2016 Annual Fundraiser Magazine

M A F S 2

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T R O P O L I T A N I A N M I L Y R V I C E S 1 6

/mafsinc /mafsinc /mafsinc /company/metropolitan-asian-family

In memory of Pramod Kumar 1937-2016 Our mission is 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.

We are a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt multi cultural, multi-ethnic organization

MAFS

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PRESIDENT& EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS MESSAGE

Welcome to Metropolitan Asian Family Services 24th Annual Fundraiser and Banquet. We are humbled, honored and happy to receive your constant support for the last 24 years. Our heartfelt thanks to all for your contribution and hoping you will continue to stand with us.

Metropolitan Asian Family Services continues to give hope, care, love, and a family environment to our seniors. Each of our location is centered around seniors’ well-being – we provide healthy meals, physical activities to meet their daily physical needs, promote community networking and offer religious & recreational city outings to promote their emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.

No income and low-income seniors will find that caring and friendly staff, volunteers, and community all contribute to providing for the myriad of needs of our seniors. At MAFS, we do what we can to support their goals, whether it is within the scope of MAFS services or through collaboration with organizations like UMAS for in -home care and adult day care, or home health care through MHHC. We continually anticipate and engage with the challenges and emerging needs of our senior population.

As President, I assure you that we will continue to provide quality service and enrich lives of all our seniors. I congratulate our Executive Director, Santosh Kumar, and board members for their dedication, commitment, and excellent community service. I extend my sincere thanks to dedicated MAFS/UMAS staff, supporters, and well-wishers for serving underserved people. One of my favorite quotes by Martin Luther King is, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”.

Thank you and have a blessed day!

BE INFORMED Stay connected about the state legislations and governor’s budgetary session and be watchful that the Governor does not cut any more social services

BE INVOLVED Participate in MAFS’ advocacy effort at the local, state and federal level.

BE A VOLUNTEER Contribute your time, dime and talent as needed for MAFS’ programs and the betterment of humanity.

Sincerely, Dr. Firdaus Jafri, President Santosh Kumar, Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS DR. FIRDAUS JAFRI, DDS, PRESIDENT, 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, 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.

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MR. NIKUNJ BAXI, VICE PRESIDENT, has a bachelors 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.

MS. BEENA PATEL, SECRETARY,

Ms. Beena Patel was born and raised in Gujarat, India. She spent her childhood in Nar Town and attended Grammar School and High School in a small village. She attended I. V. Commerce College in Nadiad for one year and then transferred to Nav Gujarat College in Ahmedabad where she got her degree in Accounting/Auditing. Beena began her career as an Apprentice in the Gujrat Electricity Board in Sabarmati, Hindi Typist in the Dena Bank and then State Bank of India, Commercial Branch Ahmedabad. Beena married her husband Dixit Patel in 1984 and moved to the United States. Beena attended Truman College to learn computer in 1985 and began her career as a Typing Lab Instructor . In 1987, Beena started working in the Traffic Division as a Data Entry Operator and was promoted in the following order; court clerk, receptionist, secretary, timekeeper, assistant chief, chief and Bureau Chief of the First Municipal Bureau. In 2000, Beena and another Co Worker formed the "Clerk of the Circuit Court Asian American Employees Social Club." She retired on August 31, 2016 from the Clerk of the Circuit Court after 30 years of service.

Beena is a dedicated and avid community organizer. She belongs to many cultural and social organizations. Her Membership are as follows: Board Member of the Metropolitan Asian Family Services; President of the Association of Indians in America “AIA”; President of the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA; Brand Ambassador to India Abroad “Save the Child Girl” and Member of the Desi Divas Book Club since 2001.

HARISH KOLASANI, BOARD MEMBER,

is an individual who serves the needy for his own satisfaction & that is the reason for the quality of his services. He always focuses on spreading positive energy. As an NRI, he has been serving many Indians & Americans in various forms through numerous organizations and as an individual for the past 6 years. He has been providing free physical therapy treatments, free blood tests & yoga every day in India by setting up 3-week mobile health camps in slums, schools and senior homes.

These services are offered under the NRI SEVA Foundation with his personal financial backing .

He’s been playing an important role in FIA Chicago (Federation of Indian Associations) and representing pride in India to all communities in Chicago.

The Indian Consulate in Chicago recognized his dedication and took his help to Coordinate KALA UTSAV in 2014 & confirmed him as Coordinator for 2016. Currently he is serving as President of the NRI SEVA Foundation & Indian American Business Council, Managing Director of the Desiworld TV Channel, Secretary of the Association of Indians in America (AIA), Advisory Board Member of the Indian Diaspora Club, and Indian Government Affairs Chair in TANA. He shares motivating messages from his social media pages followed by more than one million followers.

