SM
March 2009 Issue | Serving Since 2006 | Online: www.myCRESCENT.com | T: 214-306-7920 Email: info@myCRESCENT.com FREE COPY
Sluggish Economy Hits Hard At Home
Mohammed Salem says job hunting is full-time work in this economy.
By Lena Dirbashi
An article in the Wall Street journal appeared in January claiming that Nortel, with its headquarter in Richardson, TX, was filing for bankruptcy.
her colleague’s fears came true: Nortel really did file for bankruptcy and there will be mass layoffs. It’s been over two months since Mohammed Salem graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in electrical engineering. When people ask him where he works, he replies, “My job is looking for a job.” Mohammad began job hunting four months ago, and spends his days on the computer rigorously applying to jobs online, navigating through promising career websites like Monster.com, CareerBuilder, and Engineering Central.
“At the time, the managers assured us that it was just a rumor,” Ummukulthum Al Maawiy, who works at Nortel, said. Then a few weeks later, her supervisor called for a meeting where Ummukulthum and Continues on page 05 >>
“It is better for a man to give a Dirham as sadaqa during his lifetime than to give a hundred at the time of his death.” -Source: Abu Dawood
Amir Omar taking a shot at Richardson City Council -P. 03
Against all odds, Masjid Al-Islam serves in the heart of Dallas -P. 09
Amoud Delivers Success This Month With Self-Sustaining Projects
Bashir Rabileh, Mohamoud Egal, Yusuf Kalib, Ibraahim Gurey and Halimo Hadi
By Hazrat Amin
(IRVING, TX) Remember the saying, “if you give someone a fish they can eat for a day, but if you teach them fishing they are able to feed themselves for life.” Irving-based Amoud
Foundation has been been implementing it for the past 10 years. “We are a very small organization,” says Mohamoud Egal who is president of the board. “One of the things that’s different about us is that we don’t go after disasters. We stay with core
projects – and community has been very supportive of us.” Amoud has adopted a strategy of empowering the people with resources and infrastructure to become productive citizens. In January the second batch of medical doctors graduated from Amoud University. In 1997, Amoud started the university in Borama region after a long civil war. “Most of the education infrastructure from primary to university was destroyed,” explains board member Yusuf A. Kalib. “There were no universities left.” He said that primary, middle and high school level education was re-established by various communities in the region, but there was no university for the kids to go to. Continues on page 10 >>
in u.s. history March 5, 1770 - British troops fire on a rock throwing crowd (known as “The Boston Massacre”). March 4, 1791 - Vermont is the 14th state admitted to the Union. Vermont became the first state added to the Union following the 13 colonies on March 1, 1791. March 5, 1794 - The 11th Amendment is passed by Congress. March 27, 1794 - The United States Navy is established. March 15, 1820 - Maine is the 23rd state admitted to the Union. Maine became the 23rd state on March 15, 1820. March 3, 1845 - Florida is the 27th state admitted to the Union. Florida became a state on March 3, 1845, a move delayed by the reluctance of Congress to admit another slave state, and it joined the Confederacy on January 10, 1861, re-entering the Union at war's end.
