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MCCHS is dedicated to empowering underserved communities residing in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, to face complex challenges created by duality of culture and lack of appropriate medical and social services.   Our long-term vision is to develop a community of people who are thriving and striving to maintain a harmonious family structure by offering counseling and education to prevent marriage discord, domestic    violence and child abuse. MCC plans to offer counseling services and shelter for the victims of domestic  violence from Middle Eastern and South East Asian region for whom services are currently not available due to cultural and language barriers. 

Editorial

Noorul Siddiqqui

          It is middle of Summer, and I hope you all had an enjoyable Spring and are planning for a great 4th of July weekend.  The Staff and Board of Directors of Muslim Community Center for Human Service wish you and your family the very best of Summer in 2008. With the grace of Allah and your generous support, MCC continues to provide the community with Health and Human services in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. We would like to share the progress of our projects and are looking forward to hear your comments, suggestions, and advice. 

            In this issue you will see a nice article written by Terry Lee Goodrich in Fort Worth Star Telegram on the Newly planned Eye Clinic at Al-Shifa. It is with your generous donations that MCC was able to achieve this mile-stone. Additionally it is the generosity of our Optometrist, Ophthalmologist and volunteers that this clinic will be a success.  Future mile-stones in planning are a Dental Clinic and a Shelter for Women and Children.

             You will also read about a very successful cross cultural regional conference that MCC hosted in collaboration with Dean Hernandez of University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work, the conference highlighted various faiths; Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism, and provided the religious and cultural perspective on Domestic Violence.  It tried to answer the question of whether it is religion or culture that causes this awful blemish on society. 

           In this issue we will also inform you about the Humanitarian day health fair that was organized by MCC at the Martin Luther King Center in South Dallas.  Several Muslim organizations came together to distribute clothes, shoes, hygiene packs, school supplies, and food cans to the underserved neighborhoods.

             Thank you for your compassionate, considerate, financial, and kind support of Muslim Community Center for Human Services.  We look towards you to be a partner with MCC for the future success of this community in alleviating all social and health issues. Together, we will all be strong, Inshallah. 

Star-Telegram, Saturday July 5^th 2008- Section Religion

Richland Hills Muslim Center offers aid to the needy by Terry L. Goodrich

With the increase in people losing jobs and healthcare benefits, the clinic at the Muslim Community Center for Human Services is adding medical services to meet the needs, center officials say. The clinic, which opened in 1998, will begin offering eye care on July 20, said Aftab Siddiqui, the center’s vice chairman. It also recently expanded care for women and children. The center’s Al-Shifa Clinic (the Healing Place) provides free and low-cost medical and social services to the uninsured, regardless of nationality or religious faith. The clinic is open Saturdays, and physicians who volunteer there see more than 1,000 patients annually, Siddiqui said.An optometrist and ophthalmologist will begin donating their services on the second and third Sundays of this month. And recently, physicians began offering specialized care for children and women on first, second and fourth Sundays each month, instead of just one Sunday a month. Optometrist Shama Dean of Fort Worth, a volunteer, said the clinic will give prescriptions for glasses and contacts and screen for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes. "We’re blessed to be able to give back to the community and help out," she said.Rabi Hassan, 40, of Arlington, who owns a shipping company, said he was without health insurance during a brief period between jobs. His son developed rashes because of an allergy, and the clinic was "fabulous," he said. "It was good to know somebody was available when you needed them." 

