Table of Contents

Mission and Vision......................................................................... Pg 04

Cultural & Social Events ................................................................ Pg 05

Education ...................................................................................... Pg 12

Outreach ....................................................................................... Pg 21

Aid & Community Service ............................................................. Pg 32

Sports ............................................................................................ Pg 35

3

Mission and Vision

The Federation of Balkan American Associations FEBA (dba) Balkan American CommunityCenter (BACC) in Michigan is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization founded by a group ofBalkan American individuals with the goal and mission to promote Balkan cultures, unity,economic and political cooperation. In an effort to strengthen the cultural and educationalties between the people of the United States and the Balkans, BACC Michigan organizes abroad spectrum of educational activities, lectures and seminars, leadership workshops,internships abroad for our college students, afterschool programs, learning centers,language courses, SAT courses and informational programs. To promote cultural learning,BACC hosts such activities as International Children Festivals, Balkan Food and CultureFestivals and sponsors trips to the countries of the Balkans; commonly all of BACC’sprograms emphasize the need for inter-cultural dialogue and peaceful communication.

4

The Balkan American Community Center (BACC) is dedicated tohelping Balkan community and broad connect with their rich culture.The combination of participating in traditions passed down fromgeneration to generation, physical activity, increased mental health andengaging with others is a recipe for great emotional health. Morestudies come out each year showing people with a stronger connectionto family and culture are much less likely to have problems with suicide,depression and substance abuse. National, cultural and religiouscelebrations, international children and Balkan festivals, mother’s dayand cooking classes are few of the numerous activities that this centerorganizes. Through cultural and social engagement and entertainmentBalkan community in Detroit Metro area has the opportunity topreserve and expose their cultural richness to the communities at large.These cultural elements increase satisfaction and happiness andpromote pride to the generations to come.

5

International Children Festival is an annual major eventorganized by TASMICH, Balkan American CommunityCenter and Niagara Foundation, to promote culturalunderstanding among Michiganders with diversebackgrounds, particularly children, promoting peaceand fellowship. Elected officials , media representatives,community leaders and parents become witness of thecolorful bouquet of costumes and performances fromchildren of more than twenty countries. Art and culturaldisplays, bake sales, face painting, circus performanceare part of this prestigious event every summer inMichigan.

International Children Festival International Children FestivalDate: May 19, 2013Performing: Children from 23 Countries Guests Count: 2150Location: Wayne State University, Detroit

6

International Children Festival

Annual International Children’s Festival organizedby TASMICH, Balkan American Community Centerand Niagara Foundation is an amicable day offraternity to promote and foster understandingamong the children of diverse backgrounds.Children from a variety of cultures participate inthis celebration every year with their dances andsongs. In addition, the festival features countryexhibits, bake/food sale, and plenty ofentertainment activities for children. The programwas moderated by Cynthia Canty, Host of MichiganRadio's. Congressman Mr. DANIEL KILDEE, TroyMayor Mr. DANE SLATER and FBI special agent incharge Mr. PAUL ABBATE, was among the keynotespeakers. This year's participatingcountries: Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh,Bosnia, Bulgaria, China, Germany, Hungary, India,Iraq, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,Macedonia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines,Poland, Romania, Russia, Scotland, South Korea,Syria, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, USA,Uzbekistan.

International Children FestivalDate: May 04, 2014Performing: Children from 30 Countries Guests Count: 2050Location: Troy Athens School

7

Balkan Festivals The Balkan festival is an initiative of the Balkan American Community Center BACC, to promote theBalkan music, folklore and traditional food and provide a positive and inclusive space for sharing culturewith the wider community. These are festivals organized twice a year as Balkan Spring and Fall Fest.During the festival the participants have an opportunity to enjoy traditional food in presence ofoutstanding folkloric performances of the BACC Weekend school students. Live music, animal pettingzoo, face painting sportive tournaments and more add colors to this activity. These events are held atthe BACC location in Troy. Michigan

The Balkan Spring Fest : 02-June-2013; Approx. No of guests 500 ; Location: BACC outdoors09-May-2014; Approx. No of guests 450; Location : BACC outdoors

The Balkan Fall Fest : 09- Sept,-2013; Approx. No of guests 500 ; Location: BACC Main Hall18-Oct.-2014; Approx. No of guests 450; Location : BACC Main Hall

8

National CelebrationsThe Balkan American Community Center (BACC) currently being home of the Albanian, Bosnian, Bulgarian and Turkishcommunities of Detroit Metro area organizes and hosts for them national events such as celebration of independence, state day,and anniversaries. Starting from 200 up to 700 hundreds guests have participated in these events during 2013-2014.

