Sahara
Reaching out to Asian women in distress
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Sahara Reaching out to Asian women in distress
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History of Sahara Sahara Accomplishments and Events from 2004-2008
Sahara is very proud of the goals that have been met in the past 4 years. From Outreach Events to Fundraisers, Domestic Violence Trainings and Discussions, we continue to spread awareness of the occurrence of Domestic Violence in the South Asian Communities of South Florida, and strive to put an end to it. These are some of our happenings since Sahara was established.
History of Sahara In Summer 2004, the Asian American Advisory Board (AAAB) contacted the WAP to talk about a lack of culturally appropriate responses to the needs of Asian women experiencing domestic violence. WAP and the AAAB have since created the Sahara Asian Women’s Group. The core group of women in this group represented several different cultures and religions and met once a month to begin the process of identifying needs in their communities and developing strategies to address them. Issues that we addressed at meetings have included patriarchy and child sexual abuse. These women are very motivated; they have all witnessed domestic violence.
In 2006, Sahara has held multiple awareness events and trainings, in addition to our regular monthly meetings. In February, at the Asian Festival held at the Fruit and Spice Park, Sahara held a Bazaar selling donated used clothing such as Sarees, Salwar Kameez’s and Indian and Chinese household goods. At the two day festival we not only raised money for direct relief for Asian victims of violence but we also distributed our public awareness materials to folks at the festival.
In June 2006 we partnered with The Advocate Program to bring Dr. Sujata Warrier to Miami. Dr. Warrier is a renowned expert on the intersections of culture and domestic violence. She has served as the President of the Board of Directors of Manavi, a sister organization to Sahara and is the Director of the New York City Program of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Sahara invited Dr. Warrier to participate in the Institute of Evidence-Based and Best Practice: Offender Treatment, Victim Services, Restorative Justice Conference held by Association of Community Justice Professionals held here in Miami. She conducted a two part workshop for service providers entitled “Death by Culture”. The workshop explored violence against women and debunked the efficacy of traditional cultural competency trainings which focus on the ethnicity or culture of the individual as a starting point for service providers understanding the needs of survivors. In the evening Sahara held a forum where Dr. Warrier spoke about her personal experiences as a long time domestic violence advocate and activist and founding member of Manavi. Her presentation was especially inspiring because she helped Sahara members see the context of their work in the larger movement and provided insight into the future possibilities for Sahara, based on the successes and journey of Manavi.
Through the nurturing and technical support of WAP staff, Sahara has established an advisory committee, launched a cold phone line and produced discreet palm cards that look like henna advertisements for public distribution at various events. Sahara has received it’s first capacity-building grant and is currently identifying future opportunities. Within four months Sahara will be a self-sustaining organization with 501(c)3 status and part-time staff.
Thank you for your support to Sahara! We truly appreciate it. Sahara History of Events September 2006 Newsletter
Sahara Happenings in Summer of
2006:
An Evening of Discussion
On June 13, 2006, Sahara and the Women's
Fund of Miami had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Sujata Warrier, a well renown
expert on the intersections of culture and domestic violence. As the President
of the Board of Directors of Manavi, a sister organization to Sahara and
Director of the New York City Program of the New York State Office for the
Prevention of Domestic Violence, Dr. Warrier joined the Sahara community for
an evening discussion to explore the intersections of culture and violence.
The event was well attended and Sahara received some valuable advice from Dr.
Warrier's first-hand experience in the development of an organization for this
cause.
Contributions from the South
Florida Community
In July 2006, the Association of Indians
in America, South Florida Chapter contributed a generous donation to Sahara in
the amount of $2,000. In addition, Sahara received several donations from
residents of the South Florida community which we were able to use for
outreach materials such as pamphlets on the occurrence of domestic violence, a
banner with Sahara's mission and contact information, and palm cards,
miniature information booklets to be used to assist victims in their immediate
time of need. We are very grateful to those who donated!
Sahara Phone Line
In August 2006, Sahara established a
phone line. With our new phone line, Victims can leave a message for our
Counselors to direct them towards resources & services. The phone number is
1-866-567-7635. If you are interested in being a Phone Counselor, please see
our future events below for information on the upcoming training session.
Community Outreach
On August 20, 2006, Sahara participated
in the Indian Independence Day Celebration at the BCC Omni Auditorium. Along
with 30 other South Asian Organizations from the South Florida community,
Sahara was able to give out information on our cause and about Domestic
Violence in Asian communities. The Sahara booth was well received and we hope
to table at more events in the future!
Sahara has a new website!