Humanitarian Award Press Release 

           Another Muslim hoists a proud community service flag in the Dallas/ Fort Worth Metroplex. The more good things we can do, in our service to mankind, the more respect we will earn in the society. I am pleased to share this momentous occasion at the Tarrant County Medical Society's Annual dinner event on Friday, January 25th, 2008 in Fort Worth. Dr. Basheer Ahmed was recently honored with the 2008 Humanitarian Award from the Tarrant County Medical Society, an organization representing more than 3000 physicians in the local area. The Humanitarian Award honors a physician for exceptional volunteer service above and beyond the scope of a medical practice. The award ceremony took place on January 25, at the Fort Worth Club. The ceremony was started with an invocation by Imam Moujahed Bakhach of Fort Worth.
            In addition to his expertise as a psychiatrist, M. Basheer Ahmed, M.D., is a fundraiser, community mental health advocate, and social activist. Over the past 15 years, he has served as Chairman of the Board and Executive Director for the Muslim Community Center for Human Services located in Fort Worth. This organization offers a free medical clinic with a special emphasis on understanding the Muslim community, free counseling services, a free domestic violence hotline, health fairs, and other services to those in need.
            A native of Hyderabad, India, Ahmed, immigrated to the United States in 1968. Prior to this, he obtained his medical degree from Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan, and completed postgraduate psychiatric studies at Glasgow University in Scotland. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry. He is also a distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
            In addition to his educational and philanthropic accomplishments, Ahmed has held faculty positions at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, NY; Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio; and was professor of Psychiatry at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. In 1985, Ahmed established a private practice in Fort Worth, Texas.
            Ahmed is past president of the Islamic Medical Association of North America and past president of the Islamic Association of Tarrant County.
            The meeting was attended by the executive committee of the Tarrant County Medical Society, past recipients of Humanitarian Award, the members of the Medical Society, the board members of MCC for Human Services, volunteer physicians of Al Shifa Clinic, and many supporters of MCC projects.  

MCC’s Second Regional Conference – Domestic Violence Cross Cultural Perspective

University of Texas – Arlington June 14^th 2008

Cultural pattern does not cause domestic violence but certainly creates an environment that foster and maintain conditions which promote domestic violence. The conference, co-sponsored by School of Social Work, UTA, examined the cultural influences on the prevalence and incidence of Domestic Violence. It was supported by my many local organizations namely Tarrant County Medical Society, United Way of Tarrant County, Multi Cultural Alliance, and Islamic Center of Metroplex. Over 150 professional and community leaders participated and interacted with all the speakers of the conference during the panel discussing.Dean Hernandez of School of Social Work, UTA opened the meeting with pointing out the special interest of School of Social Work in the subject of Domestic Violence, specially the research on preventive aspects. Two prominent Muslim scholars Imam Bakhach and Dr. Kavakci eloquently described their involvement in domestic violence program and their efforts to reduce or eliminate this uncivilized human behavior. Dr. Susan Blue, the president of the Board of Trusty of Tarrant County Medical Society, shared her personal interest in the subject of domestic violence and advised health professionals to pay attention towards screening the patients for domestic violence by showing compassion, patience and asking right questions.Dr. Ahmed, Program Chairman of the conference, in his opening remarks defined domestic violence elaborating the incidence of domestic violence in general population as well as various racial and ethnic groups. Dr. Najma Adam presented cross cultural perspective. Mrs. Ramani, Mrs, Alwani and Dr. Myers discussed the Hindu, Muslim and Jewish perspective of Domestic Violence. Rosalyn elaborated the effects of Domestic Violence on children, Judge Cummings of Fort Worth and Erin Hendricks, Dallas County Prosecutor, presented the legal aspects of Domestic Violence. Dr. Nizam Peerwani, the medical examiner clarified that honor killing is not permitted in Islamic religion although it is prevalent in Middle East. Yasmin Turk, from Austin-Texas, shared the new information related to prevention of Domestic Violence. All MCC’s Board members, staff and volunteers assisted in making the conference a success. 