The Albanian School students performing for the Albanian and Kosova Independence day celebrated on 23-Nov-2013 and 22-Nov-14 and on 15-Feb-2013 and 22-Feb-2014 respectively. Approximately 300 to 350 guests participated on each of the events

The Bosnian kids performing on the anniversaries of Kud Behar and festivals at BACC during 2013-2014. Approximately 400 to 500 guests participated on each of the events

Bulgarian Cultural Center, Friends of Bulgaria dance group and the Bulgarian School children performing on Anniversaries,Christmas Celebrations and Festivals during 2013-2014. Approximately 200 to 400 guests participated on each of the events 9

10

Religious Celebrations

Balkan American Community Center and its members believe at diversity, religious tolerance and atpeaceful coexistence and collaboration that should exists among followers of different religions. It is part ofour mission to foster civic conversations and sustained relationships between people of different culturesand faiths as this always have brought peace and richness to the society. At BACC,Iftar dinners, Thanksgivingluncheons, Christmas and EID celebrations were organized by the community members during 2013-2014

Iftar Dinners during Ramadan 2014

Christmas Celebration 2013

Mother’s day & Cooking Classes

Balkan American Community Center BACC in partnership withTASMICH organizes cooking classes to introduce the non-Balkancommunities with the rich and delicious Mediterranean, Balkanand Turkish Cuisine. These classes are called “Cook & Share”because participants have the opportunity to taste them allonce the food is ready. Favorite dishes such as baklava,pastries, and savory home cooked meals are only a few of thewonderful dishes. Classes were held on 5-Jan-13, 6-Apr-13, 7-Sep-13, 18-Jan-14, 15-Mar-14, 17-May-14, 16-Aug-14, 11-Oct-14, 13-Dec-14 at the BACC location in Troy Michigan.

A mother is a selfless, loving human who sacrificemany of her wants and needs and even her life forthe wants, needs and life of their children. Being amother is perhaps the hardest, most rewarding joba woman will ever have. BACC to show thegratitude toward mothers celebrates every yearMother’s day. During 2013 and 2014 more than 600hundred mothers, young women and children cametogether this special day .

11

Mother’s Day May 2014

Mother’s Day March 2013

Cooking Class April 2013

Cooking Class October 2014

The Balkan American Community Center (BACC) is dedicated tohelping Balkan youth In Michigan through its learning center with manyeducational programs and events. Few of them are Weekend School ,SAT/ACT Preparation courses, Teach &Travel and Internship abroad,Summer Camps, Tutoring, Mentoring and College Preparation seminars.We believe that the youth should be involved in the decision makingprocess with regards to issues of interest to them in society and this canhappen only with right education. Not only do the youth bring energyand enthusiasm, but their dreams, visions and successes are importantparts of the dynamics of life. Therefore, it is vital that we invest inflourishing the power of the youth and expanding their horizons. This isthe best investment for the future of the World. If the youth is notprepared for the global market or if they are not offered adequateemployment and /or responsibility in society, they can become apotential source of discord as oppose to contributing to the future of anation. BACC intends to provide the youth with an array ofopportunities and is working hard using all its resources to betterequip them for the future which as we all know belongs to them.

12

Teach & Travel AbroadThe Teach &Travel program is an internationalproject of FEBA, whose aim is to place participants indifferent countries all over the world. However, duringthe years of 2013 and 2014 it took place only in Turkeyand Balkans. FEBA Michigan selected and placed 150students from Michigan and Ohio during 2013-2014. Ourvolunteers, who were either graduate or undergraduatecollege students, taught ESL to students ranging fromprimary school to high school during their summervacation. It was wonderful to see them gain a new andrewarding experience, abroad nonetheless, while at thesame time feel excited about showing their teachingabilities. They had the opportunity to make very closefriendships and get to know different people andcultures. In fact, FEBA volunteers should be recognizedfor the good impressions they left to the principals,students and parents as well. The Teach &Travel programtook place in during months of May, June and July.

