abha.law@gmail.com

Office address: 7501 Lemont Road, Suite 18 Chase Building Woodridge, IL 60517

Office Hours: 9:00am-6:00pm Monday-Friday Saturday By Appointment only

• Access Control • CCTV • Fiber Optics • Structured Cabling • Alarm System • VOIP • Video Door Bell • A/V Installation • TV Wall Mount

cknetworksinc.com

The Right Mortgage Help You Need for your Next Dream Home is just a call away.......

Making a difference in the community METRO HOME HEALTH CARE, a not-for-profit organization, dedicated to delivering accessible, high-quality health services in a focused caring and teaching environment while providing health advocacy for the community and people we serve.

Our Health Care Services Ashok Lakshmanan

Mortgage Broker NMLS # 238977

Skilled Nursing Care

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Speech Therapy

Medical Social Services

Home Health Aide Services

Great Rates & No Closing cost Options

Tel: 331.472.1318 Fax: 331.472.1319 www.mhhcinc.com 1776 Legacy Circle, Ste#107 • Naperville, IL 60563 Off: 630.717.3600 • Fax: 630.717.3601 • www.pmsi.us • email: ashok@pmsi.us

630.205.8676

SERVICE AREAS

Boone I Cook I DuPage I Grundy I Kane I Kendall Lake I McHenry I Stephenson I Will I Winnebago

CONGRATULATIONS TO

For providing 28 years of Comprehensive and Integrated Service to the Community . . . Because We care about your Smile!

Zainab Jafri, D.D.S.

FIRDAUS JAFRI, D.D.S.

206 North Gary Avenue Carol Stream, IL 60188 (630) 665 - 2147