SE Michigan (V9-I38)

Torture Victims Speak Out about their Experiences

The ACCESS Center for Psychosocial Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture held its Sixth Annual Symposium on Refugees and Survivors of Torture on September 7, at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The program featured a lecture and workshop by keynote speaker Dr. John Briere, Director of the Psychological Trauma Clinic at LAS-USC Medical Center, as well as presentations, poster sessions, and a panel of torture victims speaking about their experiences. Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, physicians, nurses, researchers, social service providers, community leaders, and interested professionals attended.

Press Release–The Islamic Institute of Knowledge (IIK) Announcing Ramadan Program:

The IIK would like to announce a special program for the Holy Month of Ramadan!

Young Ladies’ English Guidance class under the direction of Imam Abdul-Latif Berry, every Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will begin September 14, 2007 and end October 12, 2007.

These classes will take place at the Islamic Institute of Knowledge every Friday at the same time. This unique class will encompass a variety of topics, discussions, issues that are raised on a daily basis, with questions and answers with Imam Abdul-Latif. This course will be utilized to instruct and guide ladies with the necessary tool they need – Spiritual Education!!! To register please call: 313-584-2570 and leave your name and number.

Young ladies ages for this class are from 13-21 years old.

New Program Provides Relief to Families Caring for Relatives

The Michigan State Kinship Assistance Program is funding kinship families in need of services such as medical expenses, food, payment of household bills, household repairs, school expenses, transportation, clothing, furniture and more. The program was created by the MSU Kinship Care Resource Center-School of Social Work at Michigan State University in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Human Services to help meet the needs of kinship families. The term kinship care is used to describe relative caregivers for children including grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other extended family members.

To help meet the needs of as many kinship families as possible, families can receive up to $250 in some assistance twice a year. To be eligible, applicants must be a relative raising another relative’s child, be a resident of Michigan, and qualify based on an income evaluation. For more details about the program and for the application, click here.

Free Student Photography Program

Middle school students from southwest Detroit are invited to take part in the fall 2007 session of the AANM’s SURA Arts Academy, a free student photography program based at Munger Middle School in Detroit. Students will learn to use digital cameras provided by the AANM, getting instruction and inspiration from professional photographers and educators.

Sessions will be held after school at Munger on Tuesdays from September 18 through November 27. For registration details, call 313.624.0210 or email lblasey@accesscommunity.org. This program funded by The Skillman Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the U.S. Department of State.

Ramadan Free Craft Sundays

September 9, 16, 23 & 30–Free craftmaking sessions for kids ages 6-12 resume next month at the AANM, marking the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. On September 9, Arabic calligraphy and handkerchief design are on tap for the budding artists. September 16, it’s decorative and functional rope baskets. On September 23, children will paint pottery with Arabic designs and on September 30, to mark the end of Ramadan, it’s a Happy Eid Party, with a greeting card craft and refreshments for the whole family. No advance registration necessary; call at (313) 624-0210 with questions.

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