CHICAGO: Naya Jeevan Jireh Center (NJJC), a nonprofit organization that has been serving the needy in the West Rogers Park for the past many years, put another feather in its cap on 15th of July by moving out of the home office to a commercial location to serve and get a more professional look and level.
It was courtesy Sohan Joshi, president of National Federation of Indian Associations (NFIA) and a friend, philosopher and guide to many a needy in Chicagoland that Ruth Kaushal, the founder / director could have an independent facility for serving the community better.
Ruth has been serving the local needy for the last seventeen years from her own home that led to the official birth of NJJC on October 22, 2009. Although serving without compensation, Ms Ruth diligently served the helpless. The uniqueness about NJJC is the personal attention given to each client by Ms Ruth.
Ruth briefed those present on the services offered at NJJC namely ESL and computer literacy referrals, public benefit guidance, senior citizen needs, job assistance, career & academic guidance, fresh produce and food pantry assistance, access to free clothes closet, domestic violence advocacy, free medical clinic and legal advocacy referral, and foreign degree evaluation assistance.
One of her main goals is to re-build the long lost family structure leading the community to be a stronger unit. Positive outcome in more than 90 percent cases makes her feel very proud, but “we pledge to carry forward with a servant attitude,” she said.
The event, well attended by NJJC Board Directors, volunteers, friends, clients, and community leaders, started with the welcome address by the Volunteer Coordinator and Grant Writer Sunil Kaushal. He emphasized the need of a strong community support by giving a quote from the sermon of Dr Erwin Lutzer, senior pastor at Moody Church in Chicago, “What you spend is gone, what you save, someone else will get it, and what you give to God will be yours forever.”
Sohan Joshi spoke about the rich blessings received when individuals unite with a common goal for the welfare of society. Clients such as Nayer Khan, Rajkumari and Ambalal Kaila spoke about the successful results they received through the services from NJJC.
Volunteers thanked NJJC for giving them an opportunity to utilize their talents for a worthy cause. In her vote of thanks, Ruth offered special thanks to Sohan Joshi. A prayer of blessings was offered by Pastor Ernest Singh of Indo Pak Church. The celebration continued as the guests socialized with refreshments graciously provided by Sohan Joshi.
Ruth also announced NJJC’s upcoming Fundraiser event set for October 2014 and encouraged all the guests to attend the event that will include cultural dances, Bollywood singing, delicious dinner and dancing.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