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March 2009
CITY ELECTIONS
Message From Amir Omar SALAM FAMILY HOSTS For Richardson City Council POLANKA FOR PLANO CITY COUNCIL
I am running for the Richardson City Council because I believe we have the opportunity to improve what is already a great city. We lack a number of major retailers and need to strengthen our existing small businesses, we have aging run down apartments that lower property values and increase crime, and it is time the home of the telecom corridor uses technology to open government and make it easy for our hard working residents to keep up with the city council. We also need to do all that we can to continue the progress with UTD becoming the next Tier 1 institution in Texas. My Father grew up poor in a small village in Palestine. His older brothers took on extra work to help him become the first in his family to get an education and he eventually continued that pursuit here in America. My Mother was a Persian girl with a desire to learn what the world had to offer. From an early age she dreamt of coming to America to gain a world class education. I count my blessings everyday that they both came here to pursue their dreams and enjoy the freedom that can be found in our great Country. Growing up in South Texas, my parents instilled in me the value of a good education and hard work. After
High School I attended Texas A&M University where I joined the Corps of Cadets and learned about leadership. While I was at A&M, I started and eventually sold 2 successful businesses. I came to the Metroplex after graduating 13 years ago. My children attended RISD schools and I became involved in civic, non profit, and political activities. I have coached 12 plus seasons of youth sports, I am a proud member of the Richardson Regional Medical Center Foundation Board, a Chamber Ambassador as well as a member of Leadership Richardson Class 24, I am a part of the Richardson Rotary as well and enrolled in the Richardson Citizens Police Academy. Professionally, I have run my own small business and had to make payroll for over 20 employees. I have also been a Regional Director of a Fortune 100 corporation where I was responsible for a budget and revenues of over 30 million dollars annually. We will need your support to have a chance to win this election. Our website is www.OmarForRichardson.com. where you can learn about our campaign and join a grass-roots effort, the The A-Team. If we are to win it is due to the effort of individuals who join and help us find other people to join The A-Team. Please consider logging on and joining today. Even if you don’t live in Richardson you probably know someone who does. With your support we can keep Richardson’s neighborhoods strong as they are the cornerstone of our community. My name is Amir Omar and I thank you for your support.
Watch the interview with Amir Omar on www.myCRESCENT.com
(PLANO, TX) Susan Plonka is running for Place 2, Plano City Council . The elections will be held on May 09. Early voting starts in
April. Shaheen Salam and Moin Salam held the first Meet & Greet reception for Susan at their residence in Plano on Saturday Feb
21, 2009. Shaheen Salam is a very active Community Leader and is well known both in the Muslim and American main stream society. Shaheen Salam and Susan Plonka are fellow rotarians and are members of Plano Metro Rotary Club. Shaeen introduced Susan to the attendees and spoke highly of her role as a community activist and especially her interest in the diversity and multiculturalism of the City of Plano The event was very well attended and among the guests were prominent leaders of the Muslim Community. Guests asked various pointed questions from Susan and wrote down the issues facing the Plano Community on a large board. One of the issues raised was the installation of a traffic light in front of the Plano
mosque on Independence Parkway as you exit out of the mosque’s parking lot, so that the mosque pedestrians can cross over safely.
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The Lone Star Crescent
March 2009
COMMUNITY REPORT
North Texas Islamic Council Leadership Retreat
By Aboobaker Ebrahim The Islamic Association of North Texas (IANT) hosted the North Texas Islamic Council (NTIC) leadership retreat on Sunday February 15, 2009 under the theme “Visualize Synergize Mobilize”. The key note speaker for the day was Usman Gani Associate Director at UTD who supervised a break out session to establish a common objective for dawah, Imaams, youth, public relations, Islamic centers, building maintenance and
General community building themes. The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats were discussed with formulation of a common objective for each. A recurring theme that emerged during the presentations was relevant to Islam and Community Building in the USA and how best to achieve good and desired results. The NTIC provides an effective forum for networking amongst Islamic organizations and the issues they are confronted with providing fertile ground for undertaking activities of common interest and facilitating a unified voice for the Muslim’s in the Metroplex. Some of the major activities could include a common newspaper, a TV/ Radio broadcasting service, dawah, media relations committee, general civic education, participation in the upcoming census. Also coordinating an interfaith relations commit-
FUNDRAISING
PROGRAMS
AROUND tee to reach out to surrounding churches, a unified calendar, communicating with the various school districts on dietary and other needs, a fiqh council and a mediation/arbitration council to resolve disputes when they arise. The NTIC will be in a position to harness our diversity by building consensus and coalition both within and outside of the community and has to be encouraged to grow and allow all of the dynamic and vibrant organizations serving the Muslim Community in various ways to come together within the NTIC to share experiences, accomplish unity, and establish a unified, uniform, consistent and single voice for all Muslims living in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. ....................................................................... Aboobaker Ebrahim is a long time resident of Dallas and former Board Member of Islamic Association of North Texas who has also served on the Thanks-Giving Square Chapel Committee and other organizations in Dallas. Abaker7861@yahoo.com.
