2015 Annual Fundraiser Magazine

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

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.

MAFS

PRESIDENT& EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS MESSAGE communities. Unfortunately, this year, we are facing significant and substantial cuts to all social service programs which, in turn, are jeopardizing the lives of people who depend on these services for their very survival.

Metropolitan Asian Family Services has been a beacon of hope to immigrant populations in the United States for over 23 years. Our services reach over 10,000 individuals and family members each year.

Adult English Literacy, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, CPR education, and our medical research studies have been recently suspended leaving countless community members with no hope. While other social service agencies have laid off staff or closed their doors, MAFS continues to remain operational. Our services are crucial to our community’s successful transition into a new home and a new culture here in America.

Through programs like Public Benefits, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, Adult English Literacy, Obamacare Assistance, Senior Counseling, Immigration and Citizenship Assistance, Translation and Interpretation, Computer Literacy and Transportation we touch the lives of Illinois’ most in need immigrant

We believe you can assist us in this struggle to sustain programs of welfare to the community. Your donations and contributions matter. Please join hands with us by actively contributing your time to help us continue to touch the lives of so many and continue to keep our doors open to help all those in need.

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.

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. MR. PRAMOD KUMAR, TREASURER, is a mechanical engineer by profession from IIT Kharagpur and has a Masters in industrial engineering from IIT Chicago. He is an accomplished businessman with over 45 years of experience. His knowledge and expertise has launched many entrepreneurial projects and supports charitable efforts. Mr. Kumar was recognized by the National Register’s Who’s Who of Executive Professionals. He is an active board member and provides constant support to continue MAFS mission. He continuously brings new resources to expand MAFS and make them accessible to more suburban communities in the greater Chicagoland area. MS. BEENA PATEL, SECRETARY,

was born and raised in Gujarat, India. She earned her master's degree in Commerce. She began her career in India with the Gujarat Electricity Board as an intern and then full time employment with Dena Bank and State Bank of India. Mrs. Patel married Dixit Patel 30 years ago and moved to the US to start their new adventure and life. Upon her arrival to the US, she began her career as the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Traffic Division in 1987 and at present working as the Associate Clerk of the First Municipal Bureau. In 2000, Mrs. Patel and another co-worker formed the "Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Asian American Employees Social Club." Mrs. Patel is a dedicated and avid community organizer. She belongs to many political, cultural and social organizations. Her memberships are as follows: Board Member of the Indian American Medical Association Charitable Foundation “IAMACF”; Metropolitan Asian Family Services; Vice 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” Member of the Desi Divas Book Club; and the Hindi Lovers Club.

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.

23 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 23 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 23 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 23 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 23 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 23 YEARS + SERVICE + SUPPORT + ADVOCACY + FAMILY + COMMUNITY + NUTRITION + HEALTH EDUCATION + PUBLIC BENEFITS + CHICAGOLAND + TCLIP + CEDA + SOS + 23 YEARS + SERVICE +

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

It gives me immense pleasure to present Metropolitan Asian Family Serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (MAFS) Annual Report for the 2014-2015 year. MAFS was incorporated as a Not-for-Profit, TaxExempt 501(c)(3) organization in 1993 with a mission to provide comprehensive and integrated services to the community at large. MAFS is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic organization and has, at its core, a commitment to educate, assist and empower the immigrant community to adjust to life in the United States and become productive members of society instead of dependent on government aid. To achieve this we have initiated many educational programs such as English literacy and computer training. Through our basic etiquette sessions in dressing, speaking and resume writing we have touched and changed many lives. MAFS is a true example of how collaborative efforts can come together to better serve our community by connecting members to various service providers according to their individual needs. MAFS helps weave through state, federal and local rules & regulations in order to find a solution that matches a particular individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique problems and circumstances. Through our transparent operation we have accomplished success in performing our duties more diligently and stringently. Starting from Des Plaines in a one room office in 1992, MAFS has now expanded its services to Chicago, Niles, Naperville, Carol Stream, Schaumburg, Vernon Hills, Orland Park, Elgin, Roselle and Northlake. Our service centers are open for all who are in need.

