Current Events
MCC had the first strategic planning meeting for March 2024.
Dr. Ahmed made an opening remark emphasizing the importance of planning strategic meetings at the year's end to plan for the next two years. MCC started having these meetings in 2006 and continued until 2018.
Mr. Salim Siyani led the meeting by giving an outline of comprehensive planning for 2024 and 2025, focusing on past achievements and establishing priorities for the new programs and projects for this year and the next. The strategic planning meeting allows the board members to evaluate the income expense report of the previous year and the budget for the coming year.
15 board members participated in the lively meeting, interacting and evaluating the strength of each recommended program.
It was decided to have a follow-up meeting to establish priorities and select the programs for 2024 and 2025.
MCC board meeting on December 16, 2023
The last meeting of the board for the year 2023 was held at Kasra restaurant on December 16, 2023. We have invited the families of the board members and some potential new board members.
Mr. Sameer Ahmed, board chairman, welcomed the guests and introduced all the new guests.
Dr. Basher Ahmed has presented a brief report about the MCC programs and activities.
In September 2023, the Executive Director of the MCC resigned after three years of service. The Board of Directors then had an emergency meeting on September 30th, 2023, to discuss whether to continue MCC’s operations or close the doors. MCC did not have the funds to survive another three months unless it received donations from the community. It was the unanimous decision of the board to continue the center. They committed to supporting a fundraising event before the end of the year to raise the funds necessary to continue the service. Although Dr. Basheer Ahmed retired after serving the MCC for 25 years in various capacities, he was asked by the board to assume the role of acting Executive Director in the interim period until the new executive director could be hired. Fortunately, he accepted and was very grateful to the board for their commitment and enthusiastic support for the MCC.
Dr. Ahmed eliminated the position of Director of Operation and took responsibility for both Executive Director and Director of Operation. He also cut down the position of Director of Clinical Services to half-time and thus saved money to continue MCC operations until the end of the year. MCC continues to provide medical services with the help of volunteer physicians. The dental clinic was closed, and with the assistance of Sadia Basit, MCC referred its patients per month to dentists in the DFW area. The social services continue to provide services, including answering helpline calls and referring patients to the appropriate services at MCC or within the DFW community. The social worker also provides support to counseling services. With these measures, MCC will provide essential services this year and expand the services in 2024.
Dr. Ahmed also reported that we had an incredibly successful fundraising event. He was very grateful to the MCC board of directors for their enthusiastic support. He is also planning to retain a grant writer to secure funds from the foundation and government sources.
Mr. Sameer Ahmed reported on the future. This included paying attention to financial stability, securing sources of funds through sponsorships, and opening a satellite clinic at Momin Center. He also spoke about raising funds for mobile clinics so MCC can provide services in underserved areas.
Dr. Asra Khan and Mr. Tawfiq Hasan were elected unanimously as vice president and secretary. Mr. Sameer Ahmed announced that the executive committee, the chairpersons of the board, the vice president, the secretary, the treasurer, and the executive director will have a Zoom meeting every month, and the entire board will meet in person once every three months.
The two new potential board members, Ms. Sofia Michelle Ansari and Mr. Salim Sayani, were introduced to the board. They have been on the MCC committee in previous years and show the willingness and commitment to join again.
Dr. Ahmed suggested that the board have a strategic planning meeting sometime in the beginning of 2024 to finalize the services we need to offer and expand the services.
Many board members commented on the positive steps to continue MCC services to the community. They emphasized focusing on financial stability and developing new programs based on grants and financial support.