Al-Shifa Clinic

M. Basheer Ahmed M.D.

25% of Texans have no medical insurance and the immigrant community has the highest rate of uninsured individuals. Those families who have good insurance may lose it if their bread-winner loses his/her job. Individuals who earn more than poverty level, along with illegal residents or visitors to the United States, are not eligible to receive free medical care at public hospitals and clinics. In view of these health care issues, Al-Shifa Clinic was opened in October 1998 to provide medical care to the underserved community. This private not-for-profit agency provides culturally appropriate primary care to the medically underserved population, namely, indigent patients and overseas visitors without insurance coverage. The weekly clinic provides services for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, minor infections, and other general medical problems. If these problems are not treated at an early stage, they may develop into more serious problems, such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure. For more complicated medical problems, patients are referred to the area’s public hospitals and public clinics.Fifteen area physicians come on rotation each Saturday and donate their time. Free consultation and medications are provided, and most of the physicians donate medication samples from their offices. In 2002, discounted rates were negotiated for lab work, and now laboratory services are provided. Since many Muslim women prefer to see female physicians, due to religious and cultural modesty, in 2007 the clinic decided to open one Sunday a month to treat women and children only. From January 2008, the Women Clinic opens three Sundays a month. Two female physicians and one pediatrician volunteer their time. Premedical and medical students, TCU Nursing students and other volunteers also provide needed services at the clinic. Al-Shifa Clinic served 1,200 patients during 2006; in 2008, the number may rise to 2,000 patients. During the later part of 2007 we provided free flue immunization to senior citizens and children at the clinic.
Breast Cancer Education: We hired a part time Out Reach Coordinator to work with Arabic speaking community and we are expecting to reach a larger number of people for Breast Cancer Education and Mammogram. Susan G. Komen Foundation has funded this position.  

Health Fair

Aftab Siddiqui 

           Muslim Community Center launched its social and health services program with a health fair in 1995, which  was held in the premises of Ameen Peoples School in Arlington. More than 300 community members showed up to take advantage of health services being provided by a group of dedicated physicians and health professionals. MCC has been organizing a comprehensive health fair on annual basis in different locations of Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. These health fairs have been held in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, and Mid-cities and served over 5,000 individuals. MCC organizes these health fairs with the active cooperation of community physicians, health professionals, and volunteers.

             Unlike the usual health fairs, MCC strives to provide more services including blood screening for cholesterol and sugar, screening for hypertension, mammogram, flu shots, eye checks, dental checks, ear checks, and female physicians for ladies.   The major purpose is to detect common health problems like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.  These diseases may lead to serious health problems if not detected at earlier stages. On the average, 10 to 15 individuals are identified who are in need of serious medical care.  Such patients are referred to physicians in the Muslim community, public hospitals, or Al-Shifa Clinic. 

           MCCHS organized the last health fair on 17th May 2008 in South Dallas to serve the underserved neighborhoods. The Health Fair was a component of a larger event (Humanitarian Day) where many Muslim organizations came together to distribute clothes, shoes, hygiene packs, school supplies, and food cans at MLK Center.

             The Health Fair was set up in the reception area of the MLK Center. A hundred families took advantage of the services offered at the event. A dedicated group of volunteers from the Ismaili Community, Al-Shifa Clinic, and assisted the patients. Three hundred and fifty checkups and tests were performed by the volunteers. These checkups included obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and prostate (males) tests.  Five physicians including a dentist advised the participants on their health and wellness. Fourteen female participants registered for free mammogram screening at a later day. Informational booths on teenage pregnancy, safety, breast cancer awareness, domestic violence, and MCC programs on domestic violence were well attended.

             MCC is thankful to organizers of Humanitarian Day and administration of MLK Center for providing this opportunity to serve the underserved population of South Dallas. 

Domestic Violence Program

Mission Statement 

           The Muslim Community Center for Human Services (MCCHS) “Roshni” Domestic violence program’s main objective is to promote healthy and harmonious family relationships in the Asian, Middle Eastern, and African immigrant communities. We promote the empowerment of women to confront and overcome the cycle of domestic violence and exploitation; help the victims and survivors of domestic abuse improve their access to services, and increase community awareness of various forms of violence. MCCHS “Roshni” provides community education, culture-sensitive peer counseling, professional counseling, case management, client advocacy, information on rights, how to seek help and victim compensation. MCCHS also provides shelter referrals, legal referrals and assists victim in developing a safety plan. 

            We have established a separate line for the domestic violence program and callers facing domestic violence can call 24-hours a day at 817-589-0200. All calls are handled with extreme confidentiality. 

