CHICAGO: Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) received a $50,000 grant secured by state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, to help support the Public Benefits Program for Seniors.
“MAFS plays a critical role in breaking down barriers and connecting people with Medicaid, Social Security, and other resources,” Yang Rohr Said. “This grant will go far in reaching more families and ensuring they have support at every step of the way. I look forward to working with them in the future and doing more to support our 41st District community.”
MAFS’s mission is to provide comprehensive and integrated social services to seniors and the immigrant population of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East, and East European countries. These services include but are not limited to educating, counseling, assisting, and empowering individuals and families to become productive members in their new homes. MAFS serves 10,000 individuals and families annually across Chicagoland through programs like Congregate and Home Delivered Meals, Public Benefits and Immigration Assistance, South Asian Health Research, Physical and Mental Health Programs, Adult Literacy, Referrals, and Counseling.
The Public Benefits Program for Seniors is ongoing in Naperville and Carol Stream serving DuPage, Will, Kane, and Kendall counties. Its purpose is to inform and educate South Asian immigrant seniors about essential health and economic benefits and provide complete assistance in accessing them.
These benefits include Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Benefits Access, Medicare Savings Program (MSP), and Referral Services as enhanced support.
The low-income immigrant seniors face severe language, cultural and technological barriers in accessing state/federal benefits. They also lack basic information and awareness about benefits and continue to live in poverty and isolation. The program spreads awareness through open houses, benefits workshops, and extensive outreach throughout the year. It provides translations, escorts to agencies, application and follow-up services to ensure seniors receive the benefits they are entitled to.
The program serves 350 seniors annually generating a total customer benefit of over 1.5 million dollars. It plays an instrumental role in empowering seniors financially and improving their quality of life.
For further information regarding MAFS, visit Metropolitan Asian Family Services, Inc. (mafsinc.com)or please contact Dr. Santosh Kumar at 847-306-7606; santoshk@umasinc.com
Madhu Patel
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