ISSA-USA 25th Anniversary Gala

The ASU Muslim Students Association, The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy and The Islamic Social Services Association-USA presents

ISSA-USA’s 25th Anniversary Celebration MARRIAGE SUMMIT & GALA

November 2, 2024 Arizona State University Memorial Union, Arizona Ballroom 301 E Orange St, Tempe, AZ 85281

What is ISSA-USA? Islamic Social Services Association-USA

The Islamic Social Services Association-USA (ISSA-USA) is a long standing national non-profit organization founded in the Virginia/ Washington DC area and headquartered in Arizona promoting Muslim friendly mental health and social services to advance social equity and healthy communities. Thank you for joining us as we celebrate 25 trailblazing years of ISSA-USA, a pioneer in human services and mental health advocacy!

Our Mission The mission of ISSA-USA is to build a network of professional, paraprofessional and volunteer social service and mental health providers; and to enhance their capacity through education, training, technical assistance, research, mentorship and collaboration.

Our Board of Directors Dr. Aneesah Nadir • President, Dr. Mohamed Hoque • Vice President Shaema Imam • Secretary, Anjum Ali • Director, Zarinah Nadir • Director

CONTACT • CONNECT

DONATE

PO BOX 12705, Tempe, AZ 85284 1.888.415.9920 www.issausa.org www.facebook.com/issainfo We are always accepting donations to help pay for our community programs.

ISSA-USA is a 501 c3 non-profit, so your donations are tax deductible.

ISSA 25th Anniversary Gala • November 2, 2024

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FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Guests, Friends, Summit Delegates In the spirit of peace, AsSalaamuAlaikum !

Thank you for joining us to celebrate the Islamic Social Services Association’s 25th Anniversary! This occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the past, take stock of the current state of mental health, family and social services as it relates to Muslims and the overall society.

Twenty-five years ago, a small yet dedicated group of professionals, imams, volunteers and community leaders met at a conference in Herndon, Virginia. It was then that we decided we needed to elevate the Muslim community’s knowledge and understanding of mental health, behavioral health, marriage, family and social service issues. Back then there was no internet and social media. Most in our community didn’t know what social work was. Most didn’t believe our community experienced domestic abuse, substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma, suicide, homelessness, hunger, or the challenges of incarceration and reentry in the United States and Canada. We were focused on building mosques, halal markets, private education spaces for our young school age children and protecting our community from Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism. We were not yet ready to acknowledge the many social issues our youth and families were already experiencing.

Conversely, our colleagues in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy were uninformed about Muslim traditions. They had little awareness of the need for culturally and spiritually sensitive practice with the growing Muslim community twenty-five years ago. There was little in the research literature. However, as our colleagues met more and more Muslims in their agencies, hospitals, schools and various settings the need to get to know Muslim traditions and best practices increased.

Thankfully, the Islamic Social Services Association was there to help lead the way.

Gradually, the Muslim community’s awareness of the real-life stories of families they pray next to and worship with has grown. Slowly recognition of the role stigma in society and in our own community plays has increased. Imams have started to attend trainings on domestic violence, suicide among our youth, and mental health first aid. Today, we have Muslims who are liscened therapists and family lawyers. We are slowly recognizing the need for social services and case management services connected to the mosque and Islamic schools.

Most exciting is the ripple effect from our initial efforts as Muslim Mental Health agencies, family service organizations, and research conferences have emerged. And today we meet the next generation of Muslims entering the once unheard professions of social work, counseling, psychology and marriage and family therapy! While there still aren’t enough Muslims in these professions, the number of Muslim practitioners is growing.

Among our colleagues of other faiths there is also a growing recognition of the need for culturally sensitive training and education to more effectively serve the underserved Muslim community with its special concerns as well as its common human needs.

This year we held our first Marriage Summit with delegates representing diverse segments of the community including including imams, community leaders, singles, parents and mental health professionals, from throughout the U.S. and Canada. This was an 4

ISSA 25th Anniversary Gala • November 2, 2024

opportunity for us to share current research, lived and practice experience as we consider strategies to improve our marriages and families over the next twenty-five years.

After a quarter century of Islamic Social Services so much has happened to move the needle from where we were in 1999 to today. However, we recognize there is still so much more that needs to be done. As the 2024 elections comes to a close the increased racism, sexism, Islamophobia, incivility, trauma, unresolved grief and unjust loss of so many innocents here and abroad is a threat to the mental health and well-being of our families and community.