MCC Joins Hands in Faith Based Initiative for Disaster Planning in Tarrant County  

Aftab Siddiqui 

           MCC has joined hands with a number of area churches in an initiative led by TCU School of Nursing to prepare for any disaster happening in Tarrant County. In the aftermath of two hurricanes – Katrina and Rita- hundreds of displaced persons had shown up in the area. Church organizations, Mosques and MCC had played an important role in helping these displaced families during their times of crisis. However, these efforts were not coordinated and a plan is afoot to prepare for a coordinated effort in case of such an emergency. Two safety fairs have been held in Darul Eman and El-Hedayah Academy by TCU and MCC. The response from the community has been great. Participants have been informed and educated on what steps to take in case of a disaster. Training courses are being offered on emergency shelters, steps to take in case of pandemic disease at mass level, or a local disaster. Active participation in this plan will help in preparing the community to face a disaster and also help in building bridges with other groups and organizations in the area. After all Muslim community is an integral part of the American society.    

Domestic Violence – Case Report

Saulet Kureshy , Talaun S. Thompson, LMSW

            MCC has trained 16 volunteers in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. MCC "Roshni" Domestic Violence Program volunteers attend to the hotline and provide peer counseling and referral services. We provide case management, counseling and refer serious cases to the local shelter. 

Case Study           

*Afra’s husband is very jealous and discourages her from having friends, talking to family members, and getting education. Her husband has never been physically abusive, but he frequently resorted to emotional coercion to prevent her from having contact with others, or gaining independence. 

           Afra said that her husband destroys things around the house and frequently cusses at her and calls her names. She recalls many days when he took the telephone to work with him to ensure that she could not use the phone when he was not home. She also spoke of instances when her husband would call her from work and threaten to kill her or threaten to take the children and leave the country. She fears her husband and she said that her experiences were like being a prisoner. 

            Afra said that she has difficulty concentrating and has feelings of fear and depression. She said that over the years, his behavior has gotten increasingly controlling and she needs help.She called 817-589-0200 and spoke to one of our trained volunteers; MCC provided support services to Afra; and if you need help we can help you too! Our staff and trained volunteers are available to talk. Your name and information is kept private, and is strictly confidential. (*All names and story depictions have been changed, if any part of this story is similar to your experience it is coincidental). 

"My Spouse is Angry"

Talaun S. Thompson, LMSW 

           Professionals who specialized in anger realize that some people who have problems with anger tend to get upset more easily and more intensely than the average person. Some individuals don’t express their anger in outward expression, but instead are irritable in behavior. Anger is usually seen through expressions of cursing, punching, throwing objects or withdrawing.  Several causes have been found to explain why some individuals are angrier than others. Genetic or Physiological: Some children have early signs of irritability, and are believed to be born angrier.Socio-cultural: Some individuals are not taught how to appropriately express anger emotions Family Background: Some individuals experiencing problems with anger have been raised in families that did not use healthy skills to work through anger 

MCC Can Help

            If you feel that your anger has lead you to behave in ways that has negatively impacted your marriage relationship; or you feel that your spouse is expressing anger in an unhealthy way, you might consider seeking help.

             MCC “Roshni” Domestic Violence Program: MCC offers individuals and families counseling and support services. Our staff and trained volunteers are available to talk. Your information is kept private, and is strictly confidential. When you call us 817-589-0200, tell us that you have a problem with anger or domestic violence. We are here to help. 

Member Spotlight

Aftab Siddiqui BS, MBA, MPA

Aftab is the Vice Chair of the organization and is responsible for Outreach Program (along with Ismail Tahir), Health Fairs, and Developing Relations with other Social Service Agencies and Organizations. He has been affiliated as a Board Member with DFW International and American Muslim Alliance SW. He is Member Executive Committee Tarrant County Democratic Party. He has played a key role in establishing Amnesty International, Pakistan in the nineties. He is an active member of American Airlines' Muslim Employee Resource Group and is a Co-Chair of Family Impact Council, United Way Tarrant County and Member Steering Committee Arlington Human Services Planners. He is a member of Arlington Library Board and UTA Alumni Association. He has published articles on different subjects. MCC is proud to recognize his contribution. 

