September 2025 Impact Report
Former Congressman Jamal Bowman Visits Aim High Academy Students
On September 13, 2025, former U.S. Congressman and educator Jamal Bowman visited MUNA Social Services’ Aim High Academy, where he spent time engaging directly with students in both the Robotics Club and the SHSAT Prep Program.
With his background as a middle school principal and advocate for educational equity, Mr. Bowman brought a powerful message of encouragement, curiosity, and self-belief. During his visit, he took the time to speak individually with students, listening to their goals and challenges while sharing personal stories that resonated with many.
In the Robotics Club, students demonstrated the robots they’ve been building and programming—impressing Bowman with their hands-on skills, teamwork, and creativity. He asked questions, gave feedback, and drew connections between STEM education and real-world problem-solving.
In the SHSAT Prep classroom, he connected with students preparing for one of New York City’s most competitive exams, urging them to stay focused and view their preparation as part of a longer journey toward leadership and impact.
“Having someone like Jamal Bowman visit our classrooms brings our mission to life,” said Abdul Jabbar, Director of Education at MUNA Social Services. “He reminded our students that success is not just about scores—it’s about service, character, and believing in your ability to lead.”
The visit concluded with the distribution of new school bags to all attending students—equipping them not only with supplies, but with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
MUNA Social Services Honors the Hands That Help
On September 18, 2025, MUNA Social Services held its first-ever Volunteer Appreciation Day at the MUNA Center of New York (MCNY)—a heartfelt event dedicated to recognizing the individuals who power MSS’s programs across the city.
Volunteers from across MSS initiatives—including food pantries, education, senior outreach, and community support services—came together for an evening of appreciation, connection, and reflection. From delivering groceries to mentoring students, these individuals have played a vital role in strengthening neighborhoods and uplifting lives.
The event featured a recognition ceremony honoring several volunteers for their outstanding service and leadership: Nakib Ahmed, Shamsul Haque, Md. Sayyed, Abdus Saalam, Luis Vargas, and Hadayatul Islam—each recognized for their consistency, impact, and heart.
A cookout session followed, where attendees enjoyed BBQ, food, and fellowship in a casual and celebratory atmosphere—a chance to unwind, share stories, and strengthen bonds across different program areas.
“Our volunteers are not just part of our mission—they are the reason we’re able to carry it forward,” said Dr. Jahangir Kabir, Director of Operations and Communication. “This first appreciation day is a small step in expressing our immense gratitude for the dedication they show every single day.”
This celebration marked a milestone for MSS and set the tone for future efforts to highlight and uplift the everyday heroes making a difference in our communities.
MSS Receives Crane Charitable Fund Award to Combat Food Insecurity
MUNA Social Services was honored to be selected as a recipient of the Crane Charitable Fund Award, receiving $4,000 in support of its Nourish Emergency Food Assistance Program. The award was accepted by Dr. Mohammed Riajul Islam, who represented MSS at the award ceremony.
This generous grant will directly support the purchase and distribution of nutritious food items to families across New York, New Jersey, and Delaware—helping Nourish continue its mission of addressing food insecurity through dignity, consistency, and compassion.
“We are grateful to the Crane Charitable Fund for recognizing our work and investing in the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Islam. “This award helps us continue to meet growing demand and provide critical support to those facing hunger.”
The Crane Charitable Fund supports organizations making measurable impact in underserved communities. MSS is proud to be among this year’s recipients and remains committed to building partnerships that help alleviate hunger and uplift lives.
MSS Meets with Council Member Pierina Sanchez to Expand Local Services
In a continued effort to strengthen community partnerships and expand access to critical programs, MUNA Social Services met with Council Member Pierina Sanchez to discuss ongoing and future service initiatives in Council District 14 in the Bronx.
During the meeting, Dr. Jahangir Kabir, Director of Operations and Communication, shared updates on the services MSS is currently providing in the district—including the Nourish Emergency Food Assistance Program, which operates a food pantry at 2101 Davidson Avenue, serving hundreds of local families every month.
Looking ahead, MSS expressed its commitment to deepening its impact in the area through the expansion of additional programs. These include plans to bring Aim High Academy to the district, offering after-school enrichment for K–12 students, SHSAT preparation, and academic mentorship. MSS also aims to introduce its Senior Connection Program, providing older adults with access to wellness activities, social services, and monthly food assistance.
“We’re committed to meeting our communities where they are,” said Dr. Kabir. “By expanding educational and senior services in District 14, we hope to continue building bridges of opportunity, stability, and support.”
MUNA Social Services looks forward to continued collaboration with Council Member Sanchez to better serve Bronx residents in meaningful and sustainable ways.
MSS Receives Elliot Awards Grant to Support Volunteer Development
MUNA Social Services is honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Elliot Awards Grant, a recognition of our ongoing commitment to grassroots service and volunteer-powered impact.