I request you to read our report to get acquainted with our programs and services. Your contribution of time, dime and talent are a blessing to us. To learn more about us please call us at 773 -465-3105 or send an email to support@umasinc.com Thank you and have a blessed day!

ANNUAL REPORT 2015

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 oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

AUTO EXPENSE $2,414

DUPAGE SENIOR CITZEN S COUNCIL

MAFS is in its 15th 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 33,905 hot meals to the community this year from our Chicago, Niles and Roselle facilities. 10

SALARY $8,009

FUNDING

EXPENS

RAW FOOD $32,754 FOOD SUPLLIES $1,000 OFFICE EXPENSES $13,527

RAW FOOD & SUPPLIES $49,330

ADVERTISING $3,628

SES

ANNUAL REPORT 2015

RAW FOOD $29,635

SALARY $56,225

FUNDING OFFICE EXPENSES $2,400 PROFESSIONAL FEES $3,426

AUTO EXPENSE $6,851 RAW FOOD $29,635

OFFICE EXPENSES $7,098

SALARY $99,732

EXPENSES

PROFESSIONAL FEES $4,239 ADVERTISING $3,084

AUTO EXPENSE $6,769

HOT MEAL $13,594 SALARY $50,844

SALARY $16,068

EXPENSES

FUNDING

RAW FOOD $21,000

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 6,225 cases in Cook, Suburban Cook County, DuPage and Lake County.

FUNDER EXPENSES $74,047.50 FUNDING $59,431 DEFICIT $14,616.50 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 2015 ENERGY ASSISSTANCE P ROGRAM ( 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). MAFSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; staff help clients in processing their application in order to receive funds. This year we have helped 1,225 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 450 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, Nazneen Begum, and Connie Dogaru, 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. 13

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 $56,718.28 FUNDING $48,735 DEFICIT $7,983.28 ADVERTISING $3,628 SALARY $42,699

TRAVEL& MEALS $821 PROFESSIONAL FEES $4,771 OFFICE EXPENSES $2,800

AUTO EXPENSE $2,000

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LIFESTYLE – INTERVENTION RESEARCH STUDY

Metropolitan Asian Family Services has continued to collaborate with Northwestern University in 2014 -2015 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. The study results are currently being analyzed and will be presented at national and international conferences and printed in medical journals for reference.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 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 Northwesternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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 successfully partnered with Northwestern University during their grant cycle from December 15, 2013 to March 31, 2015. 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, 5000 individuals in our community.

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

ANNUAL REPORT 2015

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 funding for this program from since its inception. This year MAFS taught 45 community members the basics in computer skills from typing to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. These skills will allow them to

ADULT VOLUNTEER LITE RACY

For 3 consecutive 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.

EXPENSES $26,408.30 FUNDING $25,000 DEFICIT $1,408.30

feel confident and be assets in Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce. READING MATERIALS $16,068

OFFICE EXPESES $2,000 PROFESSIONAL FEES $835 TRAVEL & MEAL $1,601 ADVERTISING $4,717

EXPENSES

Kumar, Santosh Begum, Nazneen Bharucha, Hiamli Mehta, Promila Patel, Dahyabhai

OUR

STAFF

CHICAGO

We would like to thanks 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 building but their tireless dedication and commitment are the real value in our organization.