Ismail Tahir MBA, CPA

Ismail Tahir is the Treasurer & Chairman of the fund development committee and is responsible for raising the funds for the organization and insures its financial health. His experience includes bank management, teaching accounting at TCJC and specializing in small business, professionals and nonprofit organizations.He is a member of the American institute of certified Public Accountants and Texas Society of CPAs. He has written a compliance guide for U.S Islamic Charities, listed at ISNA's website. He is a board member of Al-Hedayah Academy, ISNA'S budget and finance committee and past president of DFW Islamic Center. MCC is proud to recognize him as a Senior board member.

Talaun S. Thompson L.M.S.W.

MCC for Human Services is happy to inform that Ms. Thompson, who was hired as a first full-time social worker for the center in June 2006 has completed a very productive two years. Ms. Thompson’s performance at MCC is exemplary. She has adjusted very well and demonstrated and in depth understanding of religious and cultural uniqueness of the community. She has made presentations at Mosques, Islamic Centers, and developed a liaison with 60 community agencies in Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Her primary responsibility includes helpline and domestic violence projects, however, she was involved in almost all programs of MCC.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Sociology and Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington. Ms. Thompson received a fellowship and worked as research assistant on African studies and traveled to Ghana. Ms. Thompson’s Thesis research pertained to marital preparation program and the extent to which the most popular program addressed issues likely to cause marital discard. Ms. Thompson is working on her doctoral degree in psychology.
            She is a member of the American Psychological Association, National Association of Social Workers and inducted into Phi, chi, and alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology honor Society.
            MCC is proud to have Ms. Thompson as program director.  

Helpline           

The Muslim Community Center for Human Services is dedicated to serving individuals and families. MCCHS has a 24-hour Helpline to assist individuals with medical, counseling and referral services for non-emergency calls. MCCHS serves individuals with family and marital problems, immigration, legal services, health and other social issues.            Our counseling services include therapy for individuals, couples, and families. MCCHS offers pre-marital counseling, marriage counseling, and family counseling. Our referral directory includes Muslim and non-Muslim organizations and agencies from around the Dallas and Fort Worth area.            Callers can be assisted through the Helpline if they are experiencing any medical or social issue. MCCHS Helpline messages are kept confidential and are responded to by professional staff within 24 hours. The MCCHS Helpline is a free service and in 2006 we were able to serve approximately 1600 individuals and families. English, Urdu, Hindi and Arabic speaker can be assisted through the Helpline and there are no eligibility requirements.      Please contact MCCHS 817-589-9165 for all non-emergency call for help. If the phone is busy or after hours please leave a message and your call will be returned within 24-hours. 

Issues Related to Child Abuse

MCC has been working with Child Protective Services, and parents who have been involved with allegations of child abuse. Fortunately, in a majority of the cases, the ‘child abuse’ was in fact the negligence of the children by parents, and with MCC’s intervention, many children have been returned to the parents. MCC staff has worked with the Child Protective service agencies informing them of the cultural uniqueness of the immigrant family, and at the same time, explaining to the parents about the strict laws in this country related to childcare, of which they were unfamiliar, or had little understanding. On many occasions, Dr. Basheer Ahmed has had to write a detailed report of evaluation of the parents, and submit it to court for positive consideration. On most cases, the children were returned to parents provided they receive counseling from MCC and in some, completed anger management courses from community agencies.  

Muslim Foster Parents

Special sessions have been held with the Child Protective Agency explaining their role and need for Muslim foster parents. MCC has been making extensive efforts in the community to register Muslim Foster Parents. Numerous cases have been reported in media where children from Muslim families have been picked up by Child Protective Services. These kids are put in foster homes in the transitional period before they are returned to their families or relations. Child Protective Services are interested in putting Muslim kids with a Muslim Foster Parent, if such parents are registered with the agency.

            The registration process requires training sessions of approximately 40 hours with the Agency conveniently done in multiple sessions over weekends, if needed. Foster parents can ask for children of specific ages or gender to be placed in their homes and these kids are there for a limited period of time. The State pays for the upkeep of foster children and provides health insurance. MCC cannot overemphasize the importance of having foster homes in the Muslim community. Ongoing efforts are being made in Dallas County to develop a foster parent program, and MCC is closely collaborating with the organizers.  

