Muslim Food Bank Success Stories

Parvin not to tell Aarizu about his condition because he didn’t want to worry her. To help with her pregnancy, Parvin connected Aarizu with Sheway, a support organization for pregnant women which provided Aarizu with prenatal vitamins as well as a gift card. Parvin helped interpret for Aarizu and drove her back to her home. Parvin also answered many of Farhad and Aarizu’s questions ranging from weather-appropriate clothing to checking bus timing to even how to cross the street. SometimesParvin answered questions they hadn’t even asked. Parvin went the extra mile to bring out a positive flare within this family. She often spoke to Farhad and Aarizu about ways to distress themselves by using nature as a means of therapy. “I didn’t just help them with integration and life skills, I also helped them adopt a positive outlook on life,” Parvin said. “I said to them that just having an open mind will ensure that you receive what the universe has in store for you.” One of the most memorable experiences for Parvin was when she was in the car with Farhad, his wife and their 12-year-old son. Emotions were high as Farhad recounted the battles they fought to get to this point in their lives. Parvin wanted to break the ice so she asked Farhad to sing. Farhad used to sing in Persian and Turkish before life took a toll on him. At first, Farhad was hesitant but after Aarizu insisted, he started his serenade. “I’d never experienced anything like that before,” Parvin recalls. “Believe it or not, all of us, including Farhad, broke down hearing him sing.” Though Farhad is still fighting his cancer, he is now hopeful that life will give him and his family another chance. These are real stories where our volunteers have an impact on members of our community helping them progress in their lives. InshaAllah next week we will bring you another story. Please join us to have a purpose in your life to make a difference in the lives of your brothers and sisters by coming to our events and registering as a volunteer or donating to your organization, the Muslim Food Bank and Community Services Society (usually referred to as Muslim Food Bank) at www.muslimfoodbank.com/donate. Our email is contact@muslimfoodbank.com and telephone number is 1-866-824-2525.