Work has begun on the latest expansion project at Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. A new $650,000 senior lounge will grace the back entry of the center.
After Isha prayer at the Muslim Community Center, a group of seniors gather around Imam Mohamed Abdullahi—they had just heard the news about the new lounge. "Will there be an exercise machine?” asked one. Another wanted to know if there was a membership fee. "I rather spend time in the masjid, I don’t have much time left on this Earth to socialize,” said another.
"The idea for the lounge is for seniors to have a place to gather, socialize, learn and also support each other. There are many seniors in our community that suffer from loneliness or lack of support, and this allows them a space for fellowship. It also serves as a place for any seniors in our area to meet and learn about our community," stated Usman sarwar, President of MCC to the Muslim Link, "There will be stimulating talks and seminars, as well as time for seniors to read, and chat especially after jummuah. Also for those who want to come for one prayer and stay for the next, they can relax in the lounge instead of driving back and forth which becomes difficult at night."
“I think the senior lounge is an amazing initiative. However, our youth are in a serious need of a safe space. We are losing them,” said a youth leader, after an intense Tea Talk on taboo topics held in the MCC Library. “The earlier we implement these programs and spaces for youth, the better for our future,” she emphasized.
The MCC Seniors Program provides persons 55+ with a multi-purpose, culturally and ethnically sensitive, inter-generational program and services. Many seniors come for Maghrib and stay until Isha and the leadership felt that they needed a social hall for Senior Program meetings and other activities. New pole lights will be installed in the parking lot in the area located closest to the clinic. This effort is to enhance security in the night for the areas of the property that are dimly lit.
A short list contractors for the senior lounge was presented on April 12, 2018. The estimated construction completion date is December 30, 2018.
MCC Seniors Program volunteers provide visiting services, including friendly telephone reassurance services, and respite care through the Senior Ambassadors program. Ambassadors will be graduating from American Muslim Senior Society Healthy Aging training program this Sunday, May 6, 2018.
Seniors can join the program by submitting a registration form by email to mccseniorprogram@gmail.com.
www.mccmd.org/donate
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