Mai Family Services was established in 1986 to provide assistance to Asian Indian families and individuals in need, and has since expanded to offer services to all South Asians in Michigan. You can learn more about their workand support it here.
Rita volunteered with Meals on Wheels for years, bringing meals to senior citizens in the community. You can support their work where Rita lived (Bloomfield Township MOW Program, 4315 Andover Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302) or nationally.
Whether handwritten, in calligraphy, or typed, Rita was a planner, color coder, and label-er. She didn't expect to be diagnosed with a degenerative neuromuscular disorder at the age of 64 in 2017, but had paperwork that identified her end of life wishes. No matter your age, if you don't have your paperwork in order outlining your end of life requests do that. Some resources below:
Rita worked with a number of civic engagement organizations, to help people get registered and encouraged people to vote through phone banking.
If you're already registered to vote, vote to make an impact in your local community
If you are eligible to vote and have not registered, consider this your reminder
If you're not eligible to vote, you can help others get registered to vote.
Rita loved books and celebrated libraries by volunteering and supporting the local library book sales. She appreciated the moments in books that let her feel seen, and knew that so many books did that for others.
At this time when so many books are being challenged in local libraries and schools, support libraries. You can give to the American Library Association's Unite Against Book Bans, or search for the donate page on your local library website.