Archive

May 2015

Radiant Hands Tampa Branch held its' first fundraising dinner and silent auction May 1, 2015.
The program consisted of Quranic recitation, introduction of Radiant Hands, testimonials and a silent auction.

January & February 2015

Scholarship helping women in need of a career lift

Gainesville Sun
Darlena Cuhna
January 30, 2015

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20150130/ARTICLES/150139983/1183?p=1&tc=pg

A little-known scholarship program is helping women get back on their feet here in Gainesville and around Alachua and Marion counties by offering them the first step.

We help women who have fallen on hard times to get their GED,” said Patricia Khan, director of Radiant Hands. “Some dropped out of school to have children; others had to go to work to help their families; all of them are looking for a foothold back into society where they can start their education or get a job that provides enough money to feed and support them.”

GED courses don’t cost much through Santa Fe College’s or Alachua County’s adult education programs, but even the $30 to $35 each semester can be tough to cover when people have to choose between education and rent. Most of the scholarship money goes toward paying off the final test at the end, which can cost upwards of $180.

“Most women get through all the coursework and find themselves at the end of the program and stuck,” said Hanan K. Bilal, the director of the Radiant Works Scholarship committee. “They are ready to go and can’t afford the test.”

These women can apply for funding through the Radiant Hands website by downloading the application and sending it in to the address given. The money is not just for high school education either.

“The process is so easy and quick,” said Yvette Watson, a woman who received $300 toward a semester of her LPN coursework. “I sent in my application, and they got back to me within one day.”

Watson was already a CNA but couldn’t find regular work with that title. When she finishes school this semester, she plans on working at a school or a nursing home and making a livable wage.

“Right now I’m on disability,” she said, “but I’m working hard to better myself so I can be self-sufficient, and Radiant Hands really helped me.”

Last year, the program gave money to 10 people in need, and it has helped 40 people since its inception in 2011.

“I love this program because it’s very empowering for women,” Bilal said. “It promotes self-efficacy and education in the sector that needs it most.”

Barbara Bailey will graduate with her GED this week, and will apply to train to be a phlebotomist soon after that. She said she could not have done it without help from Radiant Hands.

“Last semester, I was able to take and pass three of my four GED exams, and I have the fourth one scheduled for January 9th,” she said. “I'm already enrolled in classes for the spring semester to prepare for my CPT exam.”

If you would like to apply for a scholarship through Radiant Hands or know someone who would be a good candidate, you can log on to the website at www.radianthands.org and click on Radiant Works Scholarship Fund.

“I can’t thank Radiant Hands enough,” Watson said. “This will really help my career. They weren’t judgmental; they understand your situation. And when I get my feet under me, I’m going to pay it forward.”

November 2014

As we reflect back over the year, Radiant Hands Inc. would like to share our progress with you, and to let you know how you made an impact on someone's life.

In June 2014, the administrative office was relocated to 6914 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa Florida and the area of service was expanded. With the expansion, new services have become available including "Individual and Family Counseling" and guidance to resources for "Job Training, Money Management, English Language & GED courses".

The new Board of Directors is:

President: Magda E. Saleh
Treasurer: Osama Kayali
Secretary: Lailah Rahim
Director: Abida Saleh

The original Board Members continue to work diligently for Radiant Hands are Ameena Khan, Amany Shalaby, Patricia Khan, Humera Hassan, Nike Akinyode, with Director-at-large: Mary Loutfi and Renee Zenaida. Funding raised in each region will be used to benefit the members of that community.

In the Gainesville/North Central Florida area this year you helped 5 people earn their General Education Diploma thus increasing job opportunities in the future.Over the past year, Radiant Hands worked with the Division of Children and Families, Salvation Army, Partnership for Strong Families, Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center, Sante Fe College and the School Board of Alachua County (Headstart program), Department of Health and the Center for Independent Living in addition to area churches to assist women and families in the area.

