Right to Left: Zerqa Abid, Founder & Executive Director of MY Project USA; State Representative Erica Crawley; Jasmin Osman, a survivor of Family and Institutional Violence; Amina Barhumi, Board Director Noor Islamic Cultural Center; Fariha Tayyab, a writer,educator & counselor; and State Representative Mary Lightbody at the end of our very first Muslim Youth Town Hall in Columbus.
Dear Community,
Muslim Youth Town Hall on Saturday, November 16th, was a game changer by all means. Above is a historic picture of a coalition built between MY Project USA, Noor Islamic Cultural Center and the Ohio House Representatives Erica Crawley and Rep. Mary Lightbody who came to support Jasmin Osman and other Muslim youth facing challenges within their families and our community.
This was first of it kind event that gave a chance to all Muslim Youth in Columbus to speak up about their concerns and challenges in front of the adult Muslim leaders and elected officials. Topics covered included Family and domestic violence, drugs,gangs, bullying, food insecurity, safety. trauma, sexual violence, racism, division within the community, lack of civic participation, job training, employment and many others.
A big shout out to Amina Barhumi of the Noor Islamic Cultural Center for her amazing talk and commitment to working together in building mutual programs and initiatives that would protect and empower youth from different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. Ammar Awan, the President of Masjid Omar Ibn El-Khattab couldn't make it, but he also sent a message of full support and partnership with the mosque.
Special shout out to Rep. Mary Lightbody and Rep. Erica Crawly for their interactive conversation with our youth. Rep. Kristi Boggs sent her message to youth via recorded video. Rep. Adam Miller, Rep. Allison Russo were not able to attend because they were both out of town, but they also sent their support messages. Other invited Representatives did not reply. Their chairs remained empty.
Columbus City Council President Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown also sent her support message via video. . Councilmember Mitchell Brown sent his support message and invite to work together. President Hardin and Councilmembers Emanuel Remy also sent support messages.
News Coverage of the event on Channel 10 and Channel 4 were also great and the feedback from the community has been very encouraging.
We are now putting together an action plan based on the discussion and our prior experiences of working with youth. We are excited about the possibilities and are humbled for the partnership of our mosques and the elected officials. We know together we will be able to protect and empower more youth in more meaningful ways than ever before.
Please click here for a detailed report. Keep us in your prayers and support us through your continued donations. Together we will succeed. InshAallah. God willing.
Want to join us in making this winter warm for more children? we are raising money to buy coats and other winter geras for children in need right here in Columbus and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps.
Winter is already harsh. It looks like it will be another longer, harsher winter. We have received multiple requests for more winter gears from an elementary school and families in the neighborhood.
We are in need of buying following items: Winter Coats, Hats, Gloves, Mitten, Socks, Ear Muffs, Pants. An elementary school has also requested for khaki and navy uniforms.
Please donate generously. At this time of the year, we think we can do good shopping on Black Friday.
Great Opportunity For Undergrads & Highschool Youth To Gain First Hand Nonprofit Work Experience While Empowering The Young Ones
A big shout out to four amazing youth who have taken lead in reorganizing our Reading Warriors Program in Wedgewood Village Apartment. Under the leadership of Raifa Alhag-ali, Safa Mohamed, Roman Joseph and Simon Joseph have done great job running the program since the beginning of this year. They are now expanding their team.
We have six positions on the board that we would like to fill with passionate and dedicated people. We are dedicated to providing a free-of-cost, safe and educational space to elementary and middle school-aged children in under-served communities once a week on Wednesdays from 4-5:30 pm in the Wedgewood Neighborhood.
Please check the application for more information. Please help us spread the word.
Click Here For More Details Or To Apply
Dental Hygiene Of Our Youth Is Important To Us
Columbus State Community College of Dental Hygiene Program Came To Help
Thank you to the wonderful folks at the Columbus State Community College of dentistry for coming to teach our Reading Warriors and Hilltop Tigers Soccer Team members in the Wedgewood community about the importance of dental hygiene.
After the youth were taught how to properly brush and floss their teeth, received a bag full of dental hygiene goodies, they had a huge pizza party where we played some games and had some fun before we ended the day.
My Project USA values our partnerships with various organizations, programs, program directors and everyone else that help our youth succeed. It takes a village to do this work, and we encourage you to join us!
Learn more about our organization, programs and volunteer opportunities at myprojectusa.org.
MY Deah's Store New Drop Off Locations & Winter Hours
10 Locations In Columbus & 2 Locations in Dayton To Drop Off Donations - Truck Pick Up Available For Large Donations
You can now drop off your donations of new and gently used clothes, shoes books, toys and other small non-breakable items in a donation box near you. These location Include:
Noor Islamic Cultural Center -5001 Wilcox Rd. Dublin 43016 Masjid Omar Ibn El-Khattab - 580 Riverview Dr, Columbus, OH 43202 Masjid Nimrah - 4501 Refugee Rd, Columbus, OH 43232 MAS Youth Center - 4615 Northtowne Blvd, Columbus, OH. 43229 Turkish American Society of Ohio (TASO) - 2885 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 Ahlul Bayt Society - 2580 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 The First Congregational Church - 444 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 Quick & Easy Mart -4197 Cleveland Ave. Columbus MY Deah's Store - 3036 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, OH 43204 - During Business Hours Only MY Deah's Warehouse - 4004 Fondorf Dr. Columbus, OH 43228 Dayton Mercy Society - 2277 Maue Rd, Miamisburg, OH 45342 Osman Gazi Mosque - 1508 Valley St, Dayton, OH 45404
We are looking for more locations. If interested in helping us or have any other question, please contact us at info@myprojectusa.org.
MY DEAH'S WINTER HOURS (NOV.EMBER - FEBRUARY)
MWF 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