Recently, with the help of SFIndians.com,
we were able to put together a website that is now more easily accessible to
anyone in need of services, and for those interested in volunteering with
Sahara. We have listed new fundraisers, which we encourage all of our
Volunteers to contribute to. The site is still under construction, but feel
free to visit us!
www.saharafl.org
Commendable Efforts
One of the leading ladies of Sahara
recently received accolades for her outstanding contribution to Sahara. Shashi
Jagadish is a licensed mental health counselor who has over 16 years of
experience working with domestic violence issues. She has extensive experience
working with men who batter, as well as victims of domestic violence. She is
certified by the state of Florida as a trainer, facilitator, assessor and
supervisor for state approved batterer's intervention programs. She has also
been an actively involved in several community organizations and task forces
besides Sahara, focusing on victim's rights and advocacy issues. Throughout
her career, Dr.Jagadish has provided services to Asian American women who were
affected by domestic violence. Quite a few Hindu and Muslim women from India,
Pakistan and Bangladesh have approached her concerning domestic violence
issues and received victim advocacy, support and help in obtaining immigration
by completing domestic violence evaluations. Shashi won Miami-Dade County's
Department of Human Services, Indirect Services - Professional Employee of the
Year! Congratulations Shashi, Sahara is very thankful to have you on our team!
November 2006 Newsletter Plans for November..... Fundraising Event Saturday, November 11th at 7:30 PM La Quinta Inn, Coral Springs, FL 33065 The Punjabi Association of South Florida is hosting a Comedy Nite Fundraiser featuring comedian Dan Nainan! The proceeds will go to Sahara. We hope you will all come and support this great cause. Please see the attached flyer for details or visit www.punjabiassociation.com.General Body Meeting Monday, November 13th at 6:30 PM Dr. Shashi Jagadish's Residence We will be discussing Sahara's recent happenings and future plans! If you would like to attend, please RSVP to info.at.saharafl@gmail.com by Friday, November 10th.We will provide you with directions. Plans for 2007.... Fundraising Event Saturday, January 27th at 7:00 PM Broward Center for Performing Arts, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Sahara along with talented musicians and classical Indian dancers from the South Florida community present "Jazz Yatra" - A Fusion Musical and Dance Performance All Proceeds were given to Sahara. December 2006 Newsletter
Upcoming events for December and
January:
General Body Meeting and
Potluck Holiday Party
Monday, December 11th at 6:30 PM
Shakir Residence
We discussed Sahara's happenings as well
as celebrated the Holidays!
Domestic Violence Training
Saturday, December 16th from
2:00-5:00 PM
Dr. Jagadish conducted a training on how
to counsel victims of domestic violence.
January 2007
"Jazz Yatra" - An Evening of
Fusion Music and Dance
Saturday, January 27th at 7:00
PM
Amaturo Theater, Broward Center
for Performing Arts
Jazz Yatra Saturday, January 27th at the Broward Center for Performing Arts, Sahara held an evening of Music and Dance to raise funds for our community group. The evening was a scintillating presentation of Jazz and Indian styles of music, blending together seamlessly. The professional Indian Classical Bharata Natyam dancers, focused on the theme of "Empowerment of Women", also brilliantly choreographed to fusion tunes. As one of our biggest Fundraising Events, Jazz Yatra was able to raise $ 11,000 in ticket sales and donations to assist Asian Women in Distress in the South Florida Communities.
February
General Body Meeting
Tuesday, February 20th, 6:30 PM
Venue: Shakir Residence
Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade Grant Recipients In February 2007, Sahara was awarded a Grant from the Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade. This Grant enabled Sahara to hire two part-time Sahara Employees. March
Asian Culture Festival
Saturday and
Sunday, March 3rd and 4th, All- Day Event
Fruit and Spice
Park, Homestead, FL
Asian Culture Festival and Bazaar On March 3rd and 4th, Sahara took part in an All-Day Event at Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead. We held a Bazaar selling “gently used” South Asian apparel and crafts. We were pleased with our profits from the event. Thank you for your donations! General Body Meeting and Film Screening
Saturday, March 31st, 2:00pm -
4:30pm
South Regional Broward
Community College Library
7300 Pines Blvd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Meeting for Sahara Volunteers -
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Break for Refreshments- 3:00 -
3:15pm
Film Screening of "I Can Survive"
and discussion following (Open to the Public) - 3:15 pm - 4:30pm
“I Can Survive” Film Screening On March 31st, at South Regional Broward Community College Library, Sahara screened a short film on the story of Pakistani gang-rape victim, Mukhtaran Mai, and her survival story. The documentary on the Women’s Rights Activist was created by one of Sahara’s own volunteers, Somy Ali.
April
Thai Association New Year
Celebration and Bazaar Saturday, April 14th
Buddhist Temple, South Miami, FL
Sahara Social - Tuesday, April 17th at 7:00pm
Kebab Indian Restaurant
514, North East 167th street
Miami, FL 33162
Womens Fund of Miami Dade Luncheon
Thursday, April 19th, 10:30am -
2:00pm
Parrot Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL Womens Fund of Miami Dade Luncheon On April 19th, Members of Sahara attended the Women’s Fund’s Annual Luncheon at Parrot Jungle Island. As Grantee’s, Sahara set up a display table and handed out palm cards and pamphlets. Sahara’s own Michelle was one of the Honored Guests and spoke about her survival story. In attendance were more than 1000 women, including Janet Reno!
May
Bazaar at the VA Hospital West Patio
Friday, May 4th, 8:00am- 4:30pm
1201 NW 16th St
Miami, FL 33125
Bazaar at the VA Hospital Sahara Volunteers set up a booth at the VA Hospital on May 4th to sell “gently used” clothing and crafts. We were able to raise $200+ from the event.