DR. RAKESH ASTHANA, BOARD MEMBER,

is a veterinarian by education and is a retired Major of the Indian army. After having practiced for nearly eighteen years as a veterinarian with the Indian Army, he was seconded to the Kuwaiti Army for two years.

After having 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 currently works as a "Senior Cardiovascular Specialist" with the Japanese Pharmaceutical company DaiichiSankyo US. He tirelessly volunteers in various not-for-profit organizations. He sits on the Board of Directors of Black Feet Volunteer Medical Corps (BVMC). Rakesh also volunteers his time with “Young Hearts 4 Life”, a stellar 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 and that MAFS is doing commendable work, which should be whole-heartedly supported.

MS. SUMITRA PATEL, BOARD MEMBER,

Born in Ahmedabad, India, Sumitra grew up in Sabarmati, where Mahatma Gandhi lived in the later part of his life. Sumitra now resides in Schaumburg, Illinois, with her sister Hansa. 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 Metropolitan Asian Family Services and joined MAFS in January 2015. A devoted Hindu, Sumitra is a strong believer of his Holiness Pujya Pramukhswami Maharaj of BAPS.

MS. SHWETA SINGH, BOARD MEMBER,

is an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago. Her M.S.W. is from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences at Mumbai, India and her Doctorate is from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA. Singh is the instructor for courses on research and evaluation, global feminism, and nonprofit management. Her previous research work includes consultancies assisting field offices based in India of international development agencies such as, UNICEF, OXFAM, and local NGOs on evaluation research projects. Her research is on empowerment for women and girls using a holistic identity context. Her work includes audio-video documentary for clinical intervention and policy advocacy. Her edited book is called Social Work and Social Development: Perspectives from India and the United Sates published by Lyceum Chicago.

She has also produced a documentary titled Urban Indian Womanhood. She also hosts a radio show on WLUW called ‘Global desi World and Women’ that caters to immigrant South Asian women.

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24 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 24 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 24 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 24 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 24 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 24 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 24 YEARS + SERVICE +

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

SANTOSH KUMAR

I am presenting this report with a heavy heart as Mr. Kumar, my beloved husband and greatest supporter of Metropolitan Asian Family Services’ mission is not standing by my side. But I believe that he is watching all of us from above, and with his spiritual support, I welcome you all on the eve of the 24th-anniversary celebration of MAFS. My late husband Shree Pramod Kumar Ji contributed wholeheartedly towards the growth of both companies Metropolitan Asian Family Services and Universal Metro Asian Services. I will be forever grateful for his support throughout these 24 years and proud to continue his legacy by working even harder for the betterment of our seniors. Since its inception in 1993, MAFS has grown leaps and bounds, serving the Asian-American and immigrant senior citizen communities throughout the Greater Chicago region.

I am extremely proud of my two sons Prashant and Sagar, and thrilled that they are following their father’s footsteps to contribute and give back to the society by supporting MAFS. I am also thankful to President Jafri, Board Members, staff, volunteers & supporters like you.

Despite low funding, MAFS continues to provide nutritious, freshly cooked breakfast and lunch daily with the Golden Diner Program. Our adult day care centers provide a place for seniors where they can socialize with each other. It gives them a sense of belongingness. Through home care services, we also help elderly to continue to live independently in comfort of their home and offer much-needed respite for the family members who care for them. These programs can be further strengthened, with your help. And, you can help in many ways – Volunteer at our centers, Make a Donation, Leave a Legacy, or Help with Nutritious Program.

Our focus has been the well-being of those who are in danger of being marginalized - immigrants, the lowincome women, and the elderly. On a daily basis, we provide Public Benefit services to elderly and low income families. Programs like Telephone Assistance which helps pay for the cost of basic local telephone services, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that pays heating and cooling bills, and some energy-related home repairs People are a life saver for people with limited income and resources.

We also assist in federal public benefits, social security benefits, health care, immigration consultation, ESL Classes, Citizenship Classes and more.

Our mission is to be at the forefront of senior care.

We do believe that these later years are one’s golden years and that is how they should be lived! On this note, I would like to invite everyone to read our annual report, get familiar with our services and join us to help the underserved and come together to fill in the gaps in funding so we can all fulfill our moral obligation. Please DONATE GENEROUSLY and be part of the solution!

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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, homecooked 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!

GOLDEN DINERS CITY OF CHICAGO

CONGREGATE MEAL AGEOPTIONS

FUNDERS City of Chicago

SENIOR HOT LUNCH DUPAGE SENIOR CITZEN S COUNCIL

MAFS is in its 16th 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 38,803 hot meals to the community this year from our Chicago, Niles and Roselle facilities.