We look forward to greater emphasis on proactive strategies, prevention methods, and research on best practices. We look forward to continued growth and collaboration with our allies, partners, imams, faith leaders, and policy makers to end the stigma, build communities of belonging and become true architects of change.

Warmest regards,

Dr. Aneesah Nadir President, ISSA-USA

Muslimah Consultation Group, Inc.

From one nonprofit organization celebrating 25yrs to another: Congratulations Islamic Social Services Association-USA on Your 25th Anniversary Gala and 25 Years of Service to Humanity!

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ISSA 25th Anniversary Gala • November 2, 2024

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ISSA Honors

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE Community Partner

Ali Ardekani • Half Our Deen Lisa Groom • Tempe Police Department

Volunteer Service

Archie Aquino, Zarinah Nadir

Imam and Community Leadership Imam Qasim Amin Nathari

Dr Cheryl El Amin, Advancement of Professional Development and Research Peaceful Families Project

Dr Maryam Funches, Excellence in Service, Next Generation

Aimen Bacha, Daymee Hissu, Grysell Fabaro 6

ISSA 25th Anniversary Gala • November 2, 2024

GALA PROGRAM SCHEDULE Aimen Bacha • Master of Ceremonies Anjum Ali • Mistress of Ceremonies Opening Dua Native American Land Acknowledgement In Memory • Dr Maryam Funches, Dr Cheryl El Amin, Imam Abdullah El Amin, Irene McConachy

Welcome ASU Muslim Students Association ISSA Canada’s President Reflects • Shahina Siddiqui ISSA-USA President’s Message • Dr. Aneesah Nadir Introduction of ISSA Board Members and Planning Committee Proclamation • Berdetta Hodges, Council Member, City of Tempe A word from AMANA Mutual • Ahmad Elmahi Poetic Message • Rashaad Thomas DINNER Roll Call

Keynote Speaker • Imam Adeyinka Mendes Introduction of Honorees

Stories From a Matchmaker • Ali Ardekani, Baba Ali Acknowledgements, Special Gift, Reveal • Thank you to our Guests, Delegates, Sponsors

Closing Dua ISSA 25th Anniversary Gala • November 2, 2024

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THANK YOU TO OUR

SPONSORS!

ASU Muslim Students Association The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy Arizona Muslim Alliance SILVER • Amana Mutual Funds • Kareem Education Consulting Services, LLC • Before the Nikah Institute • Half Our Deen

• • • • •

Rabia Khan Sexual Health for Muslims Unheard Design Zarinah El Amin Zarinah Nadir

TABLE SPONSORS • Islamic Community Center of Tempe • Muslim Mental Health Conference • Nawal Mohamed, Venture Real Estate & Investment

BRONZE • Dsquared Homes for the Homeless • Islam in America • Muslim Women in Business • Peaceful Families Project

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

ISLAMIC SOCIAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION FOR

Years of Service The Muslim Center 1605 W. Davison Fwy Detroit, MI 40238

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ISSA 25th Anniversary Gala • November 2, 2024

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ISSA 25th Anniversary Gala • November 2, 2024

Islamic Social Services Association - USA’s

15-POINT PLAN FOR INVESTING IN SOCIAL SERVICES IN AMERICA Focus with Secular and Other-Faith Providers 1. Educating and training secular and other faith providers about Islamic beliefs and traditions.

2. Educating and training secular and other faith providers about best practices with Muslims of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

3. Informing policy makers of the need for Islamic sensitivity in the secular and other faith social service system.

4. Providing opportunities for secular and other faith providers to meet Muslims and get to know imams, key leaders, and professionals in the community.

5. Developing opportunities for secular and other faith providers and Muslim community leaders to network, build partnerships and strategic alliances in order to provide effective, quality services to Muslims and their family members living in the United States.

Focus with Muslim community members, imams, leaders, students and professionals 6. Educating Muslims about social services, mental health, family and marriage, domestic violence and other social issues facing American Muslims.

7. Educating Muslims about the types of professions that assist in addressing social service, marriage and family, mental health, and behavioral health concerns.

8. Encouraging and mentoring Muslims to consider and enroll in programs to obtain professional education and training in human service careers.

9. Educating Muslim professionals about providing human service provision and counseling founded in Islamic principles and practice.

10. Educating, training, providing technical assistance to Muslim groups in local communities that want to begin or further develop a committee within the organizational structure of the masjid or Islamic Center, a stand alone agency or a set of programs that addresses the needs facing their local communities.

11. Providing opportunities for Muslims to meet, network, and develop partnerships with secular and other faith providers to address the needs facing their local communities.