Bavisi, Jahnavi Kaur, Balvinder Patel, Raman Dogaru, Connie

NILES Jethi, Menu

NAPERVILLE Jalota, Prem

Bhavsar, Jaya

Thakkar, Jayashree

ROSELLE

ELGIN

CAROL STREAM

Noto, Bhavna

Dogaru, Connie

Bokhari, Tayyaba

ORLAND PARK

SCHAUMBURG

VERNON HILLS

2015 AT A GLANCE NUTRITION PROGRAM GOLDEN DINERS CONGREGATE MEAL SENIOR HOT LUNCH

PUBLIC BENEFITS

33,905 meals served in our kitchens serving fresh, hot, and nutritious meals to the community

6,225

AGE OPTIONS CLESE

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

LIHEAP

1,225

CEDA

people helped in reducing their light and heat bill payments

CPR GRANT

15,000

MEDTRONIC

South Asian community members educated on how to perform CPR via print and electronic media

OBAMACARE

450

ASIAN HEALTH COALITION

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

ADULT VOLUNTEER LITERACY JESSE WHITE

IL SECRETARY OF STATE

145 adults who learned practical English writing, reading and speaking

The recent budget cut had a devastating impact on communities ability to sustain important social service programs on July 1st, 2015, Marta Pereyra, Executive Director of CLESE, and MAFS seniors joined the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Walk Out and Rally at Thompson Centerâ&#x20AC;? to express their concern to save essential social services

2015 MINI

FUNDRAISER Naperville, IL: Over 300 seniors and prominent community members attended Metropolitan Asian Family Serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

2014

FUNDRAISER Metropolitan Asian Family Services' celebrated its 22nd annual fundraising dinner with excitement, entertainment and an award ceremony on September 13, 2014 at India House, Schaumburg, Illinois. The celebration started with a traditional deep lightning ceremony performed by Pt. Choodaman Pathak of Radhey Shyam Temple and was followed by a Ganesh Vandana dance performance by students of the Mudra Dance Academy. Prominent dignitaries in attendance were Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President, Paul Vallas, Democratic Lt. Governor Candidate, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, Chicago, Rep. Michelle Mussman, Gayle A. Smolinski, Roselle Mayor, Rodney S. Craig, Hanover Park Mayor, Dr. Hemlata Bakane, President of IAMA, Sonia Bhagwakar from IDOA, Sher Mohammad Rajput, Indo American Center Board Member, Nand Kapoor, former President Association of Indian in America, Anees Chaudhary, Treasurer of the AMU Alumni Association of Greater Chicago, and other community leaders and business supporters including seniors and their families. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, commended the MAFS team for doing an extraordinary job in serving and caring for the elderly and other immigrant populations in Chicagoland.

Bollywood Dance Acad

Our board members and our senior clients enthralled everyone with Qawali program, presented by Om Dhingra and Group.

Haute and prĂŞt collection by Prinbyprina awe struck everyone. Beautiful models scorched the ramp with their traditional and modern dresses.

Sho cult dan Aca

Fusion Dance by Soorya demy.

owcasing South Indian art and turalal heritage through Odissi nce, presented by Utkalaa Dance demy.

Bharatanatyam dance presentation and Ganesh Vandana by Mudra Dance Academy

NAREN PATEL

Naren Patel was a board member and Vice President of Metropolitan Asian Family Services for the last 4 years. MAFS has lost a leader, a friend and a true well-wisher on December 15, 2014, in Chicago. Narenbhai will live for years to come in our hearts. A reputed entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist Mr, Patel, was owner, President and CEO of Medstar Laboratory Inc. After graduation in Pharmacy from Gujarat University, Ahmedabad in 1969, he moved to Chicago, USA in January 1970. Through his motto, “The difference between ordinary & extraordinary is that little ‘Extra’’’; Mr. Naren Patel has accomplished great success as a father, businessman, and community leader. A devout Hindu, he was a strong follower of Pujya Pramukhswami Maharaj of BAPS, one of the most respected religious leaders of a section of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. He was also a supporter of numerous other religious and charitable institutions, including the Itasca Temple, Manavseva Mandir, Pratham USA, Akshya Patra and Ekal Vidyalaya. Mr. Naren’s guidance and support will always be appreciated and cherished forever by MAFS team. The MAFS family pays homage to one of its beloved leader, Narenbhai.

