2020 Annual Report

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.

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

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.

Covid-19 Response

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.

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 Café, 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

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!

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

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.

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!

491MAFS 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.

13,656 Meals Served in Chicago

10,785 Meals Served in Niles

5,506 Meals Served in Schaumburg

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

Public Benefits Program

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:

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Health Research

SAHELI is one of the first healthy Lifestyle Intervention Research Study for South Asians

(Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepali, and Bhutani) in America.

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).

Education Program

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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 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

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 July- October 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.

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

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.