Sheikh Visits First Coast To Learn And To Share

Reaching out to the children, offering a loving touch that knows neither boundaries nor borders

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - July 25, 2008 - The First Coast is hosting a special guest this weekend. H. H. Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al-Nuaimi is the nephew of the ruling Sheikh of the United Arab Emirates.

On this July Friday, the Sheikh tours the Community Connections facility in downtown Jacksonville half a world away from his home, reaching out to the children, offering a loving touch that knows neither boundaries nor borders.

"We can improve the quality of life for humanity whether we're in other States, whether we're in other countries, or on other continents," said the Sheikh.

Back home in Dubai there is tremendous wealth, but the Sheikh oversees the agencies helping women and children who have lost the male head of the household by death, divorce, arrest, or deportation.

"We first of all had to find a shelter for them, education for the children and the good healthcare. Then we see how we can improve their training skills to have a better life."

The Sheikh and his American hosts marvel at the parallels of their missions as they view the work helping those here at Community Connections.

"Women and children who are rendered homeless based on any number of factors, be it domestic violence, divorce or fragile economic situations," said Community Connections Director of Development Dr. Greg Frazier.

Here they offer women and children a hand-up, rather than a hand-out. Clients get financial education training. Parenting classes. G.E.D. and adult basic education classes.

Today one more student is sharing his experience while learning about our programs --to return home with borrowed objectives.

"How organizations and individuals supporting others less fortunate and this is my passion as how we all connect as humanity looking for the better for others!" said the Sheikh.

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