General Body Meeting
Tuesday, May 15th, 6:30 PM
The Shakir Residence
June
General Body Meeting
Tuesday, June 19th, 6:30 PM
Dr. Jagadish's Residence
July
General Body Meeting
Saturday, July 21st, 12:00pm
Prakasam Residence
501(c)3 Status Sahara has recently incorporated as Sahara of South Florida Inc. in Florida. We have established our Board of Directors and Executive Board Members and have written the Articles of Incorporation as well as the bylaws. We have a P.O. Box and will apply for 501(c)3 status as a Non-Profit Organization in the next few months. August
General Body Meeting
Tuesday, August 14th, 6:30 PM
The Shakir Residence
Sahara Teen Dating and Violence Seminar
Saturday, August 18th, 5:30-8:30 PM
Tamarac Community Center
Tabling at AIA Indian Independence Day
Sunday, August 19th, 11:30-3:30 PM
BCC Omni Auditorium
Tabling at Pakistan Independence Day
Saturday, August 25th, All Day
Bayfront Park, Bayside, Miami, FL
September
General Body Meeting
Monday, September 10th, 6:30 PM
The Shakir Residence
October
DV Walk - Women in Distress of Broward
County
Saturday, October 6th
Markham Park
Team Sahara raised $1600 for Women in
Distress of Broward County! We also had a group of
volunteers walking as Team Sahara.
Thank you to everyone who walked with us
and helped raise donations.
Myth vs. Reality: A Workshop on Domestic Violence
Saturday, October 27th
BCC South Campus Library
The workshop went very well. We were
happy to see new faces at the event. We were able to sell some Sahara t-shirts
and many new volunteers signed up with Sahara.
Broward Women in Distress advocates also
attended the event and were very interested in partnering with us in future.
Thank you to all who attended.
General Body Meeting
Sunday, October 28th, 12:30pm
Jolly Residence
November
AIA Festival of India
Saturday, November 3rd
Sahara attended the Festival and had an
information booth set up.
AAPNA conference
Saturday, November 3rd
Pakistani Physician’s Conference
Sahara attended the Conference and
passed out information pamphlets and palm cards.
General Body Meeting
Tuesday, November 20th, 6:30pm
Shakir Residence
December
ICNA Sister's Conference
Tuesday, December 1st
Sahara attended and passed out
information pamphlets and palm cards.
Miami Herald Article on Sahara
Tuesday, December 1st
General Body Meeting
Tuesday,
December 18th, 6:30pm Dr. Jagadish's Residence
January 2008
Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, January 22nd 2008 at
6:30PM
Dr. Jagadish's Residence
February
Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, February 19th at 6:30 PM Indiafest 2008 Saturday, February 23nd, All-Day Event Meyer Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, FL
March
Asian Culture Festival
On March 1st and 2nd
Sahara took part in an All-Day Event at Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead. We
held a Bazaar selling “gently used” South Asian apparel and crafts. We were
pleased with our profits from the event. Thank you for your donations!
Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, March 18th at 6:30PM
Jazz Yatra Saturday, March 22nd at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, Sahara held an evening of Music and Dance to raise funds for our community group. The evening was a scintillating presentation of Jazz and Indian styles of music, blending together seamlessly. The professional Indian Classical dancers, focused on the theme on "Rejuvenation", also brilliantly choreographed to fusion tunes. As one of our biggest Fundraising Events, Jazz Yatra was able to raise $ 9,000 in ticket sales and donations to assist Asian Women in Distress in the South Florida Communities. April
Sahara Event
Wednesday, April 9th, 2008
Jim and Jan Moran Family Center
Fort Lauderdale, FL at 6:15pm
Sahara had the pleasure of
hosting Dr. Sujata Warrier, a well renown expert on the intersections of
culture and domestic violence. As the President of the Board of Directors of
Manavi, a sister organization to Sahara and Director of the New York City
Program of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence,
Dr. Warrier joined the Sahara community for an evening discussion to
explore the dynamics of domestic violence in South Asian families. The evening
concluded with a dinner for our guest speaker at Royal India restaurant in Ft.
Lauderale.
May June
Sahara General Body Meeting
Pictures of Sahara Events
Sahara Table at the AIA Indian Independence Day Program - August 15, 2006 Accepting a certificate of participation at the event
Volunteers at Jazz Yatra January 27th 2007
The Sahara Segment The Musical Segment
Team Sahara at Jazz Yatra
Sahara Table at the Women's Fund Luncheon
Sahara Volunteers with Janet Reno
Sahara Volunteers at July's General Body Meeting - Saturday July 21st, 2007
Sahara Teen Summit Attendee's - Saturday, August 18th 2007
Sahara Table at AIA Indian Independence Day Event - Sunday, August 19th 2007
Team Sahara at Women in Distress Walk Against Domestic Violence - Saturday, October 6, 2007, Markham Park
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Sahara is non-profit organization and is solely responsible for the content of this website. Founded in 2005, Sahara is a joint project of the Asian American Advisory Board of and the Women's Fund of Miami-Dade. We are not affiliated with any other organizations.
Send mail to
info.at.saharafl@gmail.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
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