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AUTO EXPENSE $2,283.26

PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL SERVICES $49,330

FUNDING

EXPENSE PERSONNEL $8,009 RAW FOOD $33,577.69

ES

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

CLIENT CONTRIBUTION $17,975

IN-KIND $26,460

AREA AGENCY FUNDS $89,331

FUNDING

LOCAL CASH $35,704

SALARY $74,090

OTHER $28,860

EXPENSES FOOD $63,094

SUPPLIES $3,426

HOT MEAL $4,396

SALARY $10,429

SALARY $17,087.04

ADVERTISING $2,965.94 FOOD SUPLLIES $1,000

FUNDING

AUTO EXPENSE $181

EXPENSES

ADVERTISING $235

OFFICE EXPENSES $9,192.51

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PUBLIC

BENEFITS 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

+

Medicaid

+

Social Security

+

Access to Care

+

Citizenship/Immigration

+

Transportation

+

Kids Care

+

SSI Prescription Drug Assistance

+

Food Stamps

+

LIHEAP

+

SHIP

and many others. Come in and talk to our friendly staff about your needs and we will try our utmost to help!

TITLE lll B

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 benefit offices such as Department of Human Services or Social Security Administration, Immigration and Naturalization to submit the application and serve as their interpreter. We also translate official forms in Hindi, 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 2,234 cases in Cook, Suburban Cook County, DuPage and Lake County.

FUNDER EXPENSES $74,968 FUNDING $43,044 DEFICIT $31,924 For more information on this program please contact: Connie Dogaru 773-465-3105/ 847-824-9414 12

or visit: http://mafsinc.com/Programs

ANNUAL REPORT 2016 ENERGY ASSISSTANCE PROGRAM ( LIHEAP)

The Light Heat Energy Assistance Program is designed to help low-income families pay their heat and light bills. This program is offered multiple times throughout the year and brings hundreds of people from all nationalities to our Chicago and Niles offices.

Many of them arrive before the office opens and wait in line for hours to benefit from this program. This service is funded by the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA).

MAFS’ staff help clients in processing their application in order to receive funds.

This year we have helped 1,700 eligible families through this program.

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (OBAMACARE)

Metropolitan Asian Family Services has collaborated with the Asian Health Coalition for assisting our community with the Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare. It was the state-run out-

IMMIGRATION NOT FUNDED

Since its establishment, MAFS has, and continues to provide help with the immigration and naturalization process for community members. MAFS also helps applicable members of the community in acquiring their Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

This year we have helped 160 seniors to fill N.400 for citizenship and I-130 for family petition. This service is provided without outside funding, however, we continue this service to benefit immigrant families.

reach and education program offered to all legal residents of Illinois to enroll into Medicaid or Marketplace health insurance.

We have enrolled over 224 individuals into Medicaid or Marketplace health insurance and reach out to over 1500 people through outreaching at temples, mosques, churches and Gurudwaras.

SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (SHIP)

CLESE

MAFS is Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) certified. Take advantage of our free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries Our staff members, Connie Dogaru, Meenu Jethi and Charlotte Singh, have recently attended a state facilitated 4 day training and are now SHIP certified counselors. Seniors with any Medicare or Medicaid queries can contact them for appointments.

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HEALTH

RESEARCH & EDUCATION We partner with the leading health and educational institutions to explore and study problems that concern our culture the most. We have collaborated with Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine to teach the South Asian community how to make important dietary changes, engage in an active lifestyle, reduce stress, and lose weight to reduce or prevent their chances of stroke and/or heart attacks (For more information, please turn to page 32). We also partner with the Asian Health Coalition on two projects. The first is the Pink Pashmina project which offers free breast cancer screenings and mammograms to South Asian woman. The second is to provide our community with free screening and testing for Hepatitis B.

EXPENSES $48,618.81 FUNDING $45,731.00 DEFICIT $2,887.81 ADVERTISING $2,450 SALARY $39,657

PROFESSIONAL FEES $2,627

OFFICE EXPENSES $1,194

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AUTO EXPENSE $1,886

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LIFESTYLE – INTERVENTION RESEARC H STUDY

Metropolitan Asian Family Services has continued to collaborate with Northwestern University in 2015 -2016 by participating in an important clinical research study. In February, thirty South Asian women who are at risk of diabetes, having a family history of diabetes, a BMI between twenty five to thirty five, and children ranging from ages six through fourteen were recruited into a clinical research study with hopes to increase their physical activity with their young children. Based on previous research it was identified that South Asian men and women have do not exercise regularly and women with young children especially have very little time for exercise due to family responsibilities. In this study, women participated in an aerobic exercise class and about forty one children were enrolled in a martial arts class at the same time in the quest to immune them from diabetes. The women in the study reported a positive and enhancing experience which was also reported on a WBEZ 91.5 news report titled “Culturally sensitive workouts yield health results for immigrants”. The report discussed how the exercise program met the needs of South Asians who are at risk for diabetes; South Asians are at higher risk for diabetes compared to Caucasians, African Americans and Latinos. (The news report can be accessed online at http://www.wbez.org/news/ culturally-sensitive-workouts-yield-healthresults-immigrants-111973). Women reported they felt safe and comfortable in a women’s only program and also lost weight and felt more energized. We have continued our partnership on a new project called the Community Translation of the South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Intervention. It is four year project starting in 2017 and ending in 2020.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016 HEALTH PROMOTION AND SEMINARS The purpose of these programs is to educate and encourage seniors and their families to adopt a healthy lifestyle to improve their physical health and wellbeing. MAFS conducts health screenings and health education seminars for minority seniors at various temples, churches, mosques, senior clubs and religious centers. The main goal for organizing these seminars is to increase their awareness about healthier lifestyles among our community members. The object of these preventive health care strategies is to help reduce age-related diseases and manage chronic health conditions.

