MCSS Elects New Office
Bearers
By Parwez Wahid
Wayland, Massachusetts: The Muslim Community
Support Services (MCSS) held its annual meeting on February
26, 2006 to elect office bearers for the current year. The
meeting was held at the Islamic Center of Boston in Wayland.
MCSS is a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization that
provides desperately needed assistance to needy families
in the New England region.
The MCSS is credited with assisting many families (over
240 in 2005) across the region, providing over $100K in
annual assistance while keeping its operating expenses very
minimal. MCSS provides assistance to needy families from
Zakaat and charitable contributions of the local community.
Free medical consultation is provided on request. The MCSS
conducts a program to donate used cars to needy individuals.
The MCSS also partners with the Islamic Multi-Services Organization
(IMSO) in a monthly food drive.
Requests for financial assistance vary. Some requests are
made by individuals and families that are affected by temporary
loss of family income, a family tragedy, uninsured medical
bills, or funeral expenses. Applicants for assistance are
also people who are on Government welfare and also the working
poor who have encountered unfortunate circumstances. Most
of the applicants are members of the Muslim community; however,
MCSS does not limit its assistance to Muslims only.
Most of MCSS' services have been in the area of providing
rental assistance, payment of utility bills and meeting
food expenses. The MCSS hopes to expand its services by
offering care to the elderly and social services.
At the annual meeting on February 26, the outgoing President,
Noor Jahan Panjwani read out a report highlighting MCSS'
accomplishments in the past year. Mohammed Muneeruddin reported
on behalf of the treasurer who was not present. Following
reports and some business matters, nominations were submitted
to fill the five officer positions. All offices received
nominations without contest, the nominees were declared
elected by acclamation. The officers elected at this meeting
are:
Dr. Ikram Farooqui, President;
Dr. Shameem Ahmed, Vice President;
Rasha Boura, Secretary;
Azim Qureshi, Treasurer;
And Ali Khan, Comptroller.
Established in 1999, MCSS has been steadily increasing the
number of people it has been able to give assistance to.
The organization is tax exempt and its services are limited
to the New England region under its charter. More information
on the MCSS is available on-line at www.muslimsupport.org.
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