October 2025 Impact Report
MUNA Social Services (MSS) & New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) Fights Food Insecurity In Jackson Heights
On October 4, 2025, MUNA Social Services (MSS) partnered with the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) to address food insecurity in Jackson Heights, a vibrant and densely populated immigrant hub in Queens, NY. This joint effort was part of a larger push to provide responsive and dignified support to working-class families, many of whom continue to feel the effects of inflation, job insecurity, and recent federal assistance cuts.
The community distribution event drew a strong turnout and brought together residents from across the neighborhood. MSS set up a distribution table to provide pantry essentials, including canned goods, produce, and shelf-stable staples. Alongside this, an information table was set up where attendees could learn more about MSS’s full range of services—from after-school tutoring and SHSAT preparation to senior assistance, SNAP enrollment help, and more.
The collaboration with NYIC proved to be a powerful model for how organizations can pool resources and networks to meet people where they are and deliver both immediate relief and long-term opportunity.
“People shouldn’t have to choose between rent and dinner. That’s why partnerships like this one are vital,” said Tasnimul Abrar, Director of Marketing at MUNA Social Services.
As food insecurity continues to affect thousands of New Yorkers each month, MSS remains committed to working closely with NYIC and other advocacy groups to ensure that vulnerable communities receive not only help—but hope. Plans are already underway to explore additional events and deeper collaboration across NYC.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Foster visits AIM HIGH ACADEMY
On October 16, 2025, NYPD Acting Deputy Commissioner Alden Foster of the Community Affairs Bureau (CAU) visited Aim High Academy, MUNA Social Services’ flagship after-school education program located in East New York. His visit was part of a broader NYPD initiative to foster meaningful connections with youth in underserved communities.
Commissioner Foster, joined by members of the NYPD Community Affairs Unit, spent time engaging with students, observing academic enrichment sessions, and participating in open dialogue. During a student-led Q&A, participants asked thoughtful questions about community safety, the role of law enforcement, and how youth can contribute to improving their neighborhoods.
The session offered an important space for mutual understanding and relationship-building. Many students shared their own experiences and listened intently as Commissioner Foster spoke about leadership, responsibility, and the NYPD’s efforts to build stronger community trust.
“This kind of engagement matters,” said Abdul Jabbar, Director of Education at MUNA Social Services. “When students see law enforcement leadership taking time to listen, connect, and invest in their growth, it leaves a lasting impression.”
As a program dedicated to equipping students with both academic tools and civic awareness, Aim High Academy values opportunities like these to bridge the gap between youth and public institutions.
MSS looks forward to continuing this dialogue and exploring future collaborations with the NYPD and other community partners.
Feeding More, Together: MSS & City Harvest
MUNA Social Services is pleased to announce a new partnership with City Harvest, one of New York City’s most respected food rescue organizations. As part of this collaboration, City Harvest will be supporting five of MSS’s food pantry sites with regular food donations:
Jackson Heights
Baitul Islam Masjid
Parkchester Islamic Center
Brooklyn Islamic Center
East Flatbush
This partnership represents a critical boost to MSS’s Nourish Emergency Food Assistance Program, allowing us to better serve thousands of families in under-resourced neighborhoods across New York City. With City Harvest’s backing, these pantry locations will benefit from increased consistency and diversity in food supplies—enabling us to offer more fresh produce, shelf-stable items, and culturally relevant groceries.
“We’re excited to expand our impact with the help of City Harvest,” said Dr. Jahangir Kabir, Director of Operations and Communication at MUNA Social Services. “Their support strengthens our ability to fight food insecurity with dignity, care, and community partnership.”
As MSS continues to grow its network of pantry sites—currently serving communities in New York, New Jersey, and Delaware—this partnership marks another meaningful step forward in building a more resilient and food-secure future for the families we serve.
Equipping Our Team: CPR Training by American Heart Association
On October 23, 2025, staff and volunteers from MUNA Social Services participated in a hands-on CPR training session conducted by certified instructors from the American Heart Association (AHA). The training was part of MSS’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety and preparedness of its team members across all community programs.
Participants learned critical lifesaving skills, including hands-only CPR, recognizing cardiac emergencies, and proper response techniques using automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The training emphasized real-life scenarios and included both practice and certification components.
“As a community-focused organization, it’s important that our team is equipped not just to serve, but also to respond in emergencies,” said Safayet Safa, Executive Director of MSS. “These skills are valuable in our work, and in everyday life.”
