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ABOUT US

Dive Into Our Journey

UMMA Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities in Lake County. Since 2004, we have provided access to essential resources like food, housing, education, and job readiness programs, all driven by our commitment to fostering prosperous lives for every member of our community.

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Who We Are

UMMA Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting underserved communities in Lake County. UMMA means community in Arabic, and since 2004, we have been working to strengthen our community. We uplift every member of our community by providing access to food, housing, education, and job readiness programs. Our commitment to helping individuals lead prosperous lives drives our work.

 

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What We Do

We address critical community needs by focusing on food security, affordable housing, healthcare, education, and career development. Our holistic approach ensures that we meet immediate needs while empowering people to build sustainable futures.

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Why We Do It

UMMA’s mission is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves access to the resources and opportunities necessary for success. We are committed to creating a Lake County where everyone can live a prosperous, fulfilling life.

Founding Story

Driven by a powerful vision to uplift under-resourced communities, UMMA was born from a commitment to education and empowerment.

UMMA, the Urban Muslim Minority Alliance, started with a simple but powerful idea: to uplift those in need, beginning with education. In 2003, after a year that truly tested me, I read Malcolm X’s autobiography during a trip to China. His commitment to self-improvement and his relentless pursuit of justice for marginalized communities deeply moved me. I felt an immediate connection to his journey and knew I had to embark on a path of my own—one that would not only change my life but the lives of many others in Lake County.

Later that same year, I had the opportunity to complete Hajj, a pilgrimage that profoundly shifted my perspective. Upon my return, I couldn’t ignore the stark disparities between affluent areas and the under-resourced communities of Waukegan and its surroundings. I began seeing these struggles with fresh eyes, realizing how similar they were to those faced by inner-city communities across America.

One night in May 2003, while driving home from a volunteer event, the idea for UMMA hit me like lightning. My purpose was clear: to create a space where underserved individuals could access the tools and resources they needed to uplift themselves and their families. By 2004, UMMA opened its doors, starting humbly as a GED center for high school dropouts. Even then, I knew UMMA was destined for more.

In the early years, our focus was on alleviating poverty. We worked tirelessly to provide basic needs and educational opportunities. But over time, I realized that simply helping people survive wasn’t enough. Our mission had to evolve. It wasn’t just about alleviating poverty—it was about creating prosperity

The word prosperity became our guiding light. To me, prosperity is more than financial stability. It’s about thriving in every aspect of life—health, relationships, personal growth, and purpose. It means living a life filled with meaning, joy, and connection, where individuals have the resources—physical, emotional, and spiritual—to truly flourish. This shift in focus has been at the heart of everything we do today at UMMA.

We’re not just addressing immediate needs; we’re helping individuals and families build prosperous lives. I believe that everyone, no matter where they start, deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Guided by this belief, UMMA has grown into the vibrant community center it is today—empowering, inspiring, and uplifting all those we serve.

This is our story, and it continues. Our vision is to create a Lake County where every individual and family has the resources, opportunities, and support to build a prosperous life.


Ashfaq Mohiuddin

Founder & Chairman of the Board

Impact

For two decades, the UMMA Center has been a pillar of hope and opportunity for the underserved communities in Lake County. Our mission to provide comprehensive services that promote self-sufficiency and empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty is more than just a statement – it's a lived reality for the thousands of people we serve each year.

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Our Harvest Market, a vital initiative, ensures that no family in our community goes hungry. Last year, we served [#] families, providing them with healthy, fresh, and culturally appropriate food. This not only ensured access to nutritious meals but also fueled their health and well-being, making a significant impact on our community.

In response to the growing housing crisis, UMMA is proud to contribute to creating affordable housing solutions. Through our partnerships and advocacy, [#] affordable housing units have been secured or are in development, offering families a safe and stable place to call home.

Education and job placement programs at UMMA have been nothing short of transformative. Our [#] students in education programs are gaining essential skills, and [#] individuals in our job placement programs are finding meaningful employment that helps them build sustainable futures. These programs, with their profound impact, meet our diverse community's unique needs, ensuring everyone has a pathway to success.

At UMMA, we don't just provide services – we build community. Every day, we work to create a supportive environment where people can connect, grow, and thrive. Our impact goes beyond numbers; it is felt and seen in the stories of resilience, hope, and transformation that define our work in Lake County.

Boards of Directors

Meet the dedicated individuals guiding UMMA's mission and vision

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Ashfaq Mohiuddin

Founder, Procore Technologies

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Irfan Misbah

PhotoShelter

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Mohammed Z Basith

Treasurer, Anthem, Inc

Suhael Ahmed

Suheal Ahmed

Board Member

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Conicia Jackson

Board Member

Our Staff

Our team of full-time and part-time employees work tirelessly to make our vision a reality.

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Hamaas Ibrahim

Executive Director

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Tameeca Russell

Director of Programs/Operation

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Kelly Jimenez

Director of Development & Communications

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Tynesha Stevens

Outreach Coordinator & Case Manager

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Ben Veal

GED & Financial Literacy Instructor

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Brayan Gaytan

ESL & Spanish Instructor

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Stuart Brandt

Harvest Market Driver

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Cyrus Paddock

Harvest Market Driver

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Ruth Reyes

Harvest Market Assistant

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Oscar Rodriguez

Harvest Market Assistant

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Asma Arif

Harvest Market Assistant

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Reveca Bello

Maintenance

Donations

Support UMMA today with a donation.

2024 General Support

Your donation helps UMMA continue empowering communities through education, resources, and essential services.

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Turkey Drive

Help provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need by sponsoring a turkey and sides this holiday season.

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