Since its inception in 2003, Muslim Families Network Society (MFNS) has offered a variety of programs to the community. Over time, as the needs changed, we added new programs, discontinued a few and revamped others. The programs are organized into three categories that align perfectly with our mission:
Access to food, clothing, furnishings, and the means of finding employment are the minimum pre-requisites for a dignified and respectable life. MFNS believes that without these basic requirements, individuals and families cannot take the critical steps needed for healthy integration into their society and become contributing citizens. MFNS generally supplements the support available through other organizations but in some cases, it is the sole provider of these services to individuals and families.
To help our brothers and sisters in need, MFNS runs two programs:
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- Providing the Essentials;
- Empowering Youth and Children;
- Educating about Like Skills
A- PROVIDING THE ESSENTIALS
Access to food, clothing, furnishings, and the means of finding employment are the minimum pre-requisites for a dignified and respectable life. MFNS believes that without these basic requirements, individuals and families cannot take the critical steps needed for healthy integration into their society and become contributing citizens. MFNS generally supplements the support available through other organizations but in some cases, it is the sole provider of these services to individuals and families.
To help our brothers and sisters in need, MFNS runs two programs:
1- HALAL FOOD BANK
Where: Our Halal Food Bank is currently managed out of our office @ 3961 – 52 Ave NE, Building 1000, Unit 1129
It is accessible through appointments only. Please call 403-466-6367 to book an appointment.
2- BI-ANNUAL CITY-WIDE FOOD AND CLOTHING DRIVE
When: MFNS arranges Food and Clothing Drives usually twice a year.
Time: Donations are accepted from 7:00am to 11:00am and distribution take place from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Marlborough Park Community Centre – 6021 Madigan Drive NE
Donations: We accept cash, cheques, food/gift cards, rice, flour, sugar, salt, oil, other non-perishable food items, new and gently used clothes, children’s’ toys and books & small household appliances.
We do not accept open, expired, non-halal food items; damaged, dirty or torn clothing.
Debit and Credit card donations – accepted if facilities exist.
B- EMPOWERING YOUTH AND CHILDREN
MFNS realizes that our in order to have a successful future – we need to develop our youth. Without the appropriate timely mentorship and guidance, there is the risk that this vulnerable group would get lost in the chaos of life. However, when given the attention and respect they deserve, children can be the change that we desire to see in this world.
Alberta has the youngest population of all Canadian provinces with a median age of just 36 ( 2014 statistics). People 65 and older make up only 11%.
A joint effort by MFNS and Toastmasters International, this is a perfect example of collaboration and coordination between two organizations with similar goals of empowering the children and youth. Since 2012, this is one of our most successful and sought after program
13% Albertans use the food bank, 42% of which are children and youth. (2011 statistics) This vulnerable group can benefit most from positive mentorship.
Currently, we offer two programs in this category:
1- TOASTMASTERS' YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
A joint effort by MFNS and Toastmasters International, this is a perfect example of collaboration and coordination between two organizations with similar goals of empowering the children and youth. Since 2012, this is one of our most successful and sought after program
Enrolment: Seats are limited to 20, which fill up pretty fast and allow for maximum participation of all registrants.
Ages: 11 to 16 years
Duration: It runs on average for 8 weeks, with 1 1/2 to 2-hr long sessions every Sunday. The date of the next Toastmasters program is not yet determined, and will occur after the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, most likely in late 2021, or 2022
Timing:11:30 am to 1:00pm
What this program is about: Instruction is provided by Toastmasters International and MFNS acts as a bridge between the instructors and the students. Parents are welcome to sit through the sessions to see first hand how their children blossom into effective public speakers within a short span of 2 months.
The final outcome is improved listening and communication skills, development of leadership skills and heightened confidence and reasoning abilities, all qualities needed to succeed in the real world.
For more information or any questions please call: (403) 466 – 6367 OR email: muslimfamilysociety@yahoo.com
2- MFNS SUMMER CAMP
The Muslim Families Network Society runs an annual summer camp. The goal of this program is to give children and youth living in diverse multi-ethnic communities (for example, children of Syrian refugees), an opportunity to experience summer camp with a secondary goal of helping certain of the children integrate into Canadian Society. The children participate in activities including rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, archery, zip-lining, arts and crafts, bonfires and more. The summer camp fees are waived for families in financial difficulties.
The next summer Camp has not yet been scheduled but stay tuned to this page for future updates.
C- EDUCATING ABOUT LIFE SKILLS
Having worked with vulnerable Calgarians since 2003, we understand that there are many other issues facing Calgarians such as domestic violence, mental health issues, parenting issues. One of the organization’s goals is to increase education among the Calgary community about these issues, with a specific focus on the Islamic community. We want to help people understand how to deal with these issues in light of both science and Islamic teachings. Our Family Wellness Program and Social Issues Conference aims to fill this need.Another issues faced in the community, is that many vulnerable Calgarians are looking for opportunities to gain life skills to be able to create a better life for themselves and their families. Our Single Mothers Self Sufficiency program aim to fill this need.
We have 3 programs that address these life skills as follows:
1- Single Mothers Self Sufficiency Program. The goal of this program is to help single mothers gain knowledge and skills to be able to make a better life for themselves and their children. This program is a bilingual Arabic/English Program and it covers the following:
a. Financial Literacy and Budgeting b. Mental Health Support Services c. Essential Literacy Skills d. Knowledge about the law and law enforcement e. Parenting Workshops
This program started in June 2021 and is currently rounding on the 2023/24 intake session. Stay tuned for the announcement of our next intake program staring in September 2024. 2- Family Wellness Program: This program educates community about the challenges faced by people in the Islamic community and to provide knowledge and guidance to handle those challenges. Topics that have been discussed in the Family Wellness Program include depression, cyber bullying, single motherhood, domestic violence and anger management. This program is free to attend and occurs in the spring. 3- Social Issues Conference: In the fall of every year we run Social Issues Conference, where we invite speakers to discuss and share their knowledge about Social Issues that affect the Islamic Community. The first day of the Social Issues Conference is a fundraising dinner and the second day is a free event to learn more about social issues that affect the Islamic community (similar to the Family Wellness Program). The free second day portion of the Social Issues Conference educates community members and partner organizations about the challenges faced by people in the Islamic community, and to provide knowledge and guidance to handle those challenges. Topics that have been discussed in the free portion of the Social Issues Conference include depression and anxiety among teens, affects of social media on mental health, and how to raise resilient children.