Akram Jomaa Leadership Meeting
The Foundation for a Path Forward, through its Project FALAH initiative, officially launched its mental health and addiction support program at the Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre in Calgary. As the largest Islamic Centre in Western Canada, Akram Jomaa serves a diverse and substantial segment of Calgary's Muslim population, making it an ideal setting for this significant milestone. The event was a meaningful step forward in raising awareness about Project FALAH’s mission and fostering collaborative efforts with the community.
The leadership meeting preceding the launch offered the Foundation an opportunity to introduce Project FALAH to the centre’s leadership and discuss its potential benefits for the community. It was also a chance to better understand the unique challenges faced by Calgary's Muslim population, ensuring that Project FALAH's services could be tailored to address their specific needs. During the meeting, the leadership shared concerning statistics, including more than 20 reported cases of overdose within the community. This stark figure underscored the critical need for culturally sensitive addiction support and mental health services.
The launch event served as a platform to discuss these challenges openly and transparently, highlighting the severity of the substance abuse problem and its devastating impact on individuals and families. The Foundation emphasized the importance of addressing addiction and mental health issues through culturally appropriate interventions. The sobering statistics shared by the leadership resonated with attendees, sparking candid conversations about these pressing concerns and the need for collective action.
Through the event, the Foundation outlined its strategic plans for Project FALAH, including targeted addiction support, mental health resources, and close collaboration with Akram Jomaa and other community organizations. Attendees were encouraged to participate in these efforts, whether through volunteering, providing feedback, or advocating for mental health and addiction services within their networks.
The Foundation also used the occasion to discuss the financial sustainability of Project FALAH. By sharing its plans for fundraising initiatives, the Foundation called on the community to support its mission through donations, participation in events, and spreading awareness about the program. This transparent appeal for collaboration and support was met with enthusiasm and a shared sense of responsibility.
The successful launch of Project FALAH at Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to addressing mental health and addiction challenges within Calgary's Muslim community. The support and engagement from the community solidified a strong partnership, laying the groundwork for impactful, ongoing collaboration to promote well-being and resilience. This milestone marks the beginning of a concerted effort to empower the community through culturally sensitive and accessible support systems.