On Thursday, May 27, 2010, Indian Circle for Caring USA Inc., (ICC) founder and Executive Director Girish A. Mehta was a guest of the White House for a celebration of the Social Innovation Fund (SIF). The event featured First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama along with White House Domestic Policy Council Director Melody Barnes and National Corporation for Community Service CEO Patrick Corvington. Mehta also met with several Members of Congress during his visit to Washington DC.

The SIF celebration was attended by almost 100 leaders from foundations, community-based organizations and government. In a post on the White House Blog, DPC Director Barnes wrote, “Local answers to our national challenges originate everywhere. The best solutions are often driven by everyday Americans who are having an impact but need capital to improve their results, grow, and replicate their solutions so that they can serve more communities.”

“Even though addressing these challenges is not easy, it’s also critical that we try – especially now,” said Mrs. Obama. “That’s part of the reason why we’re spending so much time and effort identifying innovative programs that have already produced some results and that we think have the best chance of making it to the next level.”

The invitation was in recognition for all the tremendous work various organizations such as ICC continues to do to enable communities across the country to come together to solve our toughest challenges

Mehta also met with members of Congress including California Representative Mike Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, as well as Massachusetts Representatives Ed Markey, Barney Frank and a legislative aide for Niki Tsongas. Mehta was able to brief these members and their staff on ICC’s mission, strategy and accomplishments. Mehta also solicited their support for the organization and discussed ideas for replicating the ICC model in Indian American and other communities across the country.

“It was a great privilege for me to represent ICC at this event where leaders from government, the private sector and community groups affirmed our commitment to improving the well-being of our country through simple acts of people helping one another,” said Mehta. “Successful and proven model of service to the community such as what ICC is doing is an example of what can be replicated for Indian communities in the USA and also for other communities to emulate.”

The Indian Circle for Caring is a non-profit organization established in August of 2007 to connect volunteers with individuals and families in need of assistance during times of emergency, crisis and other urgent situations. The organization spans across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island with more than 2,300 members and over 90 volunteers. ICC receives support and encouragement from over three dozen social, religious, professional, services and media organizations in its service area. To-date, ICC volunteers have provided support services over 50 clients and their families.

For further information, please Contact: Girish A. Mehta at girishmehta.icc@gmail.com or (781) 891-8810

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