It is my privilege to present this AAISW report for the year 2006. I am proud to report that our association has made many strides as well as goal oriented programs for the benefit of our members and public also.

The Annual general body meeting held on 12/03/2005 at Chola Smrat restaurant auditorium confirmed the nomination of current executive members of the association under the strict scrutiny and guidance of association's election officer Mr. Alex Chamakkala and Mr. Jacob Mathew . They are as follows: President- John Mattam, Vice Presedent- Saji Joseph, Secretary- Sajimon Kadavil, Joint secretary- Jaise Joseph and Treasurer- James George. The General Body also elected the following members as the board members for the year 2006 - 2007.

The General Body elected Mr. Stanis Machanical and Sajan Thomas as election officersfor 2006- 2007. Also, the General body confirmed Mr. Johnson Daniel as the auditor for the association. Mr. Paul Nalieth and Mr. Alex Chamakkala confirmed as editors for the news letter of the association. The General Body assigned Mr. Sajan Thomas for updating the website as needed.

The executive committee and the board members met 4 times for the year 2006. The first meeting held at the association's board member, Mr. Jose Joseph residence on 01/07/2006, at 47 Dyckman ave, Gardencity Park, NY 11040, and the committee unanimously elected Mr. Biju Phillip as the Chairman of the board of Directors for the year 2006 and Mr. Shaju George for the year 2007. The committee discussed and planned upcoming holiday party. The second executive and board meeting held at Joint Secretary, Mr. Jaise Joseph residence on 04/28/2006 at 85, Carl Ave, Franklin Square, NY 11010. The meeting discussed about conducting a seminar on Medicaid/Medicare Social Security and retirement/investments, annual family picnic, and Mr. Thaila George was a special invitee to present the idea of starting a 1- 800 xxx helpline no. The third executive/board meeting held on 09/09/2006 at 18 Prospect Street, Great Neck, NY 11021 . Besides the executive and board members, the explorative committee for the "national convention" also participated and discussed the national convention idea. The fourth executive/board meeting held on 11/10/2006 at The Board Chairman Mr. Biju Phillip's residence in Long Island. It was discussed the National convention idea , discussed the chosen venues ( Long Island in NY and Wild wood creek in NJ), also discussed annual general body meeting for the year end 2006, holiday party, etc.

The inauguration of the new executive committee and the holiday party were celebrated on Saturday February 11th 2006 at Charis Christian Center auditorium in Queens. The program started around 4.p.m with registration coordinated by Mr. James George, treasurer, AAISW. The public meeting commenced about 5.p.m with the welcome speech by Saji Joseph,vice president AAISW. Marianne Thaila offered opening prayer song which uplifted the spiritual mood in the audience. Mr. Alex Chamakkala in his felicitation expressed the proud feelings of our associations success over the years and he wish all the success in the coming year.Mr. George Thaila, senior member and the treatment team leader at the Bronx Psychiatric Center introduced the chief guest, Mr. Jacob Roy, executive administrator of Malayalam Pathram. Mr. Jacob Roy in his inaugural speech highlighted the role of social workers as very significant in individuals' lives especially in their hours of need. He expressed that social workers always come in needy people's mind when unespected events occur in their lives. He encouraged the audience to offer more service for needy individuals especially among Indian immigrants. The lighting of the traditional lamp marked the formal inauguration of the associations 2006 - 2007 activities which was followed by oath taking ceremony by the committee members. The second part of the celebration was filled with lots of entertainment programs performed by our own talented members and our children. Each program was mesmerizing, enchanting and colorful which made the venue have a more festival spirit. Sajimon Kadavil, secretary of AAISW was the master of ceremony. Mr. Jaise Joseph, joint secretary of AAISW offered a vote of thanks.

March is social work month, under the guidance of NAASW, we celebrated march as a social work month. This year the theme was "Life's journey - aging". The keynote speaker was Ms. Susan Bendore,LCSW,PHD professor of social work at Fordham university, NY. Mr. Luke Malika offered felicitation The event held on 03/25/2006 at Chola Samrat restaurant auditorium. It was well received and was a grand success overall.

This was one of our most successful free seminar that our association had offered to the public. The seminar held on 06/03/2006 at Chola Samrat restaurant in Queens,NY. The class lead by Ms. Myrna Payne a representative from NYC social welfare department was informative for the public. The second part of the seminar on retirement planning was run by specialized team from met-Life insurance company. It was a great success and public participation was over 70 in numbers.

A meeting called by Kerala center to meet with Pravasi minister Vayalar Ravi. It was attended by our association under the leadership of our president John Mattam. The purpose of the meeting was to explore resources to do more services for the benefit of Indian community. The meeting was attended by representatives from most of the Indian associations in Tri-State area and our presence was noted.

This year the AAISW family picnic was conducted on july 15th from 10 a.m to dusk at Croton George park in Westchester county,NY. Our family and friends really enjoyed the day and the beautifull sight of Croton Gorge park including the dam and water fall. There were approximately 130 people who participated. It was a fun day for our members and their families with the barbeque and delicious dishes brought by members. The day filled with different sports and games competition for the children as well as for the adults. Winners were awarded trophies and prizes at the end of the day. We took this opportunity to bid a fond farewell to our colleague and senior member Mr.Francis Pallupetta and family who moved to Dallas, Texas. We had our semi-annual general body meeting at the picnic arena. The General Body discussed the possibility of conducting a national convention of Indian background Social Workers in North America and initiated an explorative committee with Saji Joseph, Vice President of AAISW as a Chairman of the committee to explore all aspects including responsibility of conducting such a national convention.

Our members received progress report and brief history of each child they sponsored under the "Sponsor a Child program". We encouraged each one of you to please continue to sponsor and feel good about the noble cause you rendered.

The executive committee seriously discussed starting a 1 800 xxx helpline number. This idea was proposed by our senior member ,Mr. George Thaila. We are exploring it's legal ramifications and the responsibilities involved. Mr. George Thaila is currently exploring ways to execute this program more effectively and efficiently.

The executive committee and the explorative committee met in September 2006 at our board member Mr. Roy Thomas' house and in November at board chairman Mr.Biju Phillip residence. It was decided to choose Long Island, NY for our association's first national convention location. Also, the committee recommended to explore `Wildwood Crest' in New Jersey as suggested by Mr. Sajan Thomas.

I would like to thank each and every member of our association for their continuous support. Our association can achieve and accomplish many goals and projects with each one of your support and commitment.