In an effort to assist in the adjustment process to the first Southern Lebanese family evacuated by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, who arrived to metro Detroit this week, the Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) extended its human services to the Basma Family with their five children who range from ages 6 to 14. Immediately upon learning about their arrival, ACC President & CEO Dr. Haifa Fakhouri presented the family with an emergency donation to help respond to their basic daily needs. Since the beginning of the war ACC has been utilizing all of its resources in preparation for the arrival of displaced families from Lebanon.

“Thousands of innocent civilians, mostly women and children, are caught in the cross fire,” said ACC President & CEO Haifa Fakhouri. “Our main concern is to provide humanitarian aid to those people who have no control over the situation.”

Services being coordinated with various organizations and entities include but are not limited to shelter, medical supplies, food and clothes in addition to counseling and cultural adjustment. ACC’s Warrendale Office located at 16921 W. Warren, Detroit, 48228 will be the site accommodating the Lebanese Relief Efforts locally. Individuals interested in donating to the emergency relief effort please contact Wafa Beydoun at 313-581-1669.

Don’t Forget to Vote Today. Get out and vote in the Primary Elections, and remind your family and friends to do the same. Polls will open at 7:00 AM and will remain open until 8:00 PM.

It is very important to exercise your right to help choose those who make the decisions that affect our lives and our world. As a citizen, it is important for you to cast your vote and make your voice heard. Do not miss the opportunity to cast your vote.

In collaboration between ACC's Behavioral Health Department and Substance Abuse Prevention Program,ACC staff members implemented the Strengthening Families Program at ACC's Hamtramck office, located at 8740 Jos Campau.

Approximately 50 parents and children participated in a month long program, which included: Using love and limits, Making house rules, Encouraging good behavior, Using consequences, Building bridges and positive communication, Protecting against substance abuse, and Reaching out to others.

ACC mourns Former Detroit City Council President, Maryann Mahaffey. After serving 31 years on the council, including three terms as council president, Mahaffey retired in September last year after she revealed she had been diagnosed with leukemia. Mahaffey was known as a firebrand who stood up for the rights of poor Detroiters and city unions.

Under the supervision of volunteer coach Marcus Webster and ACC staff member Virgil Phillips the ACC's 15 and under boys basketball team competed in the National tournament in Lake Orion and finished in the top 10% of the nation. The 15 and under team was invited to the Reebok Big Time Invitational Tournament in July and competed against the top teams in their age group.

ACC's 11 and under boys basketball team, coached by volunteers Jay Acuff and Dennis Reed, played in the nationals tournament in Florida in July. This was the teams first national tournament and a great experience.

ACC's girls basketball team went to Lexington, Kentucky in July to compete in an Open Tournament. This was the girls first out of state competition. Congratulations to the girls for your hard work and dedication.

Starting August 14, 2006 ACC will be holding a week long all girls basketball day camp at the ACC Recreation & Leadership Center.

email: programadvocates@myacc.org

phone: (248) 559-1990

web: http://www.myacc.org