Empowering Families: Healthy Muslim Families' Mission in Winnipeg 

In the heart of Winnipeg, an organization called Healthy Muslim Families is making waves by providing essential services to newcomers and residents, particularly Muslim women, in a culturally relevant and sensitive manner. Founded by Humaira Jaleel, the organization has a clear mission: to strengthen and empower families through services, workshops, and support that align with Islamic values. 

"Our mission is to help people by providing relevant services in a culturally appropriate manner," Humaira Jaleel passionately explains to a U-Multicultural interviewer. "There are a lot of very good organizations in Winnipeg. Sometimes Muslim women don't feel comfortable going to these organizations due to their faith. They want to know that the service that's provided people will understand them: what they want, their requirements. That's what led us to found Healthy Muslim Families." 

At its core, Healthy Muslim Families recognizes that the family is the cornerstone of every community, and that by strengthening families, they can, in turn, fortify the community as a whole. 

"Our mission is to provide the support and help to newcomers who come from culturally relevant faith backgrounds...." says Jaleel. "We believe that family is the foundation of every community, so if the family is strong, the community will be stronger." 

One of the key aspects of Healthy Muslim Families' work is to offer services that resonate with Islamic values. They understand that when families face challenges, it can lead to their dissolution. These challenges often stem from a multitude of sources, including adjusting to a new culture, navigating different gender roles, experiencing differences in identities, or struggling to adopt new ways of living. 

"Because when families face challenges, they often lead families to break up," notes Jaleel. "It's not only a new culture; sometimes, gender roles have reversed. For example, when a woman is working, but a man cannot find work, there are differences of identities, and parents may not be able to adopt. All these challenges often lead families to break up." 

To address these challenges head-on, Healthy Muslim Families offers a wide range of services and workshops. These programs are designed to provide families with the necessary tools to overcome obstacles while preserving their cultural and religious identities. The organization acts as a bridge, connecting families to resources, information, and support networks that respect their values and traditions. 

In a culturally diverse and welcoming city like Winnipeg, Healthy Muslim Families' mission is not only commendable but also vital. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by newcomers and particularly Muslim women and providing them with tailored assistance, this organization is playing a crucial role in strengthening the social fabric of the community. It serves as a shining example of how organizations can empower and uplift individuals and families while respecting and preserving their cultural and religious identities. In Winnipeg and beyond, the work of Humaira Jaleel and her team serves as a beacon of hope for those in need of support, understanding, and empowerment.