Senior Citizens Program 

            MCC recognizes the value of a healthy and happy senior citizen in a family. The immigrant communities face challenging situations for the health and happiness of their older family members. The health problems related to seniors are somewhat different than other age groups. MCC organizes programs especially focused on the  issues relating to seniors. These programs include picnics in a park or community center where lunch is provided; doctors are available to do a medical checkup; informational sessions on relevant topics are held including health, immigration, MEDICARE, MEDICAID. Such programs also provide an opportunity to seniors to connect with friends and people from their peer group. Last Senior Program was held on Sunday, May 4th, 2008 at Grapevine Lake.Mr. Naeem Choudhry, MCC Board Member was instrumental in organizing health screening, Physician & Home Healthcare Services Education and games and entertainment. It gave an excellent opportunity for the seniors to enjoy.

  Outreach Program 

            In the aftermath of 9/11 tragedy, it became imperative that Muslim Community increases its participation in mainstream organizations and activities. MCC decided to launch an Outreach Program that would focus on assisting local shelters. The Program is co-chaired by Ismail Tahir and Aftab Siddiqui and started functioning in early 2003 and has now established a partnership with Arlington Life Shelter (homeless shelter). Volunteers from MCC prepare and serve hot breakfast twice a month to the homeless. They also serve dinner during Ramadan. Star Telegram has reported on the activities of MCC volunteers. 

            Homeless Shelter: Outreach Program has served more than 3000 meals to Arlington Life Shelter in the past two years. This was only possible due to generous donations from MCC’s supporters and volunteers. Sisters Shaun, Carole Sturm, and Farhat Huda have played a major role in the outreach efforts.

            Back-to-School Supplies: Outreach Program has been providing back-to-school supplies to the children in the homeless shelter. The volunteers from the program collected donations, shopped for the school supplies, collected gift cards for shoes, prepared the school packs, and handed over the supplies to Arlington Life Shelter. Many of these volunteers are school age children. MCC is appreciative of their donation, work, and dedication. 

             Food Bank: MCC has collected the canned food for the Food Bank in the past. Dr. Ahmed has met with the directors of the Food Bank and discussed the MCC’s participation in working on similar projects of collecting the canned food or arranging the volunteers to help at the Food Bank – Head quarters in Fort Worth Texas.

             Humanitarian Day: Mr. Aftab Siddiqui is the member of the organizing committee. He was instrumental in organizing the health fair at the Humanitarian Day and collecting the cloths and other necessities to be distributed at the Humanitarian Day.  

Education Seminars  

           MCC has held periodic educational seminars covering variety of subjects including Parent/Child issues, Marital conflicts and disharmonies, challenges women face in America, “Parents just don’t understand”, a variety of Health issues (stroke, diabetes, cancer and heart disease) and mental Health issues (depression).  

Radio Program

            A radio program had been started on Radio Fun Asia 700 AM every Sunday between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The program offered techniques to enhance communication skills and it was presented with light humor and entertainment so that we could keep the listener's attention on the subject. Gradually the program  became popular and we  received increased number of questions related to this subject. Mrs. Najma Ghouse and Dr. Basheer Ahmed presented this program in 2007. 

Interactive Seminar on Healthy Marriages

            An interactive seminar was prepared for the young couples to present the techniques to enhance the marital relationship. The first presentation was made in December 2006 and the second program was presented in April 2007. The program was supported by a grant from Texas Healthy Marriage Healthy Families Coalition. Other programs are in planning, if any group is interested in this program please contact MCC for Human Services 817-589-9165 

Your Donation at Work

MCCHS opens Eye Clinic at Al-Shifa 

           Thanks to all the donors, MCC will start offering eye care at its Al-Shifa Charitable Clinic from 20th July 2008. The clinic will operate 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month. It is strongly recommended to get an appointment on MCC Helpline 817 589 9165.             Optometrist Shama Deen of Fort Worth will volunteer her services. She will be assisted by Mr. Osama Nachawati. Clinic will provide prescriptions for glasses and contact lens; screen for conditions that affect eyesight like cataract, glaucoma and diabetes. This could not have happened without the assistance from our donors and volunteers. The clinic is funded by a small grant from Harris Foundation, donated equipment from Ophthalmology Associates and community donation.  

