17th Anniversary Reflections – A Celebration of Helping Humanity 

From its humble beginnings with an office on the second floor of a small building in Michigan, to being recognized as one of the top NGOs by Charity Navigator, Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) has aided, assisted, supported, and empowered the distressed for 17 years since October 8th, 2005. This journey has brought with it changes and growth that has enabled HHRD to impact over 200 million lives. What better way to get a glimpse of this journey than to hear from those who have experienced it?   

Let’s meet Sana Khan, Senior Marketing Manager at HHRD.  

And Jamal Ali, Digital Media Production Lead.

Question: How did you first get involved with HHRD? What year was it? What was the organization like then? 

​ 

Sana: I began working in September of 2009, when the organization was in its 4th year of operations. It was a time where many of us wore different hats in the organization, but we worked together like a family. 

 

Jamal: I started with HHRD in 2019 during the annual staff conference which took place at the HQ in Michigan. It was great opportunity to meet all the staff. I first started working at HQ and was the only person in the U.S. office that did video production in-house. Back then, the organization was already carrying out both long-term and short-term projects in many countries around the world, and it just kept growing despite the pandemic and the other many challenges.  

 

Question: Talk to us about some of the big successes in the last 17 years. What moments stand out to you? 

​ 

Sana: Some moments that stand out to me are our Youth Development projects. We were able to channel the talent of the younger generation through our successful Summer Internships and Youth For Haiti, Jordan, Pakistan and Africa programs. Many of those who took advantage of these opportunities ended up being employed by HHRD. To me, that's a great success!  

 

Jamal: I believe the greatest achievement is the trust of the donors. Our donors recognize the significant work of HHRD around the world. I believe the trust that donors have in HHRD is proven by donor retention and the fact that it has earned a 4 out of 4 rating on Charity Navigator for ten years in a row. 

 

Question: What comes next for HHRD? What will the next 17 years look like? 

​ 

Sana: I see HHRD expanding both nationally and internationally. When you've been here this long, and have an amazing track record, more opportunities come forward. I foresee more partnerships with other NGOs, faith groups, and youth groups. We're hiring younger staff so I see a freshness and newness coming to HHRD.  

 

Jamal: InshaAllah, the organization will continue to grow to help more people, particularly with the development projects and, hopefully, expand to countries where it's more needed. 

 

Question: For those just finding out about HHRD today, what’s the one thing they should know to get them involved? How can they help? 
 

Sana: There's a humanitarian sitting inside of you. Take advantage of your youth and your time by visiting an HHRD office, reach out to us on our website, and know that you have something amazing to offer. 

 

Jamal: A person can choose from a variety of different programs or departments to become involved with Helping Hand USA. Volunteers can help at our In-Kind warehouses to sort, pack and ship essential items. Depending on their field of interest, anyone can help with Donor Care, Marketing, IT, Fundraising, etc... Students can also apply for summer internship positions as they become available. Public speakers, imams, and social media influencers can help raise awareness about HHRD's causes. Additionally, institutions and community organizations can collaborate with HHRD to raise funds. 

Thank you, Sana Khan and Jamal Ali for sharing your experiences and for the role you play in enabling HHRD to help so many. 

Let’s end with a few thoughts from the person behind some of HHRD’s major programs, Hafiz Amjad Saeed, Senior Programs Manager for the Shelter Relief Program (SRP) & Education Support Program (ESP).

                   
 
Hafiz Saeed: " Being with HHRD for the last 13 years, I am grateful to Allah SWT for providing me a platform like Helping Hand where not only could I spend my precious time and efforts but could earn a very special status in the site of our Lord Allah SWT. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH has told us in a hadith:  The one who works for the orphans and widows earns the same status as the martyrs and fully devoted worshippers.  

There is no better life then being part of the solution for alleviating the pains and miseries of humanity all around the world. "  

Beautifully said, Hafiz Saeed, that really is a life well spent. Thank you for making such a difference. 

Happy 17th HHRD, we’re excited to see what the next 17 years brings! 

To donate please visit www.hhrd.org or call 1-888-808-4357 (HELP). HHRD is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization. Tax ID# 31-1628040 

 

Nausheen Ahmed is an educator, an avid writer, and a long-time supporter of HHRD and its mission to serve humanity.