Posted on October 30, 2020 at 9:54 AM by Denise Cartina
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Shamim ji is a pioneer in uplifting seniors. A teacher by profession, she now advocates for seniors. She joined hands with AARA, American Association of Retired Asians a few years ago and opened a venue for senior lunch and entertainment program at Sara’s Grill in Naperville. This program flourished immensely and another facility in Bolingbrook was soon opened. Not only did it serve the seniors as an outlet, it extended to volunteers giving them means to serve the community, feel valued, and provided them an outlet to get out of their comfort zone and hone their dormant skills.
Today, the pandemic halt has not diminished the zest of the volunteers, who now continue to deliver food to the seniors at their home, or get them ready for pick up, thus still enjoying a delicious meal at a subsidized rate. A lot of times, she and her volunteers dig into their own pockets to keep the subsidy going.
Her passion to serve, bring some form of value to the people whose lives she has touched, has also flourished the restaurant business, thus contributing to the depleted economy brought on by the Pandemic. At the age of 75 , Shamim ji brings out the best through her leadership and her values. Kudos to her. She truly deserves this award."
Nominated by Sabra Darugar