Healthcare seminars are made possible through Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine and the Community Memorial Foundation. MAFS collaborates with other healthcare organizations including, White Crane Wellness Center, National Kidney Foundation, Y-ME Breast Cancer Organization, University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, Coalition CLESE, Midwest Asian Health Association and Asian Health Coalition, to promote health awareness in the south Asian community of metropolitan Chicago. Free educational seminar topics include: Breast Cancer, Kidney Disorders, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Depression, Heart Health and Medication Management.

CPR GRANT

NOT FUNDED

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies especially in sudden heart attack or near drowning in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. To increase the awareness about this lifesaving technique Metropolitan Asian Family Services has been trying to reacquire funding for this vital program.

Through this program we have reached out to the vulnerable South Asian community members and have successfully educated and encouraged them to learn about techniques to save lives in sudden cardiac arrest at any place. The program has helped us in conveying our mission to over 1,500 individuals last year in our community.

For more information on this program please contact: Promila Mehta 773-465-3105 or visit: http://mafsinc.com/Programs

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ANNUAL REPORT 2016 ADULT VOLUNTEER LITE RACY

HEALTH

RESEARCH & EDUCATION At MAFS we believe in education. Education and knowledge help you better understand yourself and the world around you. It also helps you obtain a higher paying job. To help educate and train our community we offer educational and technical programs including English as a Second Language, Bright Ideas and Computer training.

COMPUTER LITERACY NOT FUNDED

Computers are the integral part of modern life and nothing works without them. MAFS started computer training for South Asian immigrants in 1997 although there has been no fund-

ing for this program from since its

inception.

This year MAFS taught 50 community

mem-

bers the basics in computer skills from typing to Microsoft

Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

These skills will allow them to feel confident and be assets in America’s workforce.

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FUNDING HALTED

This grant has been halted for the 2016 -2017 year due to the situation with the Illinois State budget but in the previous 3 years MAFS has been awarded with the Adult Volunteer Literacy Grant program, funded by the Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White. Our program entails learning English as a second language which include speaking, reading and writing English, Math, Life Skills and practical English speaking which helps them lead a life with confidence in the US. Our tutors have taught vocabulary, comprehension and assisted learners to summarize readings. This program has brought a positive impact on the lives of recipients in the area of citizenship, community participation, family and work life. It has also helped our elderly in boosting their self-esteem and confidence.

English as a Second Language is for the immigrant population who face cultural and linguistic barriers. Our goal is to assist such persons to improve basic literacy skills and help them read, speak and assist them in everyday math skills.

Kumar, Santosh Bharucha, Hiamli Mahajan, Harish Metha, Promila Patel, Dahyabhai

OUR

STAFF

CHICAGO

We would like to thank our incredible staff! They are the ones that put in the long hours and give up their weekends so they can find new and innovative ways to help our community. It is not bricks or the building but their tireless dedication and commitment that are the real value in our organization.

Bavisi, Jahnavi Bhavsar, Jaya Dogaru, Connie Kaur, Balvinder Soni, Chandrakant

NILES Thakker, Jayshree

NAPERVILLE Jalota, Prem

Jethi, Meenu

Singh, Charlotte

ROSELLE

ELGIN

CAROL STREAM

Shah, Grishma

Jethi, Meenu

Bokhari, Tayyaba

ORLAND PARK

SCHAUMBURG

VERNON HILLS

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2016 AT A GLANCE NUTRITION PROGRAM GOLDEN DINERS CONGREGATE MEAL SENIOR HOT LUNCH

PUBLIC BENEFITS

38,803 meals served in our kitchens serving fresh, hot, and nutritious meals to the community

2,234

AGE OPTIONS CLESE

clients benefiting from our medicare, medicaid, immigration, food stamp, and healthcare insurance assistance

LIHEAP

1,700

CEDA

people helped in reducing their light and heat bill payments

OBAMACARE

224

ASIAN HEALTH COALITION

individuals and their family members were enrolled into Medicaid and Marketplace health insurance.

