Itedal S. & Nareman T.
Bridgeview

Empowering individuals, educating families, and supporting the community. That’s just what 52-year-old Itedal and 46-year-old Nareman set out to do in 2001 when they co-founded Arab American Family Services with their own savings. For twenty years they’ve helped Arab Americans in Chicago’s South Suburbs navigate every imaginable challenge, from job loss to mental health crises.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit their community hard, Itedal and Nareman did what they know best, coordinating COVID testing, hosting virtual health programs and crafting educational campaigns. So when the opportunity came to get their COVID vaccine, these leaders didn’t hesitate to take their shot to keep their community healthy.