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MAI Launches Women's Fund in Partnership with Julian Center

The Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI) launched the MAI Women's Fund (MAI WF)in partnership with the Julian Center on Monday, June 9, 2008.  The Women's Fund will be headed by MAI Associate Executive Director, Rafia Zakaria, who is an attorney licensed to practice in Indiana.  The Fund is Chaired by MAI Board Secretary, Dr Aisha Zafar.  The program seeks to:
 
- Encourage increased participation of Muslim Hoosier women in leadership roles
- To establish training programs for Muslim Hoosier to make entry into leadership roles easier
- To assist women who are Muslim Hoosier victims of domestic violence
 
The partnership with the Julian Center allows the MAI WF to take advantage of the Center's immense resources to assist victims of domestic violence.  The Julian Center is Indiana's largest domestic violence shelter and was recognized by President George W. Bush as one of two national Family Justice Centers.  The Julian Center has a counseling center, victim advocates, medical clinic, IPS school and a full-service shelter.  These programs will become available to MAI WF participants.  "This is an important step for Muslim Hoosiers as it is through these important partnerships that we can leverage greater resources for our community," stated Shariq Siddiqui, Executive Director of MAI. 
The program was launched on Monday, June 9, 2008 and has already signed up 4 clients for legal assistance for issues ranging from immigration, family law to BMV advocacy.  The Julian Center, MAI and the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic have applied for grants to sustain this partnership.
 
For further information please contact:
Rafia Zakaria,
Director
MAI Women's Fund
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