A Message from Our Founder: Building Community, Then and Now

Twenty years ago, UMMA began with a simple, urgent question: how can we come together as a community to serve those who are struggling? What started as a small group of volunteers providing meals and clothing has grown into a trusted resource across Lake County—offering food, housing, education, and job support for hundreds of families each year.

UMMA means “community” in Arabic, and that word has always guided our mission. From the very beginning, we believed that solutions must come from within the community, and be led by people who understand its challenges and strengths. That belief remains at the heart of everything we do.

I’m proud to welcome you to our new website—a place where you can learn more about our history, our programs, and how you can get involved. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just discovering UMMA for the first time, we’re glad you’re here. Our story is still being written, and we hope you’ll be part of it.

-Ashfaq Mohiuddin, Founder and Board President