The year maybe winding down, but the need continues. Check out our facebook page to see a thank you note

July 2014

Radiant Hands hopes our Muslim Brothers and Sisters had a wonderful Eid celebration with their family. We extend our best wishes to everyone.

Radiant Hands wants to thank you for your support of our efforts throughout the year.

Please mark your calendars for our next event which will be at the Downtown Arts Festival in Gainesville. We will have a booth near the Hippodrome and your favorite henna artists will be there showcasing their talents. Looking forward to seeing you there - especially those with talent for henna designs - we could really use your help.

In addition, we are planning a garage sale November 22 (when it gets cooler!) so watch your email for information or checkout our Facebook page Radiant Hands Inc.

May 2014

Dear Friends,

Nearly one year ago we were contacted by members of the Tampa community who were interested in starting a chapter of Radiant Hands. Their specific goal is to guide families from instability to stability with the use of counseling services and referrals to support agencies. After hours of review, planning, and meetings we, the Radiant Hands Executive Board, decided to move forward with the expansion. We are excited to say that this means that the charity will now serve both Tampa and North Central Florida, providing much needed support for even more families!

How will this work?

Understanding that this expansion significantly increases the number of clients served, we have decided to meet the additional need by expanding the Executive Board and shifting responsibilities. In particular, the founding members of the charity will remain on the board to continue to serve North Central FL and help guide the organization through future decisions. The roles of President, Secretary, and Treasurer, however, will now be held by Magda Elkadi-Saleh, Lailah Rahim, and Osama Kayali, respectively. These officers and their team have already begun working to establish a physical office in Tampa where they will see clients, offer counseling and referral services, and hold meetings. They are working hard so that they can be up and running before the end of this summer.

How will the finances be managed?

The financial operations of the charity will now be managed by Mr. Osama Kayali, who has been working as a Certified Public Accountant in Florida for 16 years. He will work with with Mrs. Patricia Khan (former treasurer and acting president of Radiant Hands) to track and manage the donations and expenses for each chapter. In this way, donations for each region will be used to meet the needs in that particular area. In other words: donations made in NCentral FL will be used to serve NCentral FL with guidance from the NCentral FL directors, and donations made in Tampa will be used to serve Tampa with guidance from the Tampa directors.

Where do we go from here?

In taking such an exciting step forward in the development of Radiant Hands we understand that there may be some questions or comments from you, our supporters. We encourage you to please send us any such inquiries you may have, and we will do our best to answer your questions. We hope you share in our enthusiasm for this change, and as always we thank you for your continued support. Without your help we would not be able to give much needed-support to families so that they can stay in their homes and care for their loved ones during these very difficult economic times.

Best Regards,

Radiant Hands Inc.

March 2014

Acknowledgement of support

Utilities

Hello, I recently received assistance from you all. I wanted to take the time out to say thank you. Thank you not only for your immediate response to my situation but also for you help. I am eternally grateful. You were a blessing to me and my family. Thank you. SP
Thank you for the wonderful work you do, and the many ways you positively impact the lives of women in our community. J. Lazarchik, Alachua County Victim Services
Hi, We are a very thankful military family of 5 from Dunnellon. We wanted to say from our whole heart how thankful we are that your agency has been able to pay our electric because w.o electric also no water. Your agency has done a wonderful blessing to us and has eased our mind and helped us get back on track. thank you so very much. With much love and gratitude dunnellon family

Rent
I would like to say Thank You. This is truly a blessing and I am forever grateful. May God continue to bless you and this program. Sincerely, Ms,C and kids

Scholarship
Radiant Hands helped fund my GED student's tuition back in August for $120. Just thought I'd send an update and inform you that ASA passed his GED exam in December and was able to participate in the graduation ceremony at Gainesville High School. He worked really hard for me, but could not have does it without your generous support. It was certainly money well spent. Best, Danielle Klum, School Board Alachua County

"The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better."
Robert F. Kennedy