An agency built around the vision that strong families are the foundation for a strong community celebrated the official opening of its Winkler location last week.
The new Healthy Muslim Families office aims to strengthen and empower families through education, workshops, and support services in line with Muslim values.
Healthy Muslim Families began in Winnipeg with volunteers who were working to help meet the needs of Muslim families there in 2010. The organization was incorporated in 2020 and is now a non-profit working to fill the gaps in services to support the growing Muslim community in Manitoba.
Their new Winkler office is in the same building as the mosque at 2-385 Mountain Ave., and program director Shaista Zahid Zehri says it will provide support and a variety of services to the over 200 Muslim families who are making their home in the Pembina Valley.
She sees her position as a great opportunity to be involved in providing a hub for collaboration, support, and community engagement.
“They thought I’ve been in the community a long time, especially the local community and our Muslim community,’ she said. “I would love to work voluntarily with the different organizations … like Regional Connections and Central Station. It’s a good opportunity for me to serve more.
“I’m so glad I can do something better and good for whatever the people’s needs are,” Zehri said. “I love to work with the people … I can do more work for the community … it’s good for me to connect with people and what the needs are, and I can try my best to help in a good way.”
Zehri sees the office playing a vital role and filling a void in a range of areas such as family programs, women support, public education, financial and employment support, youth skills and leadership, and more.
“Some people, they need help, but they hesitate to talk, to go out … this is a good option,” she suggested.
“They are doing youth skills and leadership. They’re doing art and culture, which is exciting because my daughters, they are really amazing at art and things, so I thought it’s a good opportunity for other kids. They can come and use their skills and stuff, especially they have maybe a couple summer programs.
“I love especially the women’s support because women always are maybe hesitant to be open,” Zehri added. “So many newcomers are coming … they need help … and it’s a good thing to network with them.”
You can find more information online at www.healthymuslimfamilies.ca.