Developing Cultural Awareness and Appreciation among Muslims 12. Providing education and opportunities for Muslims of diverse cultural and socio economic backgrounds living in the United States to get to know one another.

13. Encouraging opportunities for the development of awareness and sensitivity among various groups of Muslims living in the United States about the experiences and challenges we all are facing together as Muslims in America, and about the need to work together.

Promote Qualitative, Quantitative Research and Evidence Based Practice 14. Providing support, technical assistance and leadership in the study of human service issues facing American Muslims. Promoting the engagement in evidence based participatory action research and other research methods suited to capture the needs and experiences of American Muslims as well as best practices and model approaches.

Improving Coordination, Collection and Distribution of Zakat/Sadaqa 15. Providing technical assistance and support for local communities to develop a coordinated and welladministered zakat and sadaqa collection and distribution system in their local communities.

ISSA 25th Anniversary Gala • November 2, 2024

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Ryan Reynolds

PTSD, depression

Chrissy Teigen

Postpartum depression

Demi Lovato

Anxiety

Olivia Munn

Suicide ideation

Zayn Malik

Anxiety

Halle Berry

Bipolar Disorder, substance abuse

Arianna Grande Bella Hadid

Social Anxiety Disorder OCD

ANSWERS Ryan Reynolds - Anxiety, Chrissy Teigen - Postpartum depression, Demi Lovato - Bipolar Disorder, substance abuse, Olivia Munn - OCD, Zayn Malik - Anxiety, Halle Berry - Suicide ideation, Arianna Grande - PTSD, depression, Bella Hadid - Social Anxiety Disorder

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KNOW YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Match the definitions to the conditions

CONDITIONS _ Anorexia Nervosa

Bipolar

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality

Binge-Eating

Social Anxiety

Antisocial Personality Condition

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Oppositional Defiant

Conduct Disorder

DEFINITIONS

1. This is characterized by a long-standing disregard for rules, social norms, and the rights of others. People with this disorder typically begin displaying symptoms during childhood, have difficulty feeling empathy for others, and lack remorse for their destructive behaviors.

2. This is a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, inflexibility, and mental and interpersonal control.

3. This is a condition diagnosed in children and adolescents under the age of 18 who regularly violate social norms and the rights of others. Children with this disorder display aggression toward people and animals, destroy property, steal and deceive, and violate other rules and laws. These behaviors result in significant problems in a child’s academic, work, or social functioning.

4. This begins prior to the age of 18 and is characterized by defiance, irritability, anger, aggression, and vindictiveness. While all kids behave defiantly sometimes, kids with this refuse to comply with adult requests almost all the time and engage in behaviors to deliberately annoy others.

5. This involves episodes where the individual consumes an unusually large amount of over the course of a couple hours. Not only do people overeat, however, they also feel as if they have no control over their eating. Episodes are sometimes triggered by certain emotions such as feeling happy or anxious, by boredom or following stressful events.

6. This is characterized by restricted food consumption that leads to weight loss and a very low body weight. Those who experience this disorder also have a preoccupation and fear of gaining weight as well as a distorted view of their own appearance and behavior.

7. This can be developed after an individual has experienced a stressful life event.

Symptoms include episodes of reliving or re-experiencing the event, avoiding things that remind the individual about the event, feeling on edge, and having negative thoughts. Nightmares, flashbacks, bursts of anger, difficulty concentrating, exaggerated 14

ISSA 25th Anniversary Gala • November 2, 2024

startle response, and difficulty remembering aspects of the event are just a few possible symptoms that people with might experience.

8. This is a fairly common psychological disorder that involves an irrational fear of being watched or judged. This disorder can have a major impact on an individual’s life and make it difficult to function at school, work, and other social settings.

9. This is characterized by shifts in mood as well as changes in activity and energy levels. The disorder often involves experiencing shifts between elevated moods and periods of depression. Such elevated moods can be pronounced and are referred to either as mania or hypomania.

10. This is characterized by a persistent pattern of hyperactivity-impulsivity and/or inattention that interferes with functioning and presents itself in two or more settings such as at home, work, school, and social situations. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and that these symptoms must have a negative impact on social, occupational, or academic functioning.

ANSWERS 1. Antisocial Personality Condition, 2. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality, 3. Conduct Disorder, 4. Oppositional Defiant, 5. Binge-Eating, 6. Anorexia Nervosa, 7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 8. Social Anxiety, 9. Bipolar, 10. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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