SHIP

322

CLESE AGE OPTIONS

individuals and their family members were helped by the Senior Health Insurance Program

Seniors at our Chicago location, led

by Pankaj & Kiran Patel celebrate Tulsi Vivah, a Hindu holiday signifying the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the Hindu wedding season

2016 MINI

FUNDRAISER Naperville, IL: Over 300 seniors and prominent community members attended Metropolitan Asian Family Service’s Mini Fundraising dinner on June 13, 2015 at 1032 E Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL. The celebration started with the diya ceremony which was performed by Swami Purnatmanandaji of Bharat Sevashram of Chicago. Prominent leaders in attendance were Gopal Lalmalani, Village President Oak Brook, Mayor George Pradel, Ex- Naperville Mayor, Nakul Singh Chand, Regional Manager, Air India, Nimish Jani, Villlage Trustee Schaumburg, Krishna Bansal, Outreach Coordinator Naperville Village, and MAFS board members.

In his opening remarks our keynote speaker, Mayor Lalmalani, commended the MAFS team for serving the community on all fronts for over 3 decades. He congratulated the MAFS team for opening new location at Schaumburg and expressed his concern on recent budget cut. Similar remarks of concern were presented

by Mr. Bansal, he urged community to come forward and join in MAFS mission of serving and caring.

Mrs. Kumar presented a detailed annual report. She said that the requirement for all our Nutrition, Public Benefit and Health Re-

search and education related programs are to raise matching funds from our community and urged all those in attendance to understand the facts and come forward to support these programs.

Ms. Beena Patel, MAFS Secretary expressed her concern on recent budget cut. Ms. Patel read out all our lobbying efforts to save Community Care and Adult Day Care Services. Our guest speaker Mayor George Pradel boosted everyone spirit with his vigor and energy.

The program started with Ganesh

Vandana by Radhika Akolkar of the Radhika Dance Academy. Our Carol Stream seniors presented a very fascinating and well-balanced Tippani Dance performance.

Our Naperville staff and seniors presented a historical dance performance from the city of Gujarat called RAAS but it was our Chicago seniors under the guidance of Pankaj Patel, ADS Coordinator, that stole the show with their superb performance.

Mandi Theater of Chicago presented a hilarious drama called as Udan Khatola performed by Jagmohan Rawat, Rohit Sharma and Alka Sharma.

The celebration also had an award ceremony. Gopal Lalmalani was given the Community Service Award; Mayor George Pradel was given the Support Service Award.

Appreciation Awards were given to Nimish Jani, Krishna Bansal and Nakul Singh Chand.

Our emcees Neelam Desai, Naperville Manager and Jahnavi Bavisi, Niles Manager successfully managed the entire program and the event was concluded with vegetarian dinner which prepared by our kitchen. Beena Patel has presented vote of thanks.

2015

FUNDRAISER An unbelievable amalgamation of immigrant and mainstream community members, about a 1,000 people in the audience gathered to celebrate elderly senior services for the 23rd annual fundraising dinner of Metropolitan Asian Family Services on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Ashyana Banquet Hall India, 1620 75th St., Downer’s Grove, IL 60516. The event began with the lightning of a traditional lamp by Pandit Jagdishbhai Joshi followed by Ganesh Vandna by the members. Prominent dignitaries in attendance were Mr. Ausaf Sayeed, the Counsel General, India, Mr. Nirav Shah, the Director, Illinois department of Public Health, Michelle Mussaman, State of Representative, Mr. Gopal Lalamalani, the Village President, Oakbrook, Mr. Krishna Bansal, an Outreach Specialist, Naperville, Ms. Marta Pereyra, the Executive director, CLESE who spoke of great appreciation to the splendid home care and adult day care services rendered for immigrant the elderly seniors of Asian Communities at large as well the East European Communities in the Metropolitan Chicago under the dynamic leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Kumar.

Polonia group captivated the audience with their delightfully graceful Polish Folk Dance in their traditional attire making the annual dinner a fascinating evening

Mariachi Universal of Chicago, Illinois took part in making the evening of our fundraiser one to remember with their Mexican Folkloric Music, their heavily voices and their attire

Kathr ingly lightin memo

rine Jafri and group with their enchantcharming Bollywood Dance Act, deng the seniors and others making a orable entertainment experience

Raju Bhankapur & Pratibha Jairath performed Bollywood Music

Arya Dance Academy performed dances choreographed by Shree Desai

Remembering PRAMOD KUMAR Was a mechanical engineer by profession from IIT Kharagpur and had a Masters in industrial engineering from IIT Chicago. He was an accomplished businessman with over 45 years of experience. His knowledge and expertise launched many entrepreneurial projects and supported many charitable efforts. Mr. Kumar was recognized by the National Register’s Who’s Who of Executive Professionals. He was Treasurer of MAFS and provided constant support to continue MAFS mission.

