Islamic Relief USA Provides Funding to Support Returning Citizens in Genesee County

(Flint, MI) – The M.A.D.E. Institute (MADE) delivers critical services to returning citizens across Genesee County. From providing transitional housing to providing job training, MADE helps individuals start on a new path in life. To date, the organization has helped over 1,000 members of the community through their various programs. Recently, they were awarded a strategic partnership grant from Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA).

The organization is a humanitarian and advocacy organization. IRUSA has pledged $283,375 to MADE through a strategic partnership grant. They provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. This is the second year MADE has received support from IRUSA.

“We are grateful for the partnership we have with IRUSA. Their support is critical for our continued growth,” said Leon El-Alamin, Executive Director of MADE. “Many of the people who come to us are released with only the clothes they have on their back and they have nowhere to go. We provide the support they need to have a new lease on life.”

The funding from IRUSA will be used to provide support for several projects by MADE this year. First, it will help with continued expansion and growth of their EPIK Life Skills Program. The program provides training to individuals coming out of prison with in-demand skills to prepare them for jobs in the building trades. The program also recently expanded to include job training in technology fields.

Next the funding will be used to purchase five additional transitional houses in North Flint. “There is a great need for additional transitional housing for our program participants. Having a safe, secure place to stay helps them get back on track and to start their new life on the right path,” said El-Alamin. “We purchase the properties then our EPIK participants work to rehab them. It is a great way for them to get real life experience while rehabbing the property for future participants to live in while receiving services from us.”

Finally, the funding will be used towards the work that is taking place at the new commercial building that was recently purchased by MADE. The site will be the future home of the MADE offices and will be home to their Self-MADE Ventures program which will be a business incubator for small businesses.

To learn more about the award from IRUSA you can contact El-Alamin at 810-835-8304 or at leon.elalamin80@yahoo.com. You can also learn more about MADE and the programs it offers by visiting their website at https://madeinstitute.org/. More information about IRUSA can be found at https://irusa.org/.

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