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October 2020 Newsletter

Pandemic is a challenging time for our region and families.  It is more difficult because some families and individuals in our  community are doing well while others have lost jobs or are staying home with children who have not had school from March-August 2020.  It was a difficult decision for some parents to decide whether to send their children to school or keep them home. 
Though the office is not open for public, staff are working with over seventy families.  Our staff are on the telephone, using Zoom or WhatsApp to provide information, assisting with various needs, or having supportive conversations.  Some have also needed financial assistance.  Our staff is working in Arabic, English, and French. 
It has been difficult, especially for newcomers, to fill out the forms for Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, Employment Insurance, etc.  Some have needed to apply for welfare
or to fill out forms for the school systems

Counseling during Covid19 is essential because of the stress that couples, individuals, and families face.  Our counseling services are free.  Also, to support services, Dr. Elkchirid is counseling 15 hours each week.  He has been doing individual, couple, and family counseling on a professional basis.  Families can call Muslim Social Services at (519) 772-4399 x 2707 and arrange for an appointment with him.  This service is currently offered over the web or WhatsApp.
Because of the stress on families and individuals, most counseling agencies are over-booked, and it is hard to get an appointment.  Dr. Elkchirid is a professional counselor who is trained and uses Islamic spirituality to assist clients.
Programs are continuing but over Zoom; As community centers and other places open up, Muslim Social Services will expand services so people can participate together in one space. 
 
The board has worked on a strategic plan for 2021-2024.  Covid19 has been a serious disruption to our programs and counseling.  The board is now approving the final strategic planning document and will soon share it with the community.  Evaleen Hellinga has been working with the board to put together a dynamic plan to assist MSS to assess its programs and services and to create an action plan based on identified priorities.

Board changes

We woudl like to express our gratitude to Malika Ismail and Raas Siddiqui who have completed their terms and stepped down. And we welcome our  new Board members

Our current Board includes:

Humera Javed:  Chair
Brice Balmer:  Vice chair

Mahmud Shiblee: Treasurer
Idrisa Pandit: Secretary
Sue Hummel
Farhat Javed
Rihanat  El Alawa

Annual Ramadan Food Drive 

Ramadan outreach program: 

This year Muslim Social Services worked with the community outreach staff and the emergency food hamper program of House of Friendship to assist families in need.  Many families were served and Muslim Social Services provided funds to House of Friendship to cover the food families needed.
On behalf of MSS and our community, we would like to thank all those who contributed to this year’s annual Ramadan food drive. This food drive is a part of MSS’ annual halal food assistance program and is supported entirely by the donations of the community.

We would like to express our appreciation to the many funding sources, and individual donors for making a positive change in our community by funding programs to help promote the participation of marginalized individuals and communities. We are hoping that your support will allow us to expand on this success and helps us plan for the development and implementation of new programs.

Seniors and Adults Program  
One Step Closer

provides an opportunity for adults and seniors’ newcomers to meet, discuss life experience and challenges, and enjoy the support of other seniors in a confidential and nurturing environment.  This program is usually offered at Chandler Mowat Community Center, but after Covid 19 we shifted to online delivery

                                           Yoga classes                                                

started for community members; in partnership with Focus for Ethnic Women, weekly sessions. this program was delivered online. There are additional sessions at Waterloo Park while maintaining social distancing guidelines.  These will continue while there is warm weather.  Watch for announcements.

 Computer literacy 

Muslim Social Services is providing online basic training for community members in partnership with Focus for Ethnic Women.  Parents and grandparents may need this training to connect with friends and family in other countries as well as to assist their children and grandchildren with web-based school programs. 
As community centres and other places open up, Muslim Social Services will again bring expand services so people can participate together in one space.  

Kids Programs

Healing Through Art

Provides a safe space for children to participate in different activities providing various outlets for creative expression and to freely express themselves.  Materials have been distributed to the families.  The children (and their parents) can join the activities on line.

Funds are Needed

Muslim Social Services has obtained money for specific programs and for some counseling and support services.  Since our counselling services are free for those who cannot afford to pay, community support is much appreciated. We also continue to support families and individuals with food assistance, especially those who experience difficulties during these pandemic times.  There are many reasons:
Loss of jobs or being laid off.
 Encounter illness or needing to be isolated for two weeks; 
Difficulties of having children at home because of changes in school schedules and demands. 
Grief over tragedies with families in their home countries

The phrase “It takes a community to raise a child” is true.  It also takes all of us to help each other in times of difficulty and stress

 

     Volunteers are Needed:                 

 Currently, Muslim Social Services offers services in Arabic, English, and French but support and counseling are needed by people speaking Urdu, Turkish, Persian, and other languages.  If you can volunteer to support individuals or families because you speak a common language.
Volunteers interested in assisting families and children  with online homework help and providing meals for the sick and elderly are also appreciated.
Contact Muslim Social Services at (519) 772-4399 x 2707.

 

 

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