The Arab American Resource Corps is made up of 61 members across the United States.
From Lackawanna, NY to San Francisco, CA down to Houston, TX, ARC members demonstrate the true meaning of compassion and dedication giving of their time and talents to better the world around them. Members of ARC are as diverse as the work that they do and come from countries all over the world. Members range in age from 18 to their 50's, and bring an abundance of knowledge and experience to their positions.
In their own words, ARC members share their thoughts on why they committed to a year of service and what impact they hope to make in the coming year.
Ernestina
S. Milla - Arab American Family Services, Burbank, MI
This is my first year of committing with AmeriCorps. And I will do my best to serve my clients needs, like they are part of my family. My mission will be to make a difference is someone's life.
Merfat
Hanna - American Arab Heritage Council, Flint, MI
I like to work with people, help them as much as I can and get more experience in social work. I hope to get involved with my community and help senior people by making activities and let them feel happy that they are still important to us.
Najah
Haroun - Access California Services
Bonding families with social and cultural differences by writing Arabic articles and teaching Arabic language and culture to the community.
Haya
Hussein - Arab American Family Services, Burbank, IL
I commit a year of service to help people and empower them to put trust in themselves before anyone else, so they can go through any thing that comes to them; to build a strong community for the next generations.
Nusibeh Rawia - ACCESS
I want to help the people who don't know how to speak English. I hope that I will accomplish this wonderful experience.
Elba
Alexis - Arab American Family Support Center
I committed a year of my life
because I wanted to learn and experience new cultures. I look
at this experience as an opportunity to share what I have learned
and acquired through previous experiences. The impact I would
like to instill is the fact that I am making a difference in others
lives. I'm willing, able and ready to commit my time, and knowledge.
Senia
Zeiadah - Arab American Family Services, Burbank, IL
I committed to a year of service so I can help those that are in need to gain knowledge of available resources to them.
Nabilah
Mosed - ACCESS, Dearborn, MI
I commit this year to help people make it like that we are always here for them, and always be a role model to my kids and brother and sisters and family that here are people that need help and we will always be there.
Kathy
Rostamzadeh - ACCESS, Dearborn, MI
When I came to the United States, I needed help to stand on my feet. I got that help with lots of passion and grace, now it's
time to return at least a small portion of it. I hope I can influence
and change at least one life. That will make me happy.
Nafisa
Wadalawala - Access California Services
I want to enhance and elevate
elderly care.
Norma
Harp - ACCESS, Dearborn, MI
AmeriCorps is an opportunity for me to be more involved in building a foundation for a better future by helping people in need.
Fatin
Abed - Arab American Family Services, Burbank, IL
My commitment for this coming year is to do the best I can, to help in any way that would help my community to be independent.
Ranya Hassan - Arab American Action Network, Chicago, IL
The future is now. I'm serving my community to inspire change, to strengthen my Arab family, to love children through patience and positive energy. I intend to educate the youth in my community on the state of the environment and help them understand our responsibility as earthlings to heal our earth, and simultaneously heal ourselves and each other.
Fatmah Tabally - Arab American Action Network, Chicago, IL
I want to share my experiences and education with the community. I want to see the community grow; it's going to make me very happy to serve the people.
Theresia Huber - ACCESS, Dearborn, MI
I wanted to put my educational expertise to good use, especially in the area where I am serving. The majority of children are low-income and high-risk, and the mothers are ill-prepared to support the academic development of their children, since they have received almost no education at all. By targeting the whole family and especially empowering women, we will raise the quality of life-one family at a time.
Nahleh Ali - Arab American National Museum, Dearborn, MI
I decided to commit to a year of service because I think it's important to have experience with different clients and people I will come across in my future endeavors. I hope I can inspire the youth to give back to their community.
Raja Althaibani - Arab American Association of New York
I want to make a difference in my community. I believe that the only way to build a strong future around the world, we need to start in our homes and communities. I hope that through my effort and hard work, I will be able to contribute to a stronger future.
Suha Abuosba - Arab American Action Network, Chicago, IL
I love my job-how often do we hear that? I enjoy helping others, seeing a smile on their faces, see them successful, and see a change in their lives. My hope for my second year is to have more publicity about our Markaz to serve as many clients as possible.
Nahid Elgadi - Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, Philadelphia, PA
I feel that my Philadelphian community really needs more culture oriented events for youth. It's so important that the stereotypes and mistrust that has been built up in this society be challenged with the truth. The dissemination of knowledge to our future leaders needs to be that of understanding and respect for the Arab culture and people of Arab heritage. This is the only way for a better and peaceful future.
Amira Muflahi - ACCESS of Western New York
I committed a year of service because I feel that in order to change the world, we need to change ourselves, get involved, and then things will start improving. I will contribute my skills, knowledge, assistance, mind and whatever else is necessary to improve the lives of Arab Americans and the overall quality of life to all of humanity. I will do my best to get others involved to make a bigger positive impact on the community. By joining forces, many things can happen. I wish success to all and most of all, hope that many will be served with our assistance.
Souad Johnson - Arab American Community Center, Orlando, FL
If people have the will they have the way out darkness.
Amal Ali - Philadelphia CDC
When you give something it returns back to you. I hope I can make a good change in anybody's life.
Cynatt Ali - Arab American National Museum, Dearborn, MI
I committed a year of service because I wanted to educate my community and non-Arabs about the Arab American Community, and the accomplishments that have already been established and how or what people can do to continue and serve and contribute to the Arab community. I also hope to take in knowledgeable information that I can carry on in the future.
Dean Yazbak - Alif Institute, Atlanta, GA
I feel a strong commitment to building community where I live and I hope to make my institute a place of education, uplifting, and a source of strength and pride for its members through youth development.
Nadine Makki - ACCESS, Dearborn, MI
I decided to commit to another year of service because the past year of service has been an unforgettable one. Everyone I worked for or with, whether they be clients or co-workers has been a huge impact on me and I wouldn't do anything else this year.
Jennifer Elhardt - ACCESS, Dearborn, MI
I have a responsibility and a desire to serve and love others-and I feel the Arab-American community in particular, has not been shown the welcome and hospitality they should be shown. I would like to change that.
Baraa Alaguli - ACCESS, Dearborn, MI
To help people improve socially and economically.
Tahani Hammad - Arab American Family Services, Burbank, IL
Beyond extending social services and resources, I hope to advocate and then educate the community and lead them to a positive and stable economic and social state.
Najwa Saleh - Arab American Family Services, Burbank, IL
As I begin my second year of service, it's amazing to me how the simplest things we can do to make a difference in someone's life. Serving others was an experience that enhanced and empowered me as well.
