FEBRUARY 2024

FOUNDATION UPDATE
Youth Futsal
Camp at
the CCF
Husband and Wife Obtain
U.S. Citizenship
Upon arrival in the United States, Azmy Bashe and his family discovered an urgent
need for transportation. Learning about the Chaldean Community Foundation’s Michael
J. George Chaldean Loan Fund (MJG CLF), Azmy and his wife Liqaa met with
the MJG CLF committee and were approved for a loan to purchase a vehicle, which
they have since paid off.
The CCF was not done helping the Bashes. After residing in the United States
for one year, the CCF’s Immigration team assisted Azmy in applying for lawful permanent
resident status to obtain his Green Card. Then Azmy and Liqaa attended
the CCF’s 10-week Citizenship Preparation Course, which provided instruction and
preparation for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization
interview. With the help of the course, Azmy and Liqaa recently passed their
naturalization interviews and have obtained U.S. Citizenship.
“My family and I cannot express our sincere thanks and gratitude for the support
this great institution provided,” says Azmy, “and I call on all my colleagues
and friends facing obstacles to go to the Foundation and seek assistance.”
Advocating for Chaldeans
Azmy and Liqaa
Bashe celebrating
their citizenship.
With support from the Good Sports Foundation,
the Chaldean Community Foundation is hosting
a two-day indoor futsal (a type of indoor soccer)
camp for middle school (grade 6-8) students on
February 21 and February 23 from 9:30am-11:30 am.
Futsal is a fast, fun version of soccer that can be played in gyms
and other indoor spaces. The camp will take place at the Chaldean
Community Foundation and will be limited to 24 participants. For
more information, please contact the CCF at 586-722-7253.
New CCF Board Members
The Chaldean Community Foundation
welcomed two new members
to its Board of Directors:
Saber Ammori and Frank Toma.
Saber Ammori is Co-Chief Executive
Officer and co-founder of
Wireless Vision. He has over 25
years of experience in business
management and operations.
His entrepreneurial drive has
New CCF board members:
Frank Toma (left) and Saber
Ammori (right).
led him to start several successful businesses, most of them retail
oriented. Saber Ammori has been named one of dbusiness’s 500
Most Powerful Business Leaders in Metro Detroit.
Frank Toma is President of Clean View Auto Wash, with several
locations in Michigan. Frank is also an active member of the CCF’s
Gala Committee. Frank and his company are also avid supporters
of the Mojo in the Morning Breaking and Entering Christmas Drive.
Congressman John James visited the CCF to hear from his constituents in the district
and to learn about the ongoing challenges in Iraq. CCF staff also met with Congresswoman
Lisa McClain and Congressman James Comer, and highlighted the contributions
Chaldeans are making in the region, while providing suggestions on how to
support displaced and marginalized Chaldean Iraqis.
Becoming New Drivers
Left to right: Congressman James Comer from Kentucky, Congresswoman Lisa McClain,
Martin Manna; Left to right: Sharon Hannawa, Congressman John James, Martin Manna
With funding through Community Telecommunications Network,
the CCF’s Breaking Barriers program has purchased an
indoor state-of-the-art virtual driving simulator to allow hard
of hearing and/or deaf learners the opportunity to experience
being in the driver’s seat, simulating speed, braking and vibration.
The H.E.A.L. Project helps better equip those with hearing
impairments to live independent lives. Assisted by an American
Sign Language interpreter for the deaf, the group is learning how
to become licensed drivers.
Participants will have an opportunity to take the written test followed
by a road test to obtain their state of Michigan driver’s license.
10 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2024