This grant will directly support the expansion and professionalization of MSS’s growing volunteer network. Specifically, the funds will be used to hire, train, and recognize volunteers who play an essential role across programs such as Nourish Emergency Food Assistance, Aim High Academy, Community Help Center, and Senior Connection.
Volunteers have always been the backbone of MSS’s operations—from distributing food to tutoring students to helping neighbors access vital social services. This grant provides the opportunity to invest in the people who make this work possible.
“We’re proud to receive this support, because it affirms the value of investing in our volunteers,” said Dr. Jahangir Kabir, Director of Operations and Communication at MSS. “This funding helps us strengthen the infrastructure behind our service and build a sustainable culture of community leadership.”
As MSS continues to grow across New York and beyond, this grant marks a key milestone in ensuring that volunteers are not only appreciated—but empowered.
MSS Launches New Food Pantry at Jamaica Muslim Center
On September 23, 2025, MUNA Social Services officially launched its newest Nourish Emergency Food Assistance pantry at Jamaica Muslim Center (JMC) in Queens, expanding its reach in the fight against food insecurity.
This new pantry will operate on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, offering local families access to fresh produce, shelf-stable items, and essential groceries—all free of charge.
The initiative is part of MSS’s broader mission to ensure that no family goes hungry, particularly in underserved neighborhoods across New York. With this new site, MSS now supports over 30 pantry locations across New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, serving tens of thousands each month.
“Expanding our food assistance to Jamaica is a vital step in meeting families where they are,” said Dr. Jahangir Kabir, Director of Operations and Communication. “We’re grateful to JMC for partnering with us in this effort and look forward to serving the community together.”
Through partnerships like this, MSS continues to build a network of access, dignity, and care—one pantry at a time.
More Time to Learn: AIM HIGH ACADEMY Launches 4-day After School
This fall, MUNA Social Services is proud to announce the expansion of its Aim High Academy Afterschool Program to a four-day weekly schedule at the East New York branch. The program now runs Monday through Thursday, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, offering students a consistent and supportive learning environment throughout the week.
This major step reflects MSS’s commitment to providing academic support, enrichment, and mentorship to students in underserved communities. With more instructional time, students now benefit from structured homework help, subject tutoring, and skill-building workshops designed to enhance classroom performance and boost long-term success.
“Extending to four days a week allows us to build deeper relationships with our students and track their progress more effectively,” said Abdul Jabbar, Director of Education at MUNA Social Services. “It’s about giving them more time, more care, and more opportunity.”
Parents have expressed enthusiasm for the expanded schedule, noting the consistency it brings to their children’s routines. With experienced academic mentors and a curriculum rooted in both support and challenge, Aim High Academy continues to grow as a vital pillar of youth development in the East New York community.
As the program scales, MSS remains focused on equity, quality, and community—ensuring that every student has the tools they need to aim high and succeed.
CHC Expands Reach in Brooklyn
Now in its second month of operation, the Kensington branch of MUNA Social Services’ Community Help Center (CHC) is already experiencing a significant rise in demand. The number of individuals and families seeking help has steadily increased—underscoring the growing need for accessible, in-person social services in the area.
The CHC provides critical, one-on-one support with services such as SNAP and medical insurance applications, immigration paperwork, job assistance, DMV appointments, and more. As word spreads through community networks, local institutions, and personal referrals, more residents are turning to CHC as a reliable place for navigating essential systems with clarity and compassion.
“The steady increase in clients at our Kensington branch shows how critical these services are,” said Mohammed Rahman, Director of the Community Help Center. “Our goal is not just to assist people once, but to walk with them through their journey—making systems more accessible and human.”
This early growth reflects the success of CHC’s mission: bridging gaps, removing barriers, and empowering families—especially immigrants, seniors, and low-income individuals who often face challenges accessing services on their own.
As MUNA Social Services looks ahead, the Kensington CHC is poised to become a long-term anchor in the neighborhood—offering compassionate, hands-on support for every stage of life.
The Dire State of Hunger in New York City:
MSS Distributes Over 350,000 Pounds of Food to 26,000+ People in September 2025
This past month, MSS served over 26,000 individuals, distributing more than 350,000 pounds of nutritious food to families in need. From fresh produce and halal proteins to shelf-stable staples, the program continues to prioritize both quality and accessibility for all.
One pantry recipient, Sakina R., shared, “With prices going up, it’s been hard to keep my family fed. The MSS pantry has been a real blessing. I always find something useful here—and people who treat me with kindness.”
The scale of NEFAP’s impact reflects the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, local partners, and donors who make this operation possible week after week.
“Food insecurity is not just about hunger—it’s about dignity, stability, and access,” said Tasnimul Abrar, Assistant Director of Education at MUNA Social Services. “We’re proud of the growing reach of Nourish, but we’re even more committed to the quality and care behind every bag of food we deliver.”
With continued community support, MSS remains steadfast in its mission to provide relief with compassion—and ensure that every neighbor has a place to turn when times are tough.