He continuously brought new resources to expand MAFS and make them accessible to more suburban communities in the greater Chicagoland area.

Mr. Pramod Kumar’s sudden death has engulfed us all in a terrible darkness and left a void that will be will be hard to fill and impossible to forget. The whole of the Metropolitan Center is still reeling from the pain of this loss. An enormous wave of sadness has swept over all of us. We keep imagining that any minute his door will open and he will walk out, smiling as always.

But neither the door opens, nor does Mr. Kumar walk out. So we ask ourselves, where could he have gone?

What is this place from which one can never return?

And we have no answer.

Although many people die every day, the death of Mr. Pramod Kumar received an extraordinary amount of attention. Perhaps this is because he was an extraordinary man. By a strange coincidence, Pramodji died on the same day as Pramukh Swamiji of the Swaminarayan temple and his death anniversary will forevermore be celebrated on the same day as the Swamiji. Both these men were great and both of them had saintly qualities. Mr. Pramod Kumar had the virtues of a saint.

He did not ever get angry or raise his voice. He was always smiling, pleasant and kind. What then is this death that takes away a laughing, happy human being?

Here one day and gone the next. It is unfathomable.

In my lifetime I have seen many people leave this earth but no one's death has led me to as much reflection as the death of Mr. Pramod Kumar. Why? Because although he was simple, the impact of his life was tremendous. Along with his wife, Mrs. Santosh Kumar, he was able to do a lot for the people of Chicago. Mrs. Santosh Kumar has often been called the Mother Theresa of Chicago, the Iron Lady, and the Jewel of Rajasthan. Although these titles were bestowed upon her, people often forgot that it was Pramodji who gave her support and helped to her to achieve her goals. He became her strength and her support system. He was like the spine that supports that body.

Pramodji went one day to the hospital with his wife and son, not knowing that he would never return to his beautiful home. One can never know when death will come upon us. Thousands of great souls like Gautam Buddha, Swami Dayanand, and others have lived and died without truly being able to find an answer to the question of death. Why do we die? Where do we go from here? No one really knows and everyone only speculates. I realize that if all these great philosophers

and great saints could not find any definitive answers, then who am I to understand and explain a subject as deep and as complex as death.

All that I can understand is that one day we will all leave this earth. We come empty handed and we leave empty handed. Nothing is ours to take. Then why do we engage in this daily struggle? Why don’t we just live in peace? The more I reflect, the more I am drawn to detachment. Pramod Kumarji, we have no answers, but wherever you are, our prayers are with you.

Om Shanti Shanti.

Krishna Mahajan MAFS Supporter

Our Dear Friend and Mentor, Mr. Pramod Kumar. He has been our inspiration and our light.

His generosity and acceptance made us all better people, and the world around us, a better place. We will always keep him in our hearts."

Gods mysterious ways…

Santosh told me about the excitement Pramod had when I confirmed my plan to visit him in the US after 15 years.

Imagine the shock I got only 2 days later when I received the news that he was no more, God had another plan.

I was with him at IIT Kharagpur, in the same class and in our hostel our rooms were adjacent. It was a wonderful life for all of us.

Even at the young age of 19 years he was extremely serene and calm, his logic always brilliant. This earned him respect from his peers and transformed him from Pramod to Pramod JI. Now I am here in Chicago I am sad and happy.

Sad as he is not here to welcome me but happy to see the love, affection and admiration of all the people with whom he worked. One can get real respect from outsiders but very rarely does this happens from family and people with whom you work. This is how PRAMOD was great.

In his passing away I have lost a friend, family member, brother and the only counsellor I had.

Marta Pereyra Executive Director, CLESE

Goodbye my friend. May your noble soul rest in peace.

Mohan Khandelwhal A man of honor, integrity, kindness and wisdom.

Whether it was spending a week long vacation together in India or a twenty -minute business meeting, my friend and colleague was a man whom I learned from at every engagement. He always had a way of seeing things from a different perspective. Quite honestly, a superior perspective and one that most of us just didn’t see.

My friend, Pramod Kumar, touched thousands of lives and somehow bettered every one of them.

He would do this not only with words, but often with a simple smile or meaningful gesture. You know he just “got” you, he understood you.

Mr. Kumar, you lived a complete life that was still cut far too short. My happiness in all this, is knowing that you are looking down on all of us and smiling with love.

I love and miss you my friend. I will speak to you tonight and see you tomorrow.

Joe Eichman, President Healthcare Solutions Team

Best friend

I offer my deepest condolences to Mrs. Santosh Kulshrestha Kumar of MAFS/UMAS on the sad demise of her beloved husband Mr. Pramod Kumar, who passed away in Chicago on August 13th, 2016. Mr. Pramod Kumar was born to a prestigious and well known Kulshrestha family on December 20 1937, and his family traces their genealogy from Adi Purush Shri Chitraguptaji Maharaj.