With team members working in pantries, after-school programs, senior services, and community outreach, CPR training ensures that MSS is prepared to handle emergencies with confidence and care—strengthening both its internal capacity and public trust.
A New Home for Our Seniors in Kensington
MUNA Social Services is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its newest Senior Connection Center on November 24, 2025, at PS 179 in Kensington, Brooklyn (202 Avenue C, Brooklyn, NY 11218).
This center is part of MSS’s continued effort to support older adults through programs that foster community engagement, social connection, and access to vital resources. Once launched, the Kensington Senior Connection Center will serve as a hub where seniors can participate in group activities, receive help with benefit enrollment, and access other support services that promote wellness and independence.
The opening is made possible through partnerships with NIA Community Services Network, the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), and Council Member Shahana Hanif. Their support ensures this new center will meet the needs of Kensington’s growing senior population.
MSS welcomes the community to join us on opening day and help spread the word to eligible seniors in the area.
MSS x Queens Borough President Richards
On October 24, 2025, MUNA Social Services was honored to welcome Queens Borough President Donavan Richards to our Logistics Hub in Queens. His visit marked a key moment of dialogue around expanding community impact through stronger collaboration on essential services.
During the visit, discussions focused on how to more effectively coordinate efforts in Emergency Food Assistance, Youth Engagement, and Senior Services across Queens. President Richards expressed strong interest in supporting local organizations like MSS that are actively addressing food insecurity and building long-term educational and wellness support for youth and seniors.
MSS shared updates on its current efforts, including the Nourish Emergency Food Assistance Program, Aim High Academy, and Senior Connection initiatives—all of which serve hundreds of families in Queens on a regular basis. The meeting also explored ways to streamline resources and create more sustainable service models through city-wide partnerships.
This visit reaffirmed MSS’s commitment to building collaborative relationships with public officials in order to better serve vulnerable communities and respond quickly and efficiently to evolving needs across the borough.
Partnering with Parents for SHSAT Success
On October 25, 2025, Aim High Academy hosted a Parent-Teacher Conference for families of students enrolled in the SHSAT Prep Course—bringing together parents, educators, and program staff to strengthen collaboration during this critical admissions season.
The event featured an in-depth information session led by Tareque Abdullah, CPA, Special Advisor to the Education Department at MUNA Social Services. Drawing from his own experience as a parent of three Specialized High School graduates, Br. Tareque walked families through the SHSAT registration process, key deadlines, and how to strategically rank school choices on the high school application. Parents gained clarity on navigating NYC’s complex high school admissions system and how to advocate effectively for their children’s academic futures.
In addition to registration guidance, families had the opportunity to meet with instructors for updates on their children’s academic progress and test readiness. The event also emphasized the importance of family support during this high-pressure time, offering tips on staying motivated, managing stress, and creating productive study environments at home.
The session concluded with a community lunch hosted by MSS, where parents and staff continued conversations, shared advice, and built connections. The gathering reaffirmed Aim High Academy’s core mission: empowering students through education, and empowering parents through partnership.
The Dire State of Hunger in New York City:
MSS Distributes Over 400,000 Pounds of Food to 25,000+ People in October 2025
In October 2025, MUNA Social Services’ Nourish Emergency Food Assistance Program (NEFAP) reached a new milestone, distributing over 400,000 pounds of food to more than 25,000 individuals across 32 pantry sites in New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.
This continued effort reflects MSS’s commitment to addressing food insecurity in vulnerable communities—particularly among low-income families, seniors, and immigrants struggling to make ends meet. Each pantry distribution includes a thoughtful mix of fresh produce, shelf-stable staples, halal meat, and culturally familiar goods.
“With prices going up everywhere, the food we receive from MSS helps keep our family going each month,” said Nijam Uddin, a father of four who regularly visits the Jackson Heights pantry. “It’s more than just food—it’s a lifeline.”
Much of NEFAP’s impact comes from the work behind the scenes—logistics, sourcing, coordination with masjids and community centers, and the dedication of dozens of volunteers.
“We don’t just serve food—we serve hope, dignity, and stability,” said Anamul Hoque, Director of Food Operations at MSS. “Our team works tirelessly each month to ensure every bag of food reaches a family that needs it most.”
As demand continues to grow, MSS plans to scale its food operations even further—building on strong community partnerships to ensure no one is left behind.