NTIC President Shoaib Khalid Talks To The Lone Star Crescent. Listen online at www.myCRESCENT.com
EID MILAD-UN-NABI
Celebration On Saturday, March 7th, 2009 at 6:32 after Maghrib Salah
At: GARLAND MAKKAH MASJID
3301 W. BUCKINGHAM ROAD GARLAND, TX 75042 (Behind Home Depot) Under the guidance of Maulana Masood Ahmed Barkati, Imam and Khateem bo IDEA Masjid. Guest speasker Allama M. Isa Misbahi. Imam of Grand Mosque of Oklahoma City. Maghrib Salah, Tilawat, Hamdo-Naat, Speech, Salam, Dua, Isha Salah and Dinner.
FOR DONATING, VOLUNTEERING & OTHER INFORMATION 972-897-2437 | 469-569-7769 | 469-939-5719
PUBLISHER Melanz Publishing P.O. Box 851764 Richardson, TX 75085
T: (214) 306-7920 EDITORIAL: COMMENTS / INQUIRIES / JOBS Email: info@myCRESCENT.com
DFW REGIONAL BUSINESS MANAGER Salman Aziz T: (920) 277-9513 T: (972) 514-4988 E: salman@myCRESCENT.com
TOWN MARCH 2009, is the month of fundraisers for several community projects around the metroplex. Join other members to support efforts where ever you can. Following are some of the programs taking place this month.
SATURDAY MARCH 7 6:00 PM CENTER MASJID AND VANGUARD INT’L ACADEMY Marriott Hotel 4151 Centreport Dr. Fort Worth TX 76155 DR. Ahmad Sakr Sheikh Yusuf Estes
SUNDAY MARCH 08 AT 6:30 PM EPIC ANNUAL FUNDRAISER Special Events Center 4999 Naaman Forest Boulevard Garland, TX 75040 Phone: (972) 487-4700 www.epicmasjid.org
SATURDAY MARCH 14 AT 6:30 PM YUSUF ZIYA KAVAKCI INSTITUTE Keynote Speaker: Zaid Shakir Dallas Marriott Quorum (SW Corner of Beltline & Tollway) 14901 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 75254 Phone: (214) 234-5238 Ticket: $25 (ages 12 and up) Free Children’s Prgram
SATURDAY MARCH 21 AT 6:00 PM PLANO MASJID Keynote Speaker: Muzammil Siddiqi Frisco Embassy Suite Hotel 7600 John Q. Hammons Drive Frisco, Texas 75034 www.PlanoMasjid.org
SATURDAY MARCH 28 AT 6:00 PM AMOUD FOUNDATION Radisson Hotel (DFW South) 4600 W. Airport Freeway Irving, TX 75062 Phone: (214) 223-1751 Phone: (972) 513-0800 Tickets $25.00
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ADVISORS: David Lee Hall, Annie Ghazi, Sarfraz Hamid and Lena Dirbashi. The Lone Star Crescent is published monthly by Melanz Publishing. Since 2006, the paper is serving the local Muslim community in the Metroplex. We welcome and encourage readers’ feedback and opinions. All materials, articles, photos, comments or samples submitted to the The Lone Star Crescent will become property of the publisher and may be printed at our discretion. The publisher / paper takes no responsibility of claims made by advertisers, financial, legal, family and/or educational advise in its content. Readers must check and inquire themselves. Online at www.myCRESCENT.com
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>> “In those 4 months, I only had one interview,” he said, “and it was over the phone.” Mohammad explained that this scenario is not unique to him, and that many of his friends are finding difficulty in getting a job. “At this point, we are looking for any-
thing, not just engineering jobs,” he said, “many of us are considering the navy as our last option.” Because job prospects are looking grim, many fresh college graduates are considering graduate school. Mohammad is giving himself another two months and after that, he says, he will go back to school. “Finishing my masters will give me three years, and hopefully by then, I will get offers,” he said. These are just a few examples of how the financial crisis has affected local Muslims in the DFW area. Companies like Texas Instruments directly affected North Texans, with layoffs of over 1,200 peoplean immediate drop of 12% of its workforce. Previously, TI avoided layoffs by imple-
March 2009
SLUGGISH ECONOMY HITS HARD AT HOME (From Page 01)
