History of Sahara

Sahara Accomplishments and Events from 2004-2009

Sahara is very proud of the goals that have been met in the past 5 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

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  capacity-building grant and is currently identifying future opportunities. Sahara is a self-sustaining organization with 501(c)3 status and part-time staff.

Thank you for your support to Sahara! We truly appreciate it.

Events

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!

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.

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.

 

2007

January
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 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
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
Sahara Volunteers set up a booth at the VA Hospital in Miami 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
http://www.miamiherald.com/367/story/326521.html

General Body Meeting
Tuesday, December 18th, 6:30pm Dr. Jagadish's Residence
 

2008

 
January
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 2008 - 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. Lauderdale.
May

Sahara General Body Meeting
Thursday, May 20th, 7:00pm
BCC Pembroke Pines Library

June
Sahara General Body Meeting
Thursday, June 26th, 6:30pm
Shakir Residence

July

Sahara/SABA Seminar: Legal Issues in Domestic Violence and General Body Meeting
Thursday, July 17th, 2008
6:00pm - 7:00pm Legal Seminar
7:15pm - 8:00pm Sahara General Body Meeting
BCC Pembroke Pines South Campus Library
7300 Pines Blvd,
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

Sahara/SABA Seminar II
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
University of Miami School of Law
Room E352
1311 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL

August

Sahara Tabling
Association of Indians in America (AIA) 2008 Independence Day Celebration
Sunday, August 17, 2008
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Venue: Omni Auditorium, BCC
1000 Coconut Creek Blvd.
Coconut Creek, FL 33066

September
Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday September 16th, 6:30pm
Shakir Residence

Aarohan Conference Attendance -  South Asian Women's Organization Networking Event - September 19th and 20th New Brunswick, NJ

October

Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, October 21st 2008 at 6:30pm
Prakasam Residence

November

Sahara Organizational Development Training
Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 10:00am - 5:00pm
Tamarac Community Center - Facilitated by Vinita Jethwani of Manavi

December

2009

January
Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade in partnership with the Tides Foundation Catalyst Fund has selected Sahara as the 2009 Women of Color led Reproductive Justice Catalyst Fund Grantee! We are very excited for this Grant Award.

Sahara Participation
Hindu American Foundation Event - South Florida Hindu Education and Awareness Fundraising Campaign
Sunday, January 18th

"How to Host a Chai Chat" - Description and Training Session
Want to join Sahara's cause and make a difference, but not quite sure how to? You can be a host to a "Chai Chat". Sahara volunteers will be meeting each month for informal tea and snack parties where men and women come together to discuss various topics. Please join us and learn how to host a "Chai Chat" event.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Dr. Jagadish's Residence

February

March

Sahara Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 17th 6:30pm
Saturday, March 21, 2009

Sahara Participation Event - A Healthy Family = A Healthy Community: This program was arranged by a local South Florida mosque and was very well attended. About 50-60 women of all ages were present. Representatives of Sahara did a short presentation including a case study and resources in South Florida. We had a very positive response. Materials such as brochures and palm cards were passed out and the Sahara representatives also had a Question/Answer session.

April

Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, April 21st 6:30pm
Jagadish Residence

Womens Fund of Miami Dade Luncheon
On April 24th, Members of Sahara attended the Women’s Fund’s Annual Luncheon at the Hilton in Biscayne. As Grantee’s, Sahara set up a display table and handed out palm cards and pamphlets.  In attendance were close to 1000 women from the Miami-Dade communities!

SAALT Conference Attendance - April 25th and 26th, Washington, DC.

Sahara Tabling
AMANA Festival
Hollywood, FL

Women And Sharia Law Lecture/Presentation
Women’s Club of Miami
 

May

Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, May 19th  at 6:30pm - Shakir Residence

Asian Heritage Month Event
Miami-Dade Community College
 

June

Sahara Board Meeting
Tuesday, June 16th  at 6:30pm - Shakir Residence

July

Sahara General Body Meeting and Film Screening
Saturday, July 25th from 1:30pm - 5:00pm
Meeting from 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Screening of "Provoked" From 2:30pm - 5:00pm
Light refreshments and snacks served.

Admission FREE.
South Regional-BCC Library
7300 Pines Boulevard
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

August

Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, August 18th, 6:30pm
Mehfil Restaurant
8580, NW 44th Street
Lauderhill, FL 33351-6004.
954-742-3370

Sahara Tabling
Association of Indians in America (AIA) 2009 Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, August 22, 2009
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Venue: Coral Springs Center for the Arts

September

Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, September 15th, 6:30pm
Jagadish Residence

Sahara and SAALT Town Hall: One Community United Town Hall for the South Asian Community on Immigration & Human Rights
Saturday, September 26th
Tamarac Community Center
8601 West Commercial Blvd.
Tamarac, FL 33351

At this event, we will discuss immigration, human rights, exchange ideas, information, hear from local, national organizations, so you or your organization can get involved and make change!
'One Community United’ is a campaign on immigrant and civil rights coordinated by the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations (NCSO). The campaign seeks to promote community dialogue and elevate the call for humane immigration laws and strong civil rights protections. For more information on the NCSO and the campaign, please contact SAALT at saalt@saalt.org or visit www.saalt.org.

COSPONSORED BY: Florida Immigration Coalition; Miami Dade Asian American Advisory Board; Sahara of South Florida; South Asian Americans Leading Together. Refreshments will be provided.


October
Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, October 20th at 6:30pm
Shakir Residence

Safespace Domestic Violence Walk
Gwen Margolis Amphitheater
16501 NE 16th Avenue, behind NMB Library
North Miami, FL

November
Friends of Asian-American Advisory Board Scholarship Event
University of Miami, FL
Sahara was a cosponsor of this event.

Dinner and a Movie: Film Screening of ―Slumdog Millionaire
Barry University, North Miami

December
Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, December 8th at 6:30pm
Shakir Residence

Walk in Solidarity, Eat in Peace Fundraiser
Barry University, North Miami
Sahara and No More Tears cosponsored a walk and candlelight vigil to raise awareness about domestic violence. We concluded with a dinner and fundraiser to help support our work.

2010

January
Sahara Board Election Meeting
Tuesday, January 19th at 6PM
Jagadish Residence

February
Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, February 9th at 6:30pm
Shakir Residence

March
Sahara Bazaar
Fruit and Spice Park Festival
March 6th and 7th
Homestead, FL
For the fifth year in a row, Sahara members hosted our Annual Bazaar at the Asian Festival in Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead. We sold “gently used” South Asian apparel and crafts to help support victim services.

Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, March 23rd at 6:30pm
Shakir Residence

April
Women's Fund Power of the Purse Luncheon
Omni Hotel, Miami, Fl
On April 30th, Members of Sahara along with 800 women attended the Women’s Fund’s Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon. As Grantee’s, Sahara set up a powerpoint and handed out palm cards and pamphlets.

May
Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, May 18th at 6:30pm
Dr. Jagadish's Residence

June
Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, June 15th at 6:30pm
Shakir Residence

Sahara's Community Health Workshop
June 18th
UHI Clinic, Miami Gardens
Tehsin Siddiqui of Sahara began the first of a series of informative workshop on health and domestic violence at the UHI Clinic in Miami Gardens.

July
Sahara General Body Meeting
Tuesday, July 21st at 6:30pm
Dr. Jagadish's Residence

Chai Chat
July 24th
Choudhury Residence
Nilu Choudhury of Sahara hosted a chai chat with former clients of Sahara.