Sterling Moment

New foundation building opens to raves

By Joyce Wiswell          
Photos by David Reed

U. S. Rep. Sander Levin summed up the mood in the crowded tent at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) center on November 13: “It’s cold outside but really warm here.”

Several hundred people braved the high winds and wet snow to put their stamp of approval on the new center, which encompasses 11,500 square feet to help refugees acculturate to the United States.

The CCF has raised nearly half of its $5 million goal for the building, located on 15 Mile and Ryan Road in Sterling Heights. It replaces the nearby cramped offices that the CCF quickly outgrew — twice.

“The Chaldean Community Foundation opened on March 8, 2011 to serve 400 people. That first year 4,000 came through,” said Martin Manna, president of both the Chaldean Chamber and the foundation.  

The CCF now helps some 20,000 individuals a year with acculturation services, job placement, access to health care and immigration assistance. More than 15 percent of clients are not Chaldean, Manna said.

Attendees were impressed to learn that ground was broken for the building just this past April. “We should have put you guys in charge of a roads deal,” quipped Lt. Governor Brian Calley, one of the many dignitaries and elected officials on hand for the opening ceremony.

Manna had high praise for Sterling Heights officials. “They’ve been bombarded with a lot of Chaldeans and they’ve been pretty good about it. We’re not the easiest people,” he said to laughter. 

“What an asset the Chaldean community is to the city of Sterling Heights. It’s been a true blessing to the city of Sterling Heights to be home to so much of the Chaldean community. The work they do is unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” responded Mayor Michael Taylor.

Anmar Sarafa, who heads the “New Lives in a New Land” capital committee, said fundraising is going well. “We will get to $5 million quickly, rather more quickly than I expected,” he said. “I told Martin $5 million will not be enough, that this will have to be the first phase.”

Program Manager Sharon Hannawa has run the Eastside office since its inception. “This work is not about just providing a service but the lessons we learn from each individual we encounter,” she said. “The refugee who teaches us that there is still life after fleeing and leaving behind all you have ever known. The immigrant who had the courage and the drive to leave for a better life. The vulnerable that needs to be protected. The voiceless who wants to be heard. The hopeless who need to hear that it’s going to be okay.  We all want to be accepted and feel welcomed.” 

 “We are stronger because our community includes all of you.”
– Lt. Governor Brian Calley

“The Chaldean experience in Southeast Michigan is the true American experience. This has always been a country of refugees and I hope this country will continue to remember that. We must welcome refugees to America.” 
– U.S. Rep Sander Levin

“I hope this building always serves as a landmark.”
– Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor

“We’ve seen an incredible resurgence in the business sector [with the Chaldean influx].”
– Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel

“What you’re doing today is not just for you but for generations to come.”
– U.S. Rep Brenda Lawrence

“This building is a symbol of coming together, community collaborations, friendships new and old, and teamwork.”
– Sharon Hannawa

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