menting a number of cost-cutting measures like a near-total hiring freeze and inventory reductions, but that wasn’t enough. Many community members are hoping that newly-elected President Obama is going to ease everyone’s fear with the $787 billion stimulus package that was just signed into law in mid-February. The president and supporters of the stimulus package hope that the tax-payer funded stimulus bill will be able to lift the economy up by creating new jobs or at least prevent the loss of existing ones. “To understand how the stimulus plan works is to understand how we got into this mess in the first place,” explains Fadi Fawaz, professor of economics and finance at Texas Tech University, “It started when ordinary Americans, attracted with low interest rates, purchased houses they couldn’t afford and of course many people in the real-estate business work off commission so they would encourage them.” As the trend continued for years, people’s debts eventually caught on and people were no longer able to pay off their mortgages - leading banks and other financial institutions to lose money and with it, consumer confidence. “Because many banks lost money, they stopped lending money to other banks, causing a shortage of liquidity in money markets,” Mr. Fawaz continued, “Shortage of capital and the collapsing confidence are the core causes of the economic meltdown and as a result, investment and consumer spending fell, contributing to what we are seeing now: recession and rising unemploy-
ment.” To counter this economic mess, the stimulus package invests in improving health care, infrastructure, energy, education, lowering taxes – all while creating jobs.
President Obama later announced a $50 billion housing plan, which is aimed at halting foreclosures and increase loan limits. Some critics warn that higher loans limits will merely result in more bad loans which brought us to this mess in the first place. One critic, like Ummukulthum, feels that it’s unfair that American tax-payers have to pay the price for irresponsible individuals who knowingly tried to purchase luxury homes they couldn’t afford and especially those who lied about their income on loan applications. “I personally know a lot of Muslim families that are struggling with their house payments because they insisted to buy that big, nice house,” she said disappointedly, “I also blame greedy realtors that just wanted that extra commission even when they knew their clients weren’t going to be able to afford it!” Local real-estate agents like Javaid
Kareem, who runs Crescent Realty Group, disagrees. He says there are many misconceptions on the housing market and blames the media for it. “To broadly paint real estate agents with this dishonesty is unfair,” he explained, “just like every sector; there are dishonest professionals that mislead their clients that lead to this (economic) meltdown.” Mr. Kareem tells his clients that Texas is doing very well, and points to the U.S consensus bureau as proof. “Texas has the second largest housing market,” he said, “and the media is scaring everybody in the country when in fact it is only affecting the markets in Florida, the Northeast, and California.” Unlike Ummukulthum, Mr. Kareem is looking forward to the effects of the stimulus package. He says the package will help owners keep their homes, which means there will be fewer homes for sale on the market, and people will be buying because interest rates will stay low. “This will give consumers confidence and that’s good for everybody,” he said. Mohammad, too, is hopeful that the stimulus package will take us to the road to recovery, but also wants to leave his options open. “If I don’t find anything after I graduate with my masters, I will go overseas,” he says half-smiling. ....................................................................... COMMENTS, CONCERNS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THIS STORY AND OTHER ARTICLES IN THE LONE STAR CRESCENT? EMAIL US AT info@myCRESCENT.com
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February 2009
COMMUNITY REPORT
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March 2009
COMMUNITY REPORT
Local Pakistanis React To Violence In Pakistan
