IAR23: Our Masjid - Islamic Association of Raleigh

IAR 2022-2023 Impact Report

Our Masjid

Meet some of the the teams that keep your masjid’s doors open.

Enabling Access

Accessibility

IAR is committed to ensuring our spaces and services are accessible by all. As the first and only MUHSEN certified masjid in the Carolinas, we offer a plethora of services to lower the barrier of entry to our programming. We are also continually working to improve our offerings and thank our Health & Wellness team for their invaluable contributions towards this goal.

Services Include:

Al-Ma’idah Kitchen & Café

Our Kitchen

Al-Ma’idah Kitchen & Café is a local kitchen and café located on the premises of the Islamic Association of Raleigh. All proceeds go to support the our daily operations, many projects, and services to the community including its schools and facilities. Al-Ma'idah also helps us give back to the community by preparing fresh warm meals for those in need. Learn more at almaidahkitchen.com.

Stewarding our spaces

Facilities Maintenance

The Facilities Maintenance Team at IAR plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation, safety, and longevity of our infrastructure, making it an indispensable component of the Islamic Association of Raleigh. This dedicated team is entrusted with the comprehensive maintenance, upgrades, and upkeep of the entire Atwater and Ligon St properties, covering aspects ranging from plumbing and electrical systems to structural integrity, safety protocols, parking lots, HVAC systems, greenspaces, and beyond. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in the numerous accomplishments over the past year, including the successful replacement of outdated HVAC control systems, improvements to handicap access, expansion of essential office spaces, and updates to meet the latest fire code requirements. The maintenance team also serves in an essential role in the supporting the logistics for our large-scale events like Eid & Ramadan.

Maintenance and Upgrades Achieved:

Replaced the HVAC control system for the 808 building to meet current demands and ensure a longer sustainable use.
Revised the handicap ramp access on the east side of the front lobby, enhancing accessibility even when parking spots adjacent to the ramp are occupied.
Expanded the Maintenance and A/V office to accommodate increased operations and demands.
Updated buildings to comply with new fire code requirements after a thorough inspection by the Office of the Fire Marshals.
General upkeep addressing numerous maintenance demands to prevent larger issues from occurring, with a focus on lowering costs through quality items/methods and cost-conscious decisions.

Future Projects and Goals:

Revise the Gym sound system and enhance its usability for different functions.
Update the gate 3 parking lot to handle water runoff efficiently.
Improve the front lobby entrance for better flow and maintenance.
Undertake HVAC upgrades and design to enhance community comfort.
Continuously explore ways to reduce overall maintenance and utility costs.

Infrastructure and Utility Updates:

Successfully updated the water main supply line, removing an old service pipe near gate 1 to eliminate issues with the city and ensure a longer service life.
Coordinated with IT and Security to ensure structured cabling meets the needs of security & networking infrastructure
Worked with AV/Multimedia team to roll our extensive upgrades to video and live-streaming systems and equipment

Keeping the community safe

Safety & Security

Our security team plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members throughout the year. Committed to maintaining a secure environment within our masjid premises, the committee has implemented and overseen various security measures. Regular patrols and vigilant monitoring during prayer times and community events have been instrumental in safeguarding the congregation. Additionally, the committee has collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to stay informed about potential security threats and enhance our overall safety protocols. Training sessions for volunteers and staff have been conducted to ensure a swift and coordinated response to any emergency situations. The Security Committee's dedication to providing a safe space for worship and community activities remains unwavering. The team is in the process of expanding our security infrastructure and continues to interface with local law enforcement to ensure community safety.

Keeping our spaces clean

Housekeeping

IAR’s cleaning staff and volunteers work tirelessly to keep your masjid clean and comfortable for worship and community use. The team regularly cleans our spaces including the prayer halls, hallways, classrooms, gym, offices, and outdoor areas. We also maintain filtration systems and professional disinfectant treatments throughout the building to ensure the safety of our community. Please make dua for our facilities teams and say Salam next time you see them.

Technology

IT is critical to ensuring the seamless operation of IAR's network, encompassing various components such as the phone system, WiFi, firewall, security system, and local computers. Here are key initiatives and accomplishments:

Current Initiatives and Achievements:
1. Established a VMWare cloud infrastructure, ready for employee training.
2. Expanded WiFi coverage in meeting and conference rooms.
3. Installed additional cameras as per IAR security requirements.
4. Wired up Page Rd for comprehensive technology integration, including WiFi, cameras, security, and sound.
5. Replaced computers in the conference room and provided laptops to the Accountant and office manager. Addressed issues with computers in room 280.
Ongoing Projects:
- Migrating all employees to use Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).
- Establishing guest WiFi.
- Addressing wiring issues in the 2nd-floor electric room.
- Relocating 1st and 3rd-floor switches to the 2nd floor.
- Completing the IAR @ Page IT setup.
Future Plans and Objectives:
- Building a parallel domain, to serve as the new internal domain for IAR members.
- Launching a Virtualization Project to transition all IAR members to a secure site for technology and data storage.
Training and Expansion:
- Training all employees on the usage of the virtualization platform.
- Completing the Page Rd expansion for enhanced technology integration.
Critical Role of Infrastructure:
- Emphasizing the pivotal role of the technology infrastructure, providing essential services such as security systems, WiFi, internet, and telephone systems.

Our masjid is committed to building and maintaining a robust, secure, and efficient technology foundation that underpins the essential functions of IAR. The ongoing and future projects are geared towards enhancing connectivity, security, and accessibility for the entire IAR community.