\u201cOur work has increased tremendously during the pandemic. We went from serving 1,200 individuals in January to serving 12,000 individuals in July through our Hunger Prevention [program],\u201d she said, prompting Muslim Family Services to temporarily move their pantry in Detroit off of McDougall and Carpenter, down the street to the Islamic Center of North Detroit (Masjid Al-Falah)\u2019s gym.<\/span><\/p>\n Along with hosting more food drives, stocking up on food pantry items, and distributing meals during Ramadan, Muslim Family Services provided financial assistance to families before the stimulus and unemployment checks were issued due to the pandemic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Akther says immigrant families who do not qualify for food assistance or Medicaid suffered the most. \u201cTheir families lost employment or did not have employment and it became more difficult during the pandemic to find employment,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n The agency also assists with funeral assistance and counseling.<\/span><\/p>\n (Photo Courtesy of Summi Akther)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Embracing the Bangladeshi American Dream<\/b><\/p>\n Akther was born in Bangladesh. Her family moved to Queens, New York in 1994 and then Hamtramck, Michigan in 1999, around the time of the \u201csecond migration,\u201d when thousands of Bangladeshis moved en masse to Michigan for better job opportunities, affordable housing, and a relaxed lifestyle compared to the hustle and bustle of New York.<\/span><\/p>\n She says she\u2019s grateful to her parents who, \u201cleft everything they knew and started a whole new life in an unknown land just so that my [two] brothers and I could have a better future.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI grew up in both New York City and Hamtramck… two culturally diverse cities, which have contributed to my personality and cultural upbringing, giving me pride in being a Muslim Bangladeshi-American,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/span>\u201cIt has helped shape me into who I am today: a determined, strong-willed person,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Giving back to those in need<\/b><\/p>\n In 2008 Akther began volunteering for Muslim Family Services, leading to a part-time position in 2011 as a program coordinator. She then became the office manager in 2015 and was later promoted to the director and the regional director for the Women\u2019s Transitional Housing program in 2017, when the previous director retired.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI was shocked, and honored at the same time,\u201d said Akther, referring to her expanding roles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBeing a Muslim woman in a male dominated industry, I had to prove that I can handle the challenges this position comes with. Alhamdulillah, I faced the challenges head-on and won the confidence of those who had faith in me and gave me this opportunity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n She says as a mother she tries to strike a balance between being there for her family and community.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhen my children were younger, it was difficult at times especially when the nature of this work is so demanding. This isn\u2019t the average 9 to 5 job; we are always on duty because the need is always there. Although this work is important, family is also important, especially motherhood, it can be hard at times to find the balance… All we can do is try our best and trust in Allah,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n She says Muslim Family Services is expanding programs to better serve the community. People can pick food items, clothing, furniture, and everyday household essential items such as bath tissue and paper towels, and hygiene products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n (Photo Courtesy of Summi Akther)<\/em><\/p>\n One of the nonprofit\u2019s newer projects is Rahma House, a transitional home for displaced women and their children, which is renovated and ready for operation pending city approval in Detroit. It\u2019s an extension of the existing Sakinah House for single women only, says Akther, which has been up and running since November 2013. It has served over 140 women since its inception.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe saw there is a great need in the community for a housing program for single mothers,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n The program provides resources for women to become self-sufficient through financial literacy and life skills classes. \u201c<\/span>The primary goal of the program is to provide housing so that our clients can learn to take care of themselves and their children. We encourage our clients to seek employment, learn financial literacy, and acquire independent housing.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Muslim Family Services\u2019 website says, many of the women housed, \u201c<\/span>have experienced either emotional or physical abuse as well as neglect. Many are underemployed or unable to obtain affordable housing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n She says although the nonprofit is faith-based, it\u2019s for all people, \u201cregardless of their belief or citizenship status,\u201d she said. \u201cAs a citizen of this country and a Muslim American, it is my duty to represent what is good… I find it very satisfying to help my community.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n She says her mentors are her parents, her cousin and role model Raihan Akther, \u201cwho is caring, compassionate, and is always there for others,\u201d her husband Kamal Rahman who is like an older brother, and Malika McDonald, Director of\u00a0 ICNA Relief’s National Transitional Housing programs, \u201cwhose resilience, kind, compassionate nature is what makes her a great leader.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Akther says it\u2019s important to give back as Muslims by volunteering or working. \u201c<\/span>It helps create a footprint and reminds everyone that Muslims are an integral part of this society, and despite the contrary belief, we can be Muslim and love our country at the same time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/yemeniamerican.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/08\/SummiAkther2-300x225.jpg\")
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\n<\/span>Muslim Family Services is looking for volunteers. Contact by phone at 313-366-6800, email <\/span><\/i>office@mfs.icnaelief.org<\/span><\/i><\/a>, or sign up for the mailing list at<\/span><\/i> www.muslimfamilyservices.org<\/span><\/i><\/a>. MFS is located at: <\/span><\/i>12346 McDougall St, Detroit, MI 48212.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n