By Lena Dirbashi (DALLAS, TX) Soon after President Barack Obama took office, he made it clear that his administration will not allow “safe havens” for militants in Pakistan’s tribal region near the Afghanistan border. The month of February, however, became center stage for significant violence in Pakistan, beginning with the kidnapping of a UN diplomat in the city of Quetto in Baluchestan, which borders Afghanistan. A series of violent episodes soon followed, ranging from bombings of vital infrastructure to sectarian motivated suicide bombings. The latest development and, perhaps more controversial, was the official green light from the Pakistani government for the implementation of the Taliban’s version of Sharia (Islamic) law in a part of Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP) as part of a 10-day ceasefire. The peace-deal, in hopes for a permanent ceasefire, authorizes the establishment of Sharia law in the region in return for an end to Taliban riot. The agreement would officially apply to the Malakand division which includes what was once Pakistan’s most popular holiday destinations, the Swat valley. Aisha U-Kiu, a law student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, was in Pakistan this past summer. “Swat is one of the most beautiful regions,” she said, “but we weren’t able to go because of the Taliban.” Residents in Swat have been caught in the crossfire between the army and the Taliban for months as thousands of people have fled and hundreds of schools have been destroyed. Consequently, more than 1,200 civilians have died. Some of the deaths can be attributed to the Taliban, as its leaders punished residents that practiced what it considered “un-Islamic activities” including dancing, singing, watching television, and shaving beards. In the worst cases, offenders have been beheaded. Nevertheless, the deal has been welcomed by many local people, perhaps attributed to war exhaustion, as people were happy to live under any system that put an end to the violence. However, NATO, and the United States in particular, have expressed uneasiness about this agreement, as it contradicts long-held American demands for a tougher fight against the Taliban insurgents. The Pakistani government denied that it has given in to the extremists, as it saw itself having limited alternatives. In their perspective, the imposition of Sharia law in the region in return for an end to the Taliban insurgency seemed like a good trade-off.
In defense of the agreement, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Minister of the Northwest Frontier Province responded to Western criticism, “Those who want to live in a peaceful world
will take steps like ours,” he said, “and those who want to live in a violent world will take opposite steps.” Aisha is not convinced with this defense, and blames the Pakistani government’s inability to engage its own people. “Pakistan’s policy is so alienating towards its civilians,” she explained, “you’re either with us or against us attitude…there’s no middle ground.” Plano business-owner, Mubasshir Shaikh, who has lived in Pakistan for most of his life, finds it difficult to sympathize with the Taliban, but he is more distressed with the Pakistani government. “There is corruption in the government and the army,” he said, “They should hold accountability first, and then move from there.” Yet, President Obama’s special envoy to the region, Richard Holbrooke, insists that Pakistan has to do more to tackle militants first. Pakistan, in turn, has repeatedly protested against US drone military strikes in its territory. Under President Bush, the United States frequently attacked militants in Pakistan near the Afghani border. The strikes have continued under President Obama, as he extends the war against terrorism in Pakistan. Since September of last year, the C.I.A has carried out more than 30 strikes. Both Mubasshir and Aisha find these U.S airstrikes counterproductive and
hypocritical. “If Obama is opposed to killing in Iraq,” Aisha said flatly,” he should feel the same in Pakistan.”
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The Lone Star Crescent
March 2009
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The Lone Star Crescent
March 2009
MASJID AL-ISLAM NEAR DOWNTOWN DALLAS
Against All Odds,
Masjid Al-Islam Serves In The Heart Of Dallas (DALLAS, TX) Located just 2 minutes south of downtown Dallas is Metroplex’s very first Islamic center established about 40 years ago. “Masjid Al-Islam evolved from the old Nation Of Islam,” Imam Khalid Shaheed told The Lone Star Crescent. Lot of its founders were involved in the movement under Elijah Mohammed, but later joined true Islam.