Presidential Volunteer Service Award

            Muslim Community Center for Human Services is a Certifying Organization of the President’s Volunteer Services Award.  This award was established in 2003 by the President of the United States and honors individuals, families, and groups who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service over the course of a year.

            MCC for Human Services is extremely proud to join the President of the United States in recognizing the volunteers who consistently take the time to make a difference in the lives of others. Two MCC volunteers, Fatima Tazeen and Mehreen Khan received the Gold award and a letter of commendation from President George W. Bush for their volunteer services at Al-Shifa Clinic for the year 2004-2005 

Open House

M. Basheer Ahmed M.D.  

          Memories of September 11, 2001, often bring fear and sorrow to the community. To focus on the need for healing at all levels, the Al-Shifa Clinic (The Healing Place), a free medical and social services clinic sponsored by the Muslim Community Center for Human Services, hosted an open house and lunch on September 11, 2007. The event is also in celebration of charitable acts encouraged during the most holy month in Islam, Ramadan, which begins on September 12.             Seventy two representatives of various agencies from Dallas Fort Worth area, MCC Board of Directors, Muslim Community Leaders and religious leader participated in the Open House. Fort Worth Star Telegram and Fort Worth Business Press publicize the event. This event certainly increased MCC’s visibility in the community.

   Presentations and Collaboration with

Community Agencies

             Dr. Ahmed has made several presentations at national and international meetings. He made a presentation in San Francisco at Nisa’s annual meeting about organizing a domestic violence program involving Islamic centers and made a presentation on ‘Effects of Terrorism on Children’ at the Annual Convention of Islamic Medical Association at Durban, South Africa. Dr. Ahmed continues to represent MCC in Tarrant County Alliance on disaster planning, and serving as a Board Member at Multi-Cultural Alliance in Fort Worth Texas.  

          In April 2008, Dr. Ahmed was a guest speaker at the inauguration of Avicenna, health services in Philadelphia, where he presented on development of free medical and social services for deserving community members.  

International Visitors

M. Basheer Ahmed M.D.

The U.S. state department arranged international Muslim leaders to visit U.S. to show the U.S. religious and ethnic minority group function in this country and explore the role of faith based groups in American civic and community life. MCC was selected for presentation of their programs and projects to the visiting guests on August 14^th 2007.

                Dr. Ahmed arranged the presentation about MCC programs and projects and invited the MCC board members, Imam Yousef Z. Kavakci, Imam Mujahid Bakhach and some Muslim community leaders. The following international visitors participated in the program. Mr. Aziz Alili, Imam Islamic Center, Zagreb, Croatia; Ms Lamya Kaddor, Asst. Prof Islamic Religious Studies, Uni. Of Muenster, Germany; Ms. Reim Spielhaus, Board Member Muslim Academy, Berlin, Germany; Mr. Khalide Ibramhim, Middle East Affairs Officer, Dublin, Ireland;Mr. E. Gokcekuyu, Communication Manager, Breda, Netherlands; Mr. Muurat Iusuf, Mufti, Muslim Community , Constanta, Romania; Dr. Hans A. Carlbom, Lecturer, Health and Soceitt, Malmo, Sweden, Sheikh M.M. Toulba, Imam, S. Wales Islamic Center, Cardif, United Kingdom.

             Dr. Ahmed made a brief presentation about establishment of Muslim Community Center providing medical and social services to the community. He emphasizes the positive relationship between Islamic center of Dallas Fort-Worth area and MCC. 

            The presentation was followed by a lively discussion about the various issues Muslim Community is facing in the U.S. Imam Kavakci, Bakhach and the community leaders answered many questions. The visiting leaders shared some unique problems Muslim community is facing in Europe. Everybody emphasized on the need of assimilation of immigrant population while maintaining the cultural and religious uniqueness.  

