January 2011

“Once again it is my pleasure to recognize, on behalf of the city of Westland, the great work performed by your organization. As you well know, the ACC does indeed make a difference in the lives of residents of mainstream and Middle Eastern communities. The ability of ACC to provide such services as English as a Second Language, job training and life skills training is testament to your influence throughout Southeast Michigan….These are challenging times in our Great Lake state and your efforts provide meaningful and relevant support to those in need.”

~Mayor William R. Wild, City of Westland

The Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) held its 8^th annual golf outing and scholarship dinner on June 16 at Shenandoah County Club in West Bloomfield.  Scholarships were awarded to high school seniors who excel academically and are in need of financial support for college.

“It’s our commitment to improve the quality of life for students and those who are in need. Financial conditions should not prevent them from pursing their education,” ACC President and CEO Haifa Fakhouri said.

Scholarship awardees were Talal Aboufakhr, Sahar Adora, Najwan Augustin, Marwa Boulis, Rose Brewart, Rayan El-Zein, Yarob Fakhoury, Robin Kassis, Olivia Najor and Tamara Naoum.

“We want to be diverse and represent a cross section of the community. We are pleased to have a diverse group this year.” Fakhouri said.

Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon and Steve Honorowski, regional sales director of Pepsi Beverages Company, served as honorary chairperson for the event.

“Here in Detroit we all know the great work ACC does. It’s a social service agency that helps so many move forward, make their way, and live the American dream. We know it served the large immigrant
population, but it also serves the large population of Detroiters and other folks from around the metro area who have no connection to the Arab and Chaldean community,” Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox said.

The ACC hopes it can raise money for even more scholarships in the future.  “I (hope) we can raise more money to give to many other students. The competition was extremely tough. Many students had to be disqualified because we had a minimum amount of dollars for scholars,”  Fakhouri said.    

 Arab American News:

Natasha Dado

With more than 800 in attendance ranking from state, federal and local officials including the two main candidates for Michigan governor, Republican Rick Snyder and Democrat Virg Bernero, the ACC celebrated its 31st Annual Civic and Humanitarian Awards Gala Helping Hands, Healing Lives  on Oct. 16 inside the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.

The ACC’s humanitarian mission wouldn’t be possible without the help of its partners. The gala is hosted to extend thanks to organizations that have helped provide services to the needy and honors a select group of distinguished individuals for their tireless efforts and unwavering support of giving back to the community through ACC.

“We realize that our accomplishments are because of each of you being here tonight. Thank you for your support in assisting us to grow our mission in serving our communities,” said ACC Board Chairman Abe Munfakh.

This year’s awardees are Macomb County Sheriff Mark Hackel; Nancy Schlichting, Henry Ford Health System President and CEO; Dr. Patricia Maryland, President and CEO, St. John Providence Health System; Azzam Elder, Deputy Wayne County Executive; Louie Boji, Boji Group chairman; and Wally Jadan, president and CEO of Middle Eastern American TV and radio.

“They are actually involved with the services of ACC. They are enhancing our operation and helping the refugees and those in need of services,” said ACC President and CEO Dr. Haifa Fakhouri. 

“I encourage anyone who has time, talent or money to give. Every one of us can take, but giving is the blessing of thought. Please if you have time, if you have talent, anything, give. That’s the most rewarding. It’s an honor and a privilege for me to receive this award. It will stay in my office and my heart for the rest of my life,” Boji said.

Guest speaker, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, commended Elder. ” Many times he is the unsung hero. A person who has stepped up and done things that don’t get recognized and I get the credit for.” 

The 2010 gubernatorial candidates were the night’s honored guest speakers. Their speeches were broadcast live by Detroit’s local TV news Channel 7 WXYZ.   

Snyder said Detroit’s economic condition is critical to Michigan’s economy. “The other thing we need to do that we haven’t done as well in is to restore our central cities, that is fundamental.  For Michigan to be a great state, Detroit has to be on the path to being a great city again,” Snyder said.

He also told guests he plans on eliminating the Michigan Business Tax. “Now the first thing I’ll tell you is the role of government is to create an environment where jobs can flourish. To do that we need tax reform.” 

Bernero said he’s balanced tough budgets, taken pay cuts and credited himself for helping Lansing’s economy flourish. “When some people say that our past is manufacturing I disagree, I also think it’s a vibrant part of our future and we’re proving it in Lansing every day,” Bernero said. 

Vivian Pickard, President of the General Motors Foundation and Director of Corporate Relations and Grassroots Initiatives for GM served as the emcee. Additional speakers included Radwan Khoury, Ph.D., ACC Executive Director and COO; Pamela Alexander, Ford Motor Company Fund director of Community Development and Fund Operations; and Byna Elliot, Fifth Third Bank Senior Vice President and director of community affairs. 

 ”Many times, I say, they ask government to do everything, and at these challenging times we really can’t. When we need safety net community organizations such as ACC to step up, they make that difference, so Haifa we appreciate all that you do and all the programs you have been able to contribute to,” Ficano said.

Arab American News:

By Natasha Dado

On Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010 ACC (Arab American Chaldean Council) will add another brick to its 30-year mission of building bridges that lead to roads that pave the way for a myriad of human services and needed resources for various communities within the tri-county area.