Unlike other suburban Islamic centers, Masjid Al-Islam has not seen much of physical growth. “We have many many challenges,” says Mr. Shaheed. “Finance is probably our main challenge. This part of town, financial situation is not like other parts of Metroplex – this is our biggest challenge.” He said that “just having the money to operate properly” has been a major issue. Although Denton has the first Masjid building in the region, Masjid Al-Islam “is the first mosque established in Dallas – first Jumuah was held here – the first Islamic school was here,” says Mr. Shaheed. “There are challenges in many ways, not just economics,” says Mustafaa Carroll. “We have had lot of thefts – we have been burglarized. We bought three sets of
air-conditioners (due to theft) and that cost us over twenty thousand dollars.” Mr. Carroll explained that another issue is the age of the property which is an “early 19th century building.”
Masjid Al-Islam regularly accepts and assists people who are in dire need of immediate help The community is determined to continue with its dawah and services despite all the problems. “We’ve been back and forth about moving away from this area,” Mr. Carroll said. “And every time we come across that argument – we all have second thoughts that why we shouldn’t leave – we are the only beacon of light in the area.” Masjid Al-Islam regularly accepts and assists people who are in dire need of immediate help. “A lot of people who come in here are destitute, we get people who come in here and are on drugs – they couldn’t go to any other mosque and we allow them to come in here and treat them like one of our own,” says Mr. Carroll. “None of us live here,” but we chose to come here because
the need is here.” Masjid’s team which heavily focused on outreach activities has turned its attention to raise funds to sustain their projects. “We want this place to change,” says Mr. Carroll. “We are beginning to spend more time on raising money.” The Masjid intends to grow in the same neighborhood. “There is some land around here that would allow us to expand,” said Imam Shaheed. “There is land across the street and behind us. So our goal is to stay here and be the Islamic complex with mosque – daily prayers, as well as expand our outreach program.” He said that vicinity to downtown is extremely important. “DFW Metroplex is the 4th largest market in the
country, so it is incumbent on us as Muslims to have something that better represents the beauty of Islam.” “I feel good about the opportunities we have here right now,” says Imam Shaheed. “We have in place the mechanism for growth.” Mr. Carroll agrees, “I feel we have all of the infrastructure – the checks and balances in place to actually grow from here.”
Masjid Al-Islam 2604 S. Harwood Street Dallas, TX 75215 214-421-3839
Watch more details in the exclusive interview with Imam Khalid Shaheed and Mustafaa Carroll online at www. myCRESCENT.com
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Amoud University was built to provide opportunities of higher learning. “Right now there are hundreds and hundreds of students in different levels – different disciplines,” Mr. Kalib told The Lone Star Crescent. The university has about seven different faculties which include agriculture, education, business administration, religious studies, information technology, nursing and medicine.
Another major undertaking is the Al-Hayatt Hospital serving Awadal region of more than a million habitants with no proper
March 2009
AMOUD FOUNDATION DELIVERS SUCCESS (From Page 01) to sustain and run the hospital. Like Amoud University which is does not require any more financial support from Amoud Foundation, AlHayatt will be a community-owned project within few years. “Community development and humanitarian work is not really that complicated,” says Yusuf Kalib. He said that the secret of Amoud’s success is to have community’s input and local representation. “Community can sustain any project,” he said. If the project is designed with “certain principles that match the need” of that com-
medical facility. “The whole area has absolutely no modern medical facility,” Mr. Kalib said.