MCC Hosts International Physicians and Health Professionals

M. Basheer Ahmed M.D.

At the request of US state department through Cancer Society of Dallas, MCC hosted a brief program on Tuesday November 6th 2007, 4-5:30pm. Seventeen physicians and health care professionals from different parts of Middle East attended the program. Dr. Basheer Ahmed, Mrs. Saleha Haleem, Ms. Talaun Thompson, Ms. Nuha and Mrs. Asli Parker greeted the visitors on behalf of MCC. The following visitors participated in the program: 

Dr. Arafa AHMED – DIR. Residency Program, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain,

Dr. Sara AL REEFY – Sr. Registrar Surgery, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain,

Ms. Nevin TORKY – Program Coordinator,  Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt, Egypt,

Ms. Lina NAJJAR – Coordinator, Comprehensive Breast Care Clinic, Israel,

Ms. Amira OSMAN – Breast Cancer Awareness  Project,  Galilee Society, Israel,

Dr. Muna HADDAD – Family Physician, Univ. of Science and Technology, Jordan, '

Ms. Riwa AL ATRASH – Producer, Health Segment, Alam Al Sabah, TV, Lebanon,

Dr. Wiam AL ASHEK –Department of Family Medicine, Al Fatah Univ., Libya,

Dr. Farida AFKARI – Sec. General, Pan-African Organization Against AIDS, Morocco,

Dr. Hanan EL KACEMI –Radiotherapy, National Inst. of Oncology, Morocco,

Ms. Jamila AL QASMI – Member, National Association for Cancer Awareness, Oman,

Ms. Rabha AL SULAIMANI – Cancer Awareness, Ministry of Health, Oman,

 Ms. Loulwah ALDOKHAIYEL – Riyadh Breast Cancer Committee, Saudi Arabia,

 Ms. Fatimah ALQARZAEE –VP Community Health College for Girls, S. Arabia,

Ms. Lamya ALHUSSARI – Founder, Syrian Society, Breast Cancer Protection, Syria,

Dr. May AL MAHAYNI – Founder, Syrian Breast Cancer Protection Society. Syria,

Ms. Dima Nabeel HUSIENI – Radiotherapy, Victoria Hospital, Jerusalem, West Bank    

         Dr. Ahmed and members of the Board and staff presented programs and activities of MCC and Human Services, specially focusing on breast cancer education programs, focusing on Muslim immigrant community residing in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. The major goal of MCC is to reach all adult women from Middle-East, Somalia, and South East Asia to have early screening of breast cancer by having periodic mammograms. Educational programs are offered on monthly basis at different mosques, Islamic centers and housing projects giving information about the early detection of the cancer and importance of regular mammograms. Free mammograms are arranged for individuals who have no insurance coverage or are unable to afford the payment for the mammogram. followed by question-answer session and socialization with brief reception. 

Editorial Board

 Editor, Noor Siddiqui Advisors, M. Basheer Ahmed, M.D., Aftab Siddiqui 

Muslim Community Center News  

          Muslim Community Center News is a periodic publication of the Muslim Community Center for Human Services, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to serving humanity in general and more specifically the Muslim community, irrespective of color, creed, and country of origin.  The Muslim Community Center for Human Services is organized to empower the community to act on its own behalf to uplift its people.  To strengthen our community, to face complex challenges created by duality of culture, and lack of appropriate infrastructure impacting the domestic, social, and economic aspects of life.  To offer and seek cooperation from other organizations working for advancement towards cherished values of the society at large. 

What MCC Needs

We need physicians

especially female physicians, if  you can give four hours once in a month or two months please contact: Al-Shifa clinic 817-589-9165. 

We need volunteers for all other projects, if you can give a few hours a week to MCC we will definitely arrange for you to help us in  the area of your interest. Please contact: MCC 817-589-9165.

We need your support. All the projects are possible by your generous financial support. Please send your tax-deductible charitable donation to:10 Homeplace Ct. Arlington, TX 76016