As-salaam alaykum,
We pray this message finds you in the best of states. We’d like to begin by wishing you a happy new year! As we enter 2023, we are pleased to share with you some important updates on the Rhoda Foundation.
The Rhoda Foundation continues to ensure that our Board of Directors consists of a diverse group of individuals with complementary talents to best represent the people that we serve. As you may know, many members of our community have served on the Board. Expressing our sincere gratitude to all those who have facilitated this work in the past, including most recently:
Ahmed Abu Bakr
Ruwayna Ghanem
Assma Basalamah
This year, we are extending a warm welcome to our newest directors:
Stephane Pressault (Chair)
Hidayet Abbad (Vice-Chair)
Hassen Attaya (Financial Director)
Mahdi Hassan (Information Director)
Shobnom Hussain (Administrative Director)
As stewards of the organisation, the Board is tasked with ensuring good governance and will work closely with the Executive Director to set the strategic plan and overall direction for the organisation. Its role is to steer the organisation towards a sustainable future by developing and adhering to sound legal governance and financial management policies. To achieve this goal, the Board will be implementing policies and procedures as well as providing oversight to ensure that the organisation’s work aligns with the strategic plan to advance its mission.
Updates from the Executive Director, Shaykh Hamdi Ben Aissa
During our Annual General Meeting late last year, our Executive Director, Shaykh Hamdi Ben Aisssa, provided updates on projects underway. Currently, plans are being finalised to expand the functionality of the current building to include three separate spaces: a daycare facility, a commercial rental space for a restaurant, as well as the masjid prayer hall and library.
Preparation of the original daycare space (for children younger than 18 months) has been completed. Submissions have been made to the city for final approval. Work on the development of additional daycare space (for toddlers and preschoolers) and commercial rental space for the restaurant is ongoing. Construction is expected to begin in the new year.
Welcoming our new Resident Imam
Many of you may have noticed that we’ve been offering Quran classes over the last few months. In consultation with the community, Shaykh Hamdi offered Qari Youssouf Mahamoud an opportunity to serve as Resident Imam. You can find more information on prayer times directly on the Rhoda Masjid website. Alongside offering daily prayers, Imam Youssouf will continue to provide Quran classes and communal adhkar during the week.
Callout for Volunteers
As a charitable organisation, we rely heavily on community volunteers to make our work possible. Over the last 10 years, we have been fortunate to have volunteers who care deeply about the mission of the organisation. We’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to take your share of the blessings that comes with serving others by volunteering your time to make future events possible. With Ramadan just around the corner, we are hoping that you will continue to serve with us. Whether you would like to re-new your continued service or would like to start volunteering now, it would help us greatly if you could please send an email with an expression of interest and a summary of what type of work you are interested in doing and any particular talents you’d like to highlight. Resume/CVs are welcome! Remember, this is also an excellent opportunity for high school students who are looking to complete their 40 volunteer hours. So tell your kids!
Please send this information to: volunteering@rhoda-foundation.org
We are also looking for someone to coordinate and manage a volunteer list, so please let us know if you would also be interested in taking on this role.
We look forward to stewarding this project with you. And we ask God for His Enabling Grace.
Stephane L. Pressault
On behalf of the Rhoda Foundation Board of Directors