“The community in North Texas here – has been at the forefront of that campaign and with their help we have been able to complete a full-service hospital” “We started building a community hospital in that region so that it can provide very basic healthcare.” People have died of “very basic treatable and preventable diseases” such as diarrhea, malaria and tuberculosis. “The hospital is complete, Alhamdulillah,” he said. “The community in North Texas here – has been at the forefront of that campaign and with their help we have been able to complete a full-service hospital that has all the departments – has ER, maternity section, pediatrics and general hospital.” Amoud Foundation is establishing a process that would allow the hospital to be
self sufficient in a few years by capitalizing on local resources. “People in the area are used to hand-outs since the colonial era,” Mr. Kalib explained. Once the people providing the aid leave there is no more assistance for people. “Many of the projects that we are doing are based on the guiding principle that project has to be sustainable after we leave.” Amoud puts an infrastructure and fund a transitional period. In case of AlHayatt Hospital, Amoud Foundation has put in place management, medical and “all the things it would need.” The community takes over the ownership and will be responsible
munity. “As a member of this humanity we have to leave a legacy,” says Mohamoud Egal. “We have to be accountable not only to ourselves but to Allah (SWT). Even if you cannot afford, you have to plan a tree.” That is why Amoud does some relief work, but only when it is necessary. “We rather do projects.” ....................................................................... Watch interview & details online at www.myCRESCENT.com
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WANTED The Lone Star Crescent is looking for independent advertising sales representative in Greater Dallas area. Candidate must be a local resident and aware of the market and community. Previous print advertising sales experience is a big plus. Should possess professional sales and excellent communication skills. Computer saavy a must. Compensation includes commissions + performance bonuses and opportunity to work on your own pace. For consideration email to ads@myCrescent.com. No calls please!
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March 2009
REACHING OUT TO NEIGHBORS
ISLAMIC CENTER & SCHOOL GENEROUSLY SUPPORT IRVING CARES he said, “Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and set free the captives.” Our students have learned the golden value of giving and we pray that all will take part in helping others. For more information about the food pantry or the Emergency Assistance Program, please visit www.irvingcares.org. Islamic school of Irving provides a balanced education to students from grades KG to high school. The schools mission
(IRVING, TX – February 2009) Irving families in crisis are getting help from the Islamic Center and Islamic School. These organizations recently donated 2,505 pounds of food to Irving Cares, a human service agency that seeks to effectively identify and provide essential services to Irving residents in need. These groceries will greatly support the food pantry. The food pantry is an important component of the Emergency Assistance Program which provides food, financial help, and referrals to families experiencing a temporary crisis. “The Food Pantry has seen a 20% increase in requests for service over last year. We’ve had to increase our spending 21% to keep up with the demand. Food drives such as this one will help us meet those requests
for help,” said Teddie Story, Irving Cares Executive Director.
Students Practice to be Contributing Citizens Reaching out to our community and those in need happens to be one of the goals which is practiced at the Islamic School of Irving. For two weeks during the month of January our students applied what is taught daily within our school. We strive to be... Committed Balanced Muslims, Knowledgeable Scholars, Contributing Citizens and Community Builders! Through out the school year this is posted in each class from Pre K - High School. According to the Islamic teachings of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him)
is to develop committed lifelong-learning Muslims with strong character and spirituality, who are contributing citizens and community leaders.
quality of life. It is what Irving citizens believed 51 years ago when they founded Irving Cares, and it is still true today. Since 1957, Irving Cares has offered not a handout, but a hand up, for Irving families in crisis. The agency served more than 25,000 people last year, and the need continues to increase. Irving Cares promotes a client’s selfsufficiency by providing limited financial assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, and prescriptions; an employment services program; transportation to medical facilities and prescription deliveries; and information and referrals,. More information on Irving Cares can be found at www. irvingcares.org.
About Irving Cares:
Contacts: Teddie Story, Executive Director Irving Cares: 972-721-9181 x 203
Ensuring that the most basic human needs are met is an important measure of a city’s
Ali at (972) 721-9136 Irving Masjid.
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March 2009
REAL ESTATE
more stories and videos available online It is newly updated and improved at www.myCRESCENT.com
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Fun Asia Radio’s Azad Khan talks about his show and things that inspire him. Parents and team members talk about Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute Plano Masjid undertaking major expansion soon. Full interviews with Imam Yusuf, Amoud Foundation, Imam Khalid Shaheed and Mustafa Carroll.
Meet Azad Khan on www.myCRESCENT.com