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NA RELIEF - WIKIPEDIA ICNA Relief is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Islamic organization in North America, founded in 2005. It offers a variety of programs and compassionate services to the Muslim community,[1] with a mission to alleviate human suffering affected by adversities and disasters.

History

ICNA Relief [2] is an affiliate of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), which has its roots in the Muslim Students' Association (MSA), and was founded by immigrants from South Asia.[3] ICNA Relief was established as a community-oriented organization in response to the evolving needs of the growing Muslim community.[4] ICNA Relief operates in 21 states and is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York.

Goals
ICNA Relief vision [5] is to become the charity of choice for all Americans, guided by faith, compassion and a commitment to service. The mission [6] of ICNA Relief is to alleviate human suffering by offering caring and compassionate services to victims of adversities and survivors of disasters. ICNA Relief provides a common platform to empower underprivileged Americans through sustainable social service program, strengthen the family system through education, and fosters effective partnership with Islamic Centers, faith-based organizations, civic institutions and governmental agencies.

Services
ICNA Relief USA provides a diverse range of services through six key programs, each tailored to address specific community needs.

Back2School

Back2School Program [7] offers free backpacks and school supplies to children in need, particularly those from underserved communities and the refugee population. It has distributed around 50,000 backpacks, [8] reaching 247 cities across 42 states, significantly impacting the lives of countless children and families. The EMPOWER grant (Educating Minds and Presenting Opportunities While Endowing Resources) supports teachers as they transition into their new roles as virtual educators.

Transitional Housing 

Transitional Housing program [9] comprises of 25 transitional homes and domestic violence shelters across the contiguous United States. Each home serves as a “house of healing” for its residents who have experienced emotional or physical abuse. The program facilitates connections to community resources and empowers individuals through education and skills training.

Health Services

The health Services Program [10] addresses the issue of 28 million Americans currently lacking health insurance coverage by offering free basic medical services. Eight clinics provide medical assistance, including prenatal care and vaccinations, to the uninsured. ICNA Relief envisions further expansion efforts, including the establishment of a hospital.

Hunger Prevention 

Hunger Prevention program [11], guided by Islamic principles of feeding the poor, seeks to increase community awareness about food insecurity and the hunger epidemic in the United States. The program provides services that bring nourishment and feeds over 300,000 people annually through 46 food pantries nationwide. It encompasses various initiatives, including Mercy on Wheels programming, food drives, Ramadan Food Baskets, Udhiya/Qurbani Meat Distribution, and the Feed the Hungry Campaigns for the Unhoused.

Muslim Family Services

Muslim Family Services program [12] mission is to foster individual’s growth through a holistic framework that includes mental, financial, and social wellness. It encompasses five initiatives:


 * 1) Special Pantry which aims to provide essential household items to communities in need.
 * 2) FATE (Foster Advocacy, Training, and Education) supports Muslim children within the foster care system.
 * 3) Refugee Services[13], driven by a profound mission to alleviate human suffering by providing caring and compassionate service to those facing adversities and are survivors of disasters.
 * 4) Community Education offers a variety of workshops to educate communities.
 * 5) Counseling, provided by licensed as well as religious counselors, offers a wide variety of services across the country.

Disaster Relief

The Disaster Relief [14] Care Management team operates during hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, and provides assistance such as clean up, tree removal, roadblock removal, rebuilding, and distributing food supplies to the affected areas through the dedicated efforts of volunteers.

Organizational structure
ICNA Relief is composed of a Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Directorate, Advisory Council, and Committees.

Awards and accomplishments
The Hunger Prevention program received notable recognition for delivering care to the Navajo Nation, the Quechan tribe, and the Hualapai tribe during the March 2020 pandemic.

In 2016, the Disaster Relief teams played a vital role in Project Comeback, a recovery and relief program initiated in response to the damage wrought by Hurricane Harvey.