The Observer Newspapers | Nonprofit Recognized for Work

July 4, 2008

Nonprofit Recognized for Work

By Rebecca Plevin
Observer Staff Writer

The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives last Thursday recognized an immigrant from Afghanistan who was able to start a new life in the United States, thanks to the help of the Herndon-based nonprofit organization Express Care. Zarghouna Noory was named Virginia's Honor of Hope Awardee, a recognition which "snapshots examples of the faith-based community in action," according to Rebecca Neale, spokesman for the office of faith-based and community initiatives.

Noory had four young children when she arrived in the United States, and since a previous spinal injury prevented her from doing daily chores or caring for her children, Express Care arranged for hot meals to be prepared and delivered to her home, according to a White House document. Noory later enrolled in Express Care's Personal Care Assistant courses and she received training that enabled her to work for a health agency in Woodbridge.

The White House "recognizes Ms. Noory and in turn recognizes the work that Express Care is doing in their community," Neale said. "Express Care is vital to the delivery of services for this woman, and we honor and recognize and thank Express Care for helping their neighbors in need."

Naila Alam, CEO of Express Care, said many of her clients have compelling success stories, but Noory's history is "outstanding because of the problems she was suffering." Noory would drive long distances to attend the PCA classes at the All Dulles Area Muslim Society and this "shows how motivated she is," Alam said. Express Care "really encouraged and motivated her to continue," she said.

Alam and Yasmeen Durrani began operating Express Care in 2003 out of the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center and helped people get access to basic needs like medicine, groceries, school supplies and doctors appointments. In 2006, with the support of a grant from the Department of Labor, Express Care started offering PCA classes at the NRC.

Through the PCA classes, people study to work in the growing field of in-home care, and Express Care then helps graduates to find jobs in the health care field. Alam said it is fulfilling to see people experience the classroom setting for the first time in the United States, and it feels great to empower people to become part of the workforce. If you "help one person, you help the whole family," she said.

Now that the White House has honored her organization, Alam said her next goal is to win the Nobel Prize. "This is my wish," she said. "I can wish, right?"