Founded in 1992, Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) is a non-profit based out of Southfield, Michigan. Being a non-profit organization, LIFE is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to people irrespective of their race, gender, religion, and cultural background. Since its inception, LIFE has distributed over $550 million in humanitarian aid and relief to over 46 countries and increased its support to more than 55 countries. Life works diligently to help the poor and needy in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Palestine, Pakistan, Jordan, Iraq, Haiti, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Syria, the U.S., and several other nations. In case of any natural disasters, LIFE rushes to answer the call for help and provides essential humanitarian assistance immediately. Along with emergency relief aid efforts, the non-profit organization also supports areas like education, family and refugee assistance, community development, health, and season help during Ramadan, Udiyah, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
The Veteran Leader
Dr. Hany Saqr is the CEO of LIFE. A retired physician and college professor, Dr. Saqr received his Medical Degree from Egypt and completed his Master’s and Ph.D. at Ohio State University, where he took a job as a Scientist and Clinical Assistant Professor.
“For a long time, I have seen the work that LIFE does and saw it as inspiring. One of the specific areas that I really wanted to see grow was the orphan department. Orphans have always had a special place in my heart, and I was excited for the opportunity to lead an organization that helps support orphans around the world.”- Dr. Saqr explains.
Breaking Barriers
One thing that makes LIFE different from other non-profits is its capability to work in 55 countries worldwide. Several countries have certain legalities and political barriers that prevent organizations from working in their area. However, LIFE has worked to break down those barriers and provide aid to the needy. While many organizations focus on specific projects, LIFE focuses on the daily needs of communities, helping to improve their lives by digging water wells, sending medical aid to local hospitals, books, and educational tools to schools, food aid, and clothing to widows, orphans, and the needy.
“LIFE works in 55 countries, each unique with its own political and societal issues. Some countries are experiencing wars, while others are experiencing poverty and economic downfalls. These issues can create a barrier for LIFE when it comes to sending aid and support to countries in these distressing situations.”– explains Dr. Saqr
It is also one of the very few organizations that work to assist the Native American populations in the U.S.
The Dedicated Team
With all poverty and economic issues in the world, LIFE’s team is dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance globally to those in need in 55 countries.
Their fast-paced nature helps LIFE deploy them quickly in case of natural disasters.
“The smiles on the faces of our beneficiaries and the success stories we receive from the field are what keeps us going and passionate about the work we do globally.”- says Dr. Saqr. “At LIFE, we believe that “teamwork makes the dream work,” and each department has their own responsibilities that make our work possible and the organization run smoothly.”
Future Roadmap
Life has grown immensely over the past two years and has expanded its operations in the U.S. and overseas. Currently, the non-profit is spread across all 50 states in the U.S. and has recently registered and opened offices in Yemen, Kenya, Malaysia, and Somalia. It is also working on its registration in Lebanon and the U.K. and exploring expansion in Bosnia and Ukraine.