I knew him personally and he was a wonderful human being, husband, father, brother and uncle. He will live for years to come in all our hearts. I pray the Almighty to give ample strength to his wife and family members to bear this irreparable loss.

May his soul rest in peace!

Dr. Ausaf Sayeed Consulate General of India, Chicago

Remembering PRAMOD KUMAR

Mr. Kumar was my brother, a very kind, simple hearted man who worked hard to achieve his goals in life. His good nature, calm demeanor and pleasant personality have won the hearts of many. His service towards the community has been unparalleled. Not only did he run seniors’ programs here, but his contribution to the upliftment of children's lives is also exemplary back home. To me, he was a friend, guide, and mentor. It was a fateful black day of my life when this calamity fell upon us, and he has snatched away from us. I dearly miss his sweet smile, laughing face and soft-spoken nature. You will be remembered forever.

Pramod Chandra Kulshreshtha

Brother-in-law

My dear Mr. Kumar who passed away two months ago was a man with biggest heart, humble, loving and inspiring person. His love to his wife and their two sons was unconditional and I was amazed by it.

Always, ready to listen all employees of MAFS and UMAS and giving us the best solution and help. He meant a lot to me. Mr. Kumar is sadly and dearly missed in our agency.

May His Pure Soul Rest Never to be forgotten !!!!

In

Heavenly

Peace.

Fatima Borjanovic CCP Senior Supervisor

Mr. Kumar was a visionary. He continued to look for ways to improve and grow the business. He also possessed great business acumen to identify opportunities, plan thoroughly and execute to achieve maximum success.

James Mo, President MoDE architects, PC

Priya and I express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Pramod Kumar Ji. He was a kind, generous, civic minded man and dedicated his life to the community.

We have a special place in our hearts for Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Prashant and Sagar. He will be missed greatly.

Raja Krishnamoorthi Candidate, 8th Congressional District of Illinois Pramod Uncle was a gentleman, very caring and respectful man. We knew him last 7-8 years ago when our Dad, Naren Patel, joined the board of Metropolitan Asian Family Services. May the gates of heaven open up to reveal strength and comfort in your times of trial and sorrow. Prashant and Sagar, we feel your pain since we lost our Dad two years ago. God will comfort you.

Neal & Raj Patel Medstar Laboratory, Inc.

We hold our heads high in memory of Mr. Pramod Kumar, just as he held his head high. We hold our heads high in grateful recognition of his silent strength, his caring concern, his generous nature, and his acceptance of the differences among us. Let us rejoice in the privilege to have known him.

Rosemary Gemperle Founding Member of CLESE

When you speak of Mr. Pramod Kumar speak not with tears for thoughts of him should not be sad. Let memories of the times you shared give you comfort for his life was rich because of you. Please continue Mr. Kumar's legacy by doing what you do best for the seniors and our community.

Gopal Lalmalani Oak Brook Village President

Pramod, true to his name, was a "delight" and "joy" to meet. Recently, he came to attend my "Dawate Yaarana" on July 16. He had infectious and calm smile. Happily, we shared fond memories of Lucknow as he had association with Kanya Kubja Degree College and AP Sen Road of Lucknow.

Dr. Ateeq Ahmad Board Member, AMU Alumni Association of Chicago, USA

From top left to down you can see Mr. Kumar’s life through childhood, to marriage, to the birth of his 2 sons, to the friends and family that made Chicago his home for so many years.

Below Mr. Kumar was awarded the “2016 Champion of Older Adults” award posthumously by CLESE. An excerpt from their Annual Members meeting that took place on September 27th, 2016: “Mr. Kumar was always supportive and interested in CLESE and willing to listen to concerns, offering reassurance and a belief that things would work out. His belief in the goodness of others frequently became a self-fulfilling prophecy. We honor his memory, we are grateful for his involvement, and we will miss him dearly.

IN OUR SENIORS WORDS

ing. my childhood was pleasant and I am coming from a wealthy family. my father owned a movie theater so I was very fond of cinema and fashion. I was married in to modest family and had to work hard to make ends meet. I live with my son and daughter-in-law Sonal. I have two grandson name Satyam and Shivam. my brother-sister lives in Texas and California.

RASHMIKABEN SHAH CHICAGO

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.

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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 work-

because of my smartness and strong work ethics, MAFS asked me to volunteer my services and now I am a helper and organizer. Mrs. Santosh Kumar and Promila Mehta supports me. I help sponsoring Indian festivals such as Diwali and Tulsi Vivah. I believe in cleanliness and big fan of clean India (Swachh Bharat) project. therefore, I volunteer to clean the streets of Chicago.