WE W ALWA

REMEM

Shankarprasad Someshwar Bhatt, popularly known as ‘Bhatt Kaka’ was a senior board member and was Vice President of MAFS since its very inception almost 24 years ago. MAFS has lost a staunch supporter, a well-wisher and a true friend on Saturday, Jan 10, 2015. Mr. Bhatt was a writer, book reviewer and a freelance writer for many Indian papers in the United States. His articles were published in many Chicago journals including the India Tribune. He was born on the 28th of July 1924 in Umbeth, Gujarat, India. He had a Master’s degree in Commerce from the University of Mumbai. He came to the United States in 1979 after finishing an extended career in the local city government in Gujarat, India. He was a selfless man, who had worked tirelessly in uplifting and making a difference in the lives of our community members. His association with Metropolitan Asian Family Services will always be remembered. He was a driving force behind MAFS opening its first centers in suburban counties. Through his good deeds he is immortal and the Good Samaritan work that Shri ‘Bhatt Kaka’ wanted to be done to help destitute and deprived members of our community will be carried on and taken to next level in the future by our organization. The MAFS family pays homage to its beloved “S.S. Bhatt Kaka”.

WILL AYS

MBER

S.S. BHATT

AWARDS 2015

MR. MAFAT PATEL MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD

We are pleased to present “MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD AWARD,” to Mr. Mafatbhai Patel who is the founder of Patel Brothers Inc. and popularly known as “King of Devon.” Mr. Patel is a farmer son and hails from a small village of Bhandu in Mehsana, Gujarat. He has accomplished pinnacle of success through his vision and strong determination. At 23, armed with a diploma in electrical engineering Mr. Patel left for Chicago in 1968 and pursued a degree in mechanical engineering. He started his career as a quality controller in Jefferson Electric. During those days he had seen the food struggle for Indian residing in the Unites States, especially for vegetarians. His struggle for ethnic food motivated him to start Patel Brothers a grocery store for Indians in Devon Avenue. Today his brand ‘Swad’ chain boasts 55 stores all over America. All of these are managed by his extended family in Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Harrisburg and everywhere in New Jersey. Mr. Patel is also a great Philanthropist. He has given his time and volunteered his services to many non-profit organizations like the Indo American Center. He is on the board of the Indian American Medical Association whose charitable arm runs free medical clinic for the needy and organizes many activities for seniors in Chicagoland area.

GHANSHYAM PANDEY, PH.D. COMMUNITY SERVICE AW ARD We are pleased to present our “Community Service Award” to Dr. Ghanshyam N. Pandey for his long and dedicated community service since 1967. He is a Professor with tenure in the Department of Psychiatry since 1981 and Director of Mood Disorders and Suicide Research in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Mr. Pandey is from Uttar Pradesh India and he has completed his Master’s Degree in Science from the University of Rajasthan in 1960 and completed his Ph.D. from University of Rajasthan 1968. Dr. Pandey is a founding president of the UP Association of Greater Chicago and the Association of Indian in America (19801984) where he was AIA’s national president (2011-2013). He was a National President of the Association of Scientist of India Origin in America (1984-1986) and a President of Asian Human Services of Chicago (1985-1987). He worked hard to keep Indian culture, and its literature alive in USA. He has successfully preserved India’s heritage and its values by creating an awareness of Indian faiths in the American born generation of Indian origin parents.

DR. FIRDAUS JAFRI, DDS PILLAR OF MAFS Dr. Firdaus Jafri DDS is a visionary, a leader, a good friend, well-wisher and longtime time President of MAFS. Dr. Jafri is a great humanitarian and generously gives her time and talent to various organizations without expecting anything in return. We are proud to have her as our President because she has stood with us in rain or shine. Through her efforts she has inspired the youth to join MAFS and serve the community. She hails from Lucknow, India and has done her Dentistry from India and the US. She is an accomplished dentist with her own practice in Carol Stream for more than 30 years. She has been recognized for her academic excellence and community service by various organizations. We are very proud to present her with our “Pillar of MAFS” Award.

