SBIA Family Night
Friday, August 7 | 7:00 PM | 2345 Harris Way, San Jose
Agenda: 7:00 PM: Dinner, 8:10 PM: Magrib prayer, 8:20 PM: Presentations
Topic – 1: Challenges and Opportunities for Muslims in America
Speaker: Cem Hasan Yesilyurt (A Youth speaker), M.S. Student at UT Austin
Abstract: Many people harbor misconceptions concerning Islam, but one way to dispel them is to work on solutions to key social problems. This talk will highlight ongoing concerns for the Muslim community and the society at large, and suggest ways for us to tackle them with the intention of serving our Creator and creating a better image for Islam and Muslims in America.
Cem grew up attending the Sunday School at SBIA. He completed his undergraduate education at UCLA and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Civil Engineering at UT Austin. Cem has been involved with the MSA since high school and has been active in preparing lunches for the homeless. He enjoys attending halaqas with friends and likes to read in his spare time.
Topic – 2: Long-Term-Care Ombudsman Program (Services for the senior Citizens)
Speaker: Wanda Hale, MPH, Program Manager for LTC Ombudsman Program
Abstract: The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is a free and confidential service which advocates for the quality of life and care for the more than 12,000 residents of long term care facilities in Santa Clara County. The Long Term Care Ombudsman assists residents and their families in resolving problems; visits long term care facilities regularly to receive complaints; promotes Residents’ rights as well as quality of life. Wanda Hale is the Program Manager for Long Term Care Ombudsman Program at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. She is a strong advocate for seniors as well as for the LTC Ombudsman Program by accepting public speaking opportunities and serving on the Advisory Board for Sourcewise (the Area Agency on Aging for Santa Clara County). Her MPH research included issues related to the seniors and disabled persons in Nursing Homes. She also advocates on the city, county and state level for funding for programs that serve the elderly.
The South Bay Islamic Association (SBIA) is one of the oldest Islamic Organizations in The Bay Area. Its headquarters are located in San Jose, CA. SBIA has been providing various services to the community since 1977 including the five daily prayers at two locations (San Jose Downtown, and Harris Way) and Friday prayers at both locations. SBIA has been active in spreading Islam through various Dawah programs and by hosting a number of activities including Weekend Islamic School, Quranic classes for children, Tafseer (English translation and Exegesis) classes for adults, conferences and community get-togethers.