I come to adult day care five days a week and it feels like a family to me. they teach me “be well, live well and age well”. I am saddened and sorry for a great loss of Mr. Pramod Kumar this year. he was a great man with a heart of gold and i miss him seeing him around. Mrs. Santosh Kumar considered me as her family member. we are all fortunate to have Beena patel and seniors like her singing bhajan everyday and friendly loving nature. we are a proud MAFS family and enjoy fully. we are happy and healthy seniors because of MAFS! thanks.

TARUNIKABEN HEBBAR CHICAGO

I am Tarunika C. Hebbar (Maiden Name Paymaster). I was born in Surat, Gujarat. When I was 5 months old, my mother brought me to Mumbai where my father was staying. I am the first born child to my parents out of their 8 children. I studied in English medium school and passed the Higher Secondary School with distinction.

I attended Wilson College and got my under graduate degree in Business Administration. Unfortunately, my father passed away when I was only 20 years of age. My mother was in great shock and our family doctor told me that she is in depression after my father passed away. I promised my mother that I will take care of all her children and I will not get married until all of them are graduates.

With the grace of God, eventually I got married. All my siblings are very well educated and I take pride in them. One gentleman from our caste came to India to get married and he got married to my sister and she

NIRMAL AND BANSI DHAR

CHICAGO We are recent entrants to the Metropolitan Asian Family Services Chicago Center from India in the dusk hours of life. We are deeply indebted to noble and public spirited staff members especially Promila Mehta, Pankaj Patel and Harish Mahajan. The most precious dynamic personality Mrs. Beena Patel who provided us with congenial atmosphere which makes us feel at home. This speaks volumes for the interest taken by late Shree Pramod Kumar and Mrs. Santosh Kumar in starting the center, connecting and strengthening its roots.

came to USA. My youngest brother wanted to come to America so he came and stayed at his friend’s place but did not work. So he could not pay his tuition fees and principal did not allow him to seat in the exam. He called me to come to USA to support him with his schooling so I was forced to come to USA. I have been living in USA for 30 years.

When I was in law school, my professor introduced me to one of the brightest students in my class. He was helping me in my study and both of us passed L.L.B. We had a law degree but we did not take the Bar Exam in USA. My husband worked as a law clerk in High Court and I worked for a lawyer who specialized in Criminal Law. We got married because of my husband wanted to marry me. My husband passed away in 2015 and now I stay in the Metropolitan Asian Family Service Center provided by Mrs. Santosh Kumar and my wish is to help as many seniors as I can with Grace of God. Jai Hind!

BHANUBHAI RAVAL

CHICAGO I am Bhanu Raval born in Gujarat, India. I have a Master’s degree in Science with a major in Law, L.L.B. I worked as a Revenue Collector and District Magistrate for Government of Gujarat. When I came to Chicago, I worked at Traffic Court, Cook County for 2 years and then I worked as a Water Chemist at Jardine Water Purification Plant.

My motto is “awake, arise, and don’t stop till you reach your goal”.

I am the recipient of Bronze Medal from the President of India for the best performance in Census India project.

I would like to thank the MAFS organization for their continuous services to the senior citizen group. My mom Shobhana Nagori of Naperville Location enjoys her time at the center. The social interaction that she gets at the center provides her a sense of calm and has brought renewed life back into her daily routine.

Appreciate all the hard work the employees put in and thank you again for supporting my mom.

Regards,

Tapan Nagori

With Best Compliments from Madhu Machhar, Pushpa Rani, Triguna Dave, Manju Kalra, Kala Thakker, Mohinder Bedi, Veena Asher, Nanda Desai, Saraswati Kansagra and Vasu Patel. We enjoy celebrating all Indian as well as American festivals very much at Naperville ADS Center. We pray that we can continue to receive these services as long as we live.

With Best Compliments from Raj Rana, Kiranchandra Patel, Satya Gupta, Raj Gupta, Babu Modi, Vidya Modi, Hrushikesh Mehta, Mira Mehta, Dipak Pandya and Arvind Dangarwala. We divide our sorrows and multiply our joys when we come to the Naperville ADS Center. Our Blessings to all the hardworking and dedicated staff.

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THANKS TO OUR

SUPPORTERS Air India A2Z Medical Supply Aamin Law Offices LTD Association of Indians in America, Inc Air Tours Inc Aroma BVM Healthcare Inc. Coldwell Banker (Bonnie S Cerveny) Dr. Firdaus Jafri Econo Lodge (Rashmi Patel)

Enterprise Fleet Management.

Home Care Services Kamdar Plaza Kiran Creations

Metropolitan Asian Family Services

Moned Construction Northwest Medical Care (Dr. Sanjay P. Patel) Meineke Car Care Center (Naperville) Patel Brothers Present Enterprise Inc.

GOLD SPONSERS Prime Supplies Inc (Mahesh Parikh) Super 8 (Chicago) Studio Silver Sajmil Builders Universal Metro Asian Services Vitha Jewelers, Inc. Zezan Real Estate

MoDE

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