“As a bridge of understanding, we continue on a mission of maximizing the skills, resources and expertise of the communities we serve, which is why (for the second year) we are excited about our partnership with Fifth Third Bank and its eBus initiative,” said Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, ACC president and CEO.
This year’s event has a duel purpose, reaching out to both the consumer and the small business community.
“For the first time, a Small Business Expo will be included when the eBus stops at ACC’s Seven Mile Campus,” said Loretta Humphrey-Cruz, Fifth Third Bank Community Development marketing specialist. “The purpose of the Expo is to not only educate businesses on various financial resources that are available to them, but to also have open dialogue relative to their issues and concerns that will be addressed by a panel of financial experts.”

On the business end, a panel of individuals from SBA, CEED, City of Detroit Office of Targeted Business Development, Michigan Small Business and Technical Development Center, along with Optimum Capital Management President Ryan Mack (headquartered in New York) and Edward Deeb, Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA) president and chief executive officer, will address local small business owners. The morning will kick off with “A Taste of ACC” continental breakfast followed by the Expo that will conclude with questions from the business owners and answers from the panel moderated by Acqunette Jamison, anchor on Fox 2 Morning News.

“It’s a great day at ACC whenever we can open our doors not only to the community but also to businesses that fuel our economy, and we look forward to this first-time opportunity to host the Expo and to welcome the eBus back to our Seven Mile Campus,” said William Salaita, ACC Employment and Training director. On Tuesday, Aug. 17, the panel of business experts will join Salaita on his weekly radio show which is broadcast on WNZK AM 690 at 3 p.m.
Come rain or shine, ACC clients will board the eBus where they will be provided with community resources information (from DTE, to Michigan Department of Human Services, to a list of low-income housing, to how to prevent identity theft), along with receiving pertinent information from Fifth Third regarding banking and have the opportunity to obtain their credit report. After visiting the eBus, residents can visit the Detroit Community Health Connection which will be weproviding free health screenings. ACC clients will also have the option of participating in two workshops designed to attract those who have little to no banking knowledge or experience (“Banking Basics 101”) and those who have entrepreneurship interest (“Taking a Business From Your Basement to the Consumer”) but lack the wherewithal to complete the transition.

ACC continues to serve the community by “Building Hope, Building Lives” and is committed to staying with the mission of expanding its work with community-conscious organizations throughout Southeastern Michigan. As Dr. Haifa Fakhouri put it, “Through the strength of partnership we can help more individuals better their lives.”

ACC, in partnership with MEA (Middle Eastern American) TV & Radio, hosted a career fair for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), AECOM, US Army, National Guard, and Global Linguist Solutions (GLS) on Thursday, February 10th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Regency Manor & Banquet Center, located at 25228 West 12 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48034.

Recruiters were especially seeking those with Arabic, Dari, Farsi and Pashtu language skills and cultural knowledge in addition to other languages. Positions range from professional staff careers to language specialists. Representatives from many different areas were present at this informational session ready to answer job-related questions. Candidate requirements included 18 years or older and require an undergraduate college degree or better.

Career fairs are for recent college graduate or those simply interested in a career change. This event offered an opportunity to look into an organizations that provides interesting work, dynamic colleagues, job security and the means to have a real-world effect on global affairs.

In recognition of their lifetime of dedication, service and commitment, the Arab American and Chaldean Council’s (ACC) Board of Directors dedicated its Detroit Headquarters, Youth Recreation and Leadership Center, and Artisana Adult Learning Center in honor of founding members Salman Sesi, Esq., Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, and Father John Badeen on Friday, December 17 at its Youth Center, located at 62 W. Seven Mile Road in Detroit.

These founding members have been active supporters and contributors of ACC since its inception in 1979. 31 years later, they continue to dedicate their time, knowledge, and expertise to benefit the services of ACC. The ceremony was emceed by ACC Board Member Brenda Schneider and featured a presentation of the plaques by ACC Chairman Abe Munfakh, which will stand as a monument of appreciation for all they have contributed. Chairman Munfakh also thanked the guests for attending and expressed kind words for each honoree on behalf of the Board of Directors and those served by the organization.

“This dedication is a lasting symbol to your caring approach to service. Your past actions have helped to shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” US Congressman John D. Dingell

Over 15 years ago, ACC committed itself to the revitalization of the Seven Mile neighborhood and community as it launched its Community & Neighborhood Development Initiative: The Seven Mile Project. Over the years the project became a stimulus for an entire neighborhood and indeed the City of Detroit. This ambitious revitalization initiative has transformed the Seven Mile Corridor and boasts four ACC outreach centers in a campus setting that provides one-stop-shop for community services that range from job education and training to behavioral health to primary and dental care facilities to youth.

The Arab American and Chaldean Council, a 501 (c) 3 non profit human service organization, is proud to announce the reappointment of its President and CEO, Dr. Haifa Fakhouri to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Executive Committee. On December 13 as part of the economic development transition plan, Governor Jennifer Granholm and Governor -elect Rick Snyder, in an unprecedented sign of cooperation, announced appointments to a new executive committee that will oversee the agency beginning in January. “It is inspiring that both governors are working together to improve the economic conditions in Michigan. Their efforts show that economic development and job creation is their priority,” said Dr. Haifa Fakhouri. The 2011 MEDC leadership team, which includes appointees of both the incoming and outgoing governors, will be building on the foundation built by Governor Granholm and her administration. Over the last eight years, the governor’s economic plan has generated nearly 4,000 economic development projects, more than $57 billion in private investment and the creation or retention of 653,000 direct jobs.