2024 General Body Meeting Recap and Thank you!

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati (ICGC)
MasjidPlus AI
5 months ago

Community Update

2024 has been a very productive year at ICGC!

Assalaamu aleykum Dear ICGC Members,

Alhamdulillah, we held our 2024 annual general body meeting on Sunday at ICGC. We would like to thank all who attended and those who wished to but couldn't make it to the meeting!

We appreciated the opportunity to share many encouraging and exciting updates with our dear members! We would like to thank our MC of the day, Dr. Shahla Mallick.

The meeting commenced with a serene and inspiring recitation of verses from Surat al-Fath by our beloved Shaykh Mahmoud, setting a reflective tone for the gathering.

Dr. Tariq Sultan, Board Chair, delivered an update on key projects completed this year:

  • Infrastructure Improvements: Installation of drainage systems around the community building and the expansion of the parking lot, which added 100 additional spaces.

  • Renovations: Weekend school classrooms, hallways, and the Mirror Hall received upgrades, including new hard floors and fresh wall paint for classrooms and hallways.

  • Traffic Management Plan: Future plans include the construction of a one-way path connecting the gate to the asphalt road behind the Mirror Hall to ease traffic. Additionally, the back exit will be designated for emergency vehicles after township ruled out a second exit.

Henry Hane, Executive Director, highlighted the year’s program achievements:

  • Educational Programs: Increased attendance at khatirah sessions, consistent and well-attended ladies' halaqas, and strong participation in college-aged girls' halaqas. Weekly Arabic classes have attracted great interest, and educational lectures featuring renowned speakers were particularly impactful.

  • Community Services:

  • Celebrated 46 nikkahs and welcomed 75 new Muslims.

  • Provided support to 38 families during bereavement.

  • Outreach Initiatives:

  • Successfully passed a ceasefire resolution through the Cincinnati City Council despite opposition.

  • Hosted the Night of Solidarity, uniting the local community, student organizations, and area masajid to reflect on the tragedy in Gaza and pray for Palestine.

  • Programs such as Tours & Talks, Know Your Neighbor, and voter education/registration increased civic engagement and strengthened media presence.

  • Youth Development: ICGC invested heavily in youth programs that balance spiritual, social, and educational growth, including:

  • Hifdh, Sahaba Series, Iqra Lab, Qur’an Connections, and the Islamic Weekend School.

  • Activities like roller skating, qiyam nights, mentorship programs, games, crafts, and STEAM Kids workshops.

  • Social and Financial Assistance:

  • 60,000 meals were distributed across 47 zip codes in Greater Cincinnati.

  • Financial assistance was provided to over 200 applicants for rent and utilities.

  • Support extended to 150+ families for SNAP, public housing, SSI, Medicaid, HEAP, and TANF applications.

  • Financial coaching services helped families focus on budgeting and debt elimination, while over 500 employment services resulted in 25 job placements, despite an elevated unemployment rate of 5.1%.

Munam Syed, Treasurer, presented the 2024 Financial Report:

  • Expenses:

  • 65% – Programs and Services

  • 23% – Facilities

  • 11.3% – Administration

  • 1.6% – Fundraising

  • Revenue Sources:

  • 47% – Fundraising and Donations

  • 17% – Programs

  • 17% – Zakat and Sadaqa

  • 7% – Jumu'ah Boxes

  • 6% – Membership Fees

  • 4% – Grants

  • 3% – Earned Income (facility rentals, bookstore, etc.)

The meeting showcased the tremendous progress and community impact achieved this year, thanks to the collective efforts of leadership, staff, volunteers, and the broader community. The future looks bright, with plans for enhanced infrastructure, programs, and innovative initiatives that continue to uplift and serve all members of the ICGC community.

Jazaakum Allaahu khairan!

Dr. Tariq Sultan

Board Chair

Henry Hane

Executive Director

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Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati | Islamic Educational Council Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati 8092 Plantation Drive | West Chester, OH 45069 US