May 17, 2012 - Jamaica, NY
A Step Up for Our Nation's Muslim Response to Disasters
The Board and Staff of ICNA Relief is honored to announce that, on May 7, 2012, the National VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) Board of Directors voted to accept ICNA Relief USA a new Member. National VOAD is the leader and voice for the non-profit organizations and volunteers that work in all phases of domestic disaster -- preparedness, response, relief, recovery, and mitigation. National VOAD is the primary point of contact for U.S. voluntary organizations in the FEMA National Response Coordination Center and is a signatory to the National Response Plan. ICNA Relief USA has been an active participant in U.S. disaster response since 2001, and achieved national prominence, particularly in the field of disaster case management, beginning with Hurricane Katrina.
It is a great responsibility to become a nationally recognized Muslims relief agency – we are humbled by the responsibility of being a visible reflection of Muslim philanthropy and volunteerism in America during the times of crisis. ICNA Relief’s experience and expertise are now a formal part of our nation’s disaster response system. ICNA Relief is now one of only two Muslim disaster response agencies formally recognized and expected to fulfill the expectations of American Muslim community and meet the unmet needs of disaster human service partners, and our friends and neighbors who are impacted disasters.
During this lengthy application process, we were supported by ICNA Relief USA staff, volunteers, and partners. The application submission process was supported through a partnership between USC's Center for Religion and Civic Culture and NDIN to develop the capacity of Sikh and Muslim organizations working in disasters in California and across the US. This capacity-building program is funded by a grant from Cal EMA.
Sincere appreciation is extended to Islamic centers and organizations around the country whose support has made this possible, especially the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, the Islamic Center of Baton Rouge, the Birmingham Islamic Society, and the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America.
We are grateful to God to be recognized as a national leader in Islamic faith-based disaster response. Please continue to pray for our agency. The impact of Muslims helping our fellow Americans during their time of need is significant and far reaching. Please continue to support our efforts as ICNA Relief continues to evolve into America’s leading Muslim disaster human services and Muslim disaster chaplaincy provider. We need your prayers and support always.
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Press Contact: Umber Siddiqui
Assistant Director for Public Affairs
ICNA Relief USA
E-mail:
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Office: (718) 658-7028 Extension: 126