PROMILA MEHTA

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD It is said that, “You may take out Indian out from India but you can't take out the India from an Indian,” and Ms. Mehta is the living example of this. She is the epitome of compassion, passion and love and is known for her soothing touch and mellifluent voice. Ms. Mehta recieved her Masters in Sanskrit from Merut University. She came to the United States in 1998 and joined MAFS in 1999 as a student in our computer training program and later, became an employee. She started her journey as an administrative assistant and today, is a key member of MAFS. She is responsible for the overall administration of MAFS. Through her soothing presence she is inspiring and motivating her collogues and seniors clients. She is certainly a great asset for MAFS. And on this day we are very proud to present her with “Lifetime Achievement Award”.

PREM JALOTA PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

DAHYABHAI PATEL SENIOR NUTRITION AWARD

Through his simplicity and amicability Mr. Jalota has won the hearts of many. Serving MAFS for more than a decade, Mr. Prem Jalota says, “It is his good karma that paves the way to work for MAFS to serve its people.” Mr. Jalota belongs to a business community and is a graduate from Lucknow University, Uttar Pradesh. He came to the United States in 1998 and worked as a guest register at Value City. In 2000 he joined MAFS as a student in our Computer Training Program in Chicago and this training helped him become employable in the American office environment. He joined MAFS in 2001 as an employee and since then there has been no turning back. At present, he is a senior manager of our Roselle branch. Through his dedicated and experienced team he is helping several thousand community members with various benefit programs. On this proud moment we are honored to recognize Mr. Prem Jalota with “Public Service Award.”

He is an accomplished person who is known for his sincerity and passion towards Metropolitan Asian Family Services. He has an amazing personality who is living for and fulfilling the dietary requirements of the needy and seniors. Mr. Patel is a graduate in Science from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He started his life in the textile industry and later joined in the Newspaper industry after migrating to the United States. He joined MAFS in 2001 as a Nutrition Manager and since has dedicated his life towards our organization. Known as “Annapurna,” Mr. Patel has completely changed the face of MAFS’s food program. He is not only manning and managing the City of Chicago’s Golden Dinner Program, he also oversees our Hot Lunch programs in Chicago and Suburban counties. He is recognized for his meaningful contribution related to feeding seniors rightly within the parameter of their dietary needs. On this day, we are very proud to present him with our “Senior Nutrition Award.”

MR. HARISH MAHAJAN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Mr. Harish Mahajan is a senior volunteer working for Metropolitan Asian Family Services for more than a decade. He has dedicated his time, service and talent for the betterment of the South Asian community in the Chicagoland area. Mr. Mahajan joined MAFS as a volunteer in 2000 and is now devoting his time in handling all benefit programs in Chicago including immigration, light and heat bills Assistance, Medicaid, Medicare, OCI, and Passport renewals. Mr. Mahajan belongs to a highly educated family from Punjab, India. He has worked all his life in the oil company in India and the Middle East. He worked in the ONGC industry and was sent in deputation to Iraq from 1974-1979. He also worked in the Kuwait Oil Company. In 1996 he migrated to America. We are very proud to present him with our “Volunteer of the Year” Award.

JAHNAVI BAVISI LEADERSHIP AWARD Ms. Bavisi has a vision inspiring others to support her in synchronizing with the top level management’s goals. Jahnavi was born and educated in Mumbai, India. She did her graduation in Commerce from the Kandiwali Education Society in 2001. Ms. Bavisi migrated to the US in 2001 and continued her education in Computer Information Systems and Quickbooks from COD. She knows how to achieve organizational goals by motivating people and creating a workforce to lead the organization to a higher level. She is an honest and bold leader. She sees her parents image in every senior and it gives her joy to serve them. We are very proud to present her with our “Leadership Award.”

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