Long before the holiday music plays and the last gift is wrapped, a small army of volunteers gathers in a Macomb County space to sort, wrap, and organize presents. Each package is assembled with care so that a child in foster care will open something personal and know they are not forgotten. For nearly 20 years, that work has been centered around one woman and a simple promise: to make sure no child in foster care goes without at Christmas.
Read MoreThe history of doors in ancient civilizations—and especially in the Middle East—is remarkable. Gates and wooden doors have existed since the dawn of civilization. According to the Bible, King Solomon commissioned olive wood doors for his temple. Ancient Mesopotamians and Egyptians also used wooden doors in their homes and temples.
Read More“Art and architecture have long inspired one another, each shaping imagination, innovation, and cultural memory.” Visitors to the new Chaldean Community Foundation building in West Bloomfield, CCF West, are greeted by a vibrant collection of artworks celebrating faith, culture, and history. The walls feature depictions of the Freedom Monument, King Nebuchadnezzar II, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Martyrs Wall, the Tree of Life, the Ishtar and Sennacherib Gates, and more. Many of these works were commissioned by the CCF and brought to life by artist Reni Stephan.
Read MoreWe may be thousands of miles away from our homeland, but the essence of who we are shouldn’t fade with distance. For Chaldean Americans including myself and many others – children of immigrants, either born or raised in a new world – our existence is defined by an ongoing struggle between embracing the culture we inhabit and holding on to our identity. We are fortunate to live in a country that has given us opportunity, safety, and freedom, and for that, we are endlessly grateful. Yet, amid the beauty of assimilation, we should always remember the subtle, strong reminders of our origins.
Read More
Long before a student steps into a courtroom or writes their first brief, there is a moment of realization that something within them is meant for this path. It might come from witnessing an injustice or from the understanding that words have power when used to defend what is right. Within the Chaldean community, that moment carries profound meaning. It grows from generations who built their lives on faith and perseverance, and who believed that success means nothing unless it uplifts others.
Read MoreThe Shenandoah Young Adult Committee (YAC) has become one of the most active sub-committees within Shenandoah Country Club. Established in 2021, the committee was created with a powerful mission to bring the youth of Shenandoah together and strengthen the bond of community among the next generation of members.
Read MoreAfter the COVID pandemic, career restauranteur Joe Sheena found himself stressed out and out of shape. His company, Pizza Papalis, had been bustling since 1986. But the pandemic slowed business and Pizza Papalis was forced to scale back some of its 20 locations and do “uncomfortable things” from a business perspective.
Read MoreOne of the many ways we connect through our culture is through language. The Chaldean people have spoken Syriac, or Sureth, for thousands of years. Many of our words trace back to ancient times, when Akkadian and Sumerian were widely spoken across our ancestral communities.
Read MoreThe Chaldean Community Foundation will partner again with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring the 2026 National Civics Bee® to the community. This nationwide, nonpartisan competition gives 6th, 7th, and 8th graders the chance to showcase their ideas, sharpen their civics knowledge, and compete for prizes — all while making a difference in their communities.
Read MoreOn September 8, the CCF welcomed back their Little Scholars students as they started their new journeys in Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten. Little Scholars Preschool for ages 3-4 supports early learning through songs, stories, and movement while building language, early literacy, pre-math, social skills, independence, and confidence.
Read MoreNew tenants to Tigris Tower were met on Friday, September 19—move-in day—with a welcome package including, “bread – so that this house may never know hunger; spice – so your life will always have flavor; and wine – that joy and prosperity may reign forever.”
Read MoreOn September 3, the Chaldean Community Foundation welcomed nearly 100 eager job seekers ready to take the next step in their career journeys. With polished resumes in hand and interview skills prepped, attendees made meaningful connections and explored exciting opportunities.
Read MoreMany people associate October with classic fall traditions such as visiting pumpkin patches, picking apples, enjoying cider and donuts, or preparing for Halloween. These American family customs trace back more than 200 years, with roots in Scottish and Irish immigrant culture.
Read MoreJohn Mansour, cherished son of Emanuel and Antoinette Mansour, was born on December 29, 1968, and went to Heaven on September 17, 2025. The loving husband of Ann “Ahlam” Mansour, John was a faithful father to Adriana, the late Alexander, and the late Gabrielle Mansour and caring brother of Steven (Zenia) Mansour and Marvin Mansour.
Read MoreOctober is recognized as Fire Prevention Month to raise awareness about fire safety and to promote practices that prevent fires. The observance dates back to 1922 when the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established the first Fire Prevention Week to commemorate the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that began on October 8.
Read MoreTwo Chaldean businessmen were honored by the state earlier this year for their transformation of a historic downtown Clarkston grocery store into a fine dining establishment. Robert Esshaki and Christopher Thomas received a Building Award from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network for their renovation of a more-than-century-old building at 9 Main Street that’s now Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse, which opened in October 2024.
Read MoreNestled in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood, Kintsugi Village is more than just a school—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem built on the idea that education should nourish the whole child. Set to open in October, the nonprofit early childhood center blends learning with art, food, nature, and community connection.
Read MoreFor one group of past, current, and future medical students at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, it’s definitely safe to say that the school is a family affair. Chaldean cousins Jackie, Julianne, and Jacob Thomas all officially begin attending OUWB as members of the Class of 2029 on Monday, August 18.
Read MoreWith increasingly realistic deepfakes arriving by email, text, phone and even mail, everyone is vulnerable to fraudsters. Seniors, in particular, are prime targets. My wife and I—not quite seniors yet—learned this the hard way. A couple of years ago, while trying to sell a couch on Facebook Marketplace, we were scammed out of $300 through Zelle.
Read MoreThe Chaldean Community Foundation’s West location (CCF West) will soon unveil a robust slate of new programs designed to support seniors, families, and community members of all ages. From wellness classes to cultural workshops and intergenerational cooking lessons, the expanded offerings reflect CCF West’s mission of building connection, promoting health, and celebrating heritage.
Read More