Metropolitan Asian Family Services joins Illinois-wide advocacy day for seniors’ services

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On May 28, Metropolitan Asian Family Services, MAFS, joined the day-long statewide advocacy initiative to protect the Older Americans Act (OAA), the backbone of many programs for seniors.

MAFS, a non-profit established in 1993, hosted an advocacy session attended by Donna Wandke, chief of staff, Office of Representative Janet Yang Rohr; Sadia Covert, DuPage County Board Member; and Naperville City Council Member Ashfaq Sayed.

MAFS Founder and Executive Director Dr. Santosh Kumar spoke about how she started various MAFS programs for the community, and how the Older Americans Act, and how it had been critical to MAFS’ existence.

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A video showing the impact of the Older Americans Act services was shown along with telling data on what services would be lost without OAA funding.

MAFS rallied in Naperville under the theme “Don’t Blow Out The Candles on Older Americans Act.”

Slogans of “don’t cut senior services”, “protect Older Americans Act”, and “let seniors live with dignity” filled the air as everyone walked with placards, American flags, and banners.

Later in the day, MAFS participated in an advocacy session featuring distinguished attendees Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Age Options CEO Diane Slezak. Nonprofit leaders shared stories of the impact OAA-funded programs helped their organizations be effective.

MAFS Grants Director Roshita Pandey highlighted how OAA-funded programs are a lifeline for immigrant elderly facing severe barriers, helping them create a home away from home.

The organization appealed to the public to sign on to an Action Alert – AgeGuide and write to their legislators.

MAFS’ mission is to provide comprehensive & integrated social services to seniors and the immigrant population from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East & Eastern European countries. These services include, but are not limited to, educating, counseling, assisting, and empowering individuals & families to become productive members in their new home. Every year, MAFS serves more than 10,000 individuals and family members.

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