It is important to mention that the “Travel” part was justas exciting as the “Teaching” part. Traveling to amazinghistorical and touristic locations, participating ininteresting regional activities, tasting different kinds ofdishes from other cultures and being hosted by localfamilies were some of the common activities taking placein this program. It is obvious that FEBA volunteers whoparticipated in this project are looking forward to beingmore involved in future FEBA programs. FEBA partnersand volunteers’ devoted efforts made this project a greatsuccess, so we take the chance here to congratulate andthank them for their great work.

Teach & Travel Turkey 2014

Teaching Kids in Istanbul

Teaching Kids in Istanbul

13

Internship AbroadAiming to build a network of young Balkan Americans, the Federation of Balkan AmericanAssociations (FEBA) launched its internship program, providing an opportunity for students to gainprofessional experience from top tier companies in the Balkans, Turkey and the surrounding regionwhile visiting, residing and exploring. The FEBA International Internship Program is designed forundergraduate and graduate students of Balkan origin studying within the United States. Theinternships are full-time (30 hours per week). Participants may even receive university credit fortheir participation, depending on their school’s credit policy.

With FEBA’s International Internship Programparticipants were able to choose an internshipthat best fit their interests, area of study orfuture career path. Participants were placed inan internship that afforded them theopportunity to gain international exposure,working experience, and the chance to be acontributing asset to a major internationalcompany. FEBA’s International InternshipProgram’s goal was to find the perfect matchfor its participants, while providing a networkof fellow interns, colleagues and companies tobuild their own international connections. Theprogram provided participants with theexpertise and introductions to leadingcompanies in Business, Finance, Engineering,Communications, Medicine and otherprofessional fields.

FEBA Students at Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ankara

FEBA Students at Turgut Ozal Hospital, Ankara

FEBA Students at a SETA Conference, Ankara

FEBA Students in Istanbul14

Internship Abroad

FEBA offered a variety of internship opportunities in various sectors of the economy. Participants were able to choose a field, and FEBA provided them a relevant placement in one of Turkey’s most well-

known and prestigious companies.The Sectors included:

· Accounting· Business and Finance

· Engineering and Energy· Hospitality/Tourism

· IT & Communications· Media and Journalism

· Security/Criminal Justice· Governance

· Health & Medicine· Education

· Fashion and Textile Industry· NGO (Non-Governmental

FEBA Students at Ataturk Mausoleum Ankara

Internship at Ministry of Economy, Ankara 2013

Internship at TOB University, Ankara 2013

Internship at Yildiz Holding, Istanbul 2014

Internship in Turkish Parliament, Ankara 2013 Internship at Fatih Hospital, Istanbul 2014

15

Study AbroadStudying abroad is the perfect way to gain the international perspective, life skills, independence, andmaturity. Spending a summer in a foreign culture is challenging and transformative experiences that willhelp students develop valuable and real-world skills. If students value growth, believe in the importanceof knowing and understanding the world, and wish to make the most of their everyday life and education,Study Abroad is a perfect option for them. Study Abroad programs offer ambitious and curious studentsan opportunity to become global citizens as they complete their education. Students who study abroadhave the opportunity to better understand world politics, to grasp pressing socioeconomic concepts andto be informed citizens of the world. Spending a summer a foreign school, experiencing another culturefor 2 months, and spending enough time to become familiar with another country offer students aunique opportunity to become a valuable member of their communities.

During the summer of 2014 approximately350 US students participated as part of theFEBA Summer Study Abroad Project. Thirtystudents from them came from the region ofMichigan and Ohio. This is an Annual SummerProgram and all college students and recentlygraduates are encouraged to apply. For moreinformation please visitwww.balkanamerican.orgProgram Dates:June 07, 2014 – July 15, 2014Program Place:Konya Mevlana (Rumi) University, TurkeyApplicants were currently enrolled or recentlygraduated from university or college.FEBA Students at Mevlana University Konya

Turkey, 2014

16

Weekend School

Bosnian School / Bosanska Skola

The Bosnian school is offered in Troy, MI (BACC)

Bosnian school in Troy, MI at the BACC is offered two different days a week: Friday and Sunday.

FRIDAY (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)Bosnian language classCulture/character building classSports (Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Ping pong)

SUNDAY (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM)Mekteb, Bosnian language classCulture/ character building classSports (Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Ping pong)

The weekend school aims to teach next generation of Balkan Americans their native language,culture and traditions in a warm and entertaining atmosphere which includes folkloric dances andsportive activities. The age groups of students varies from 5 years to 18 years old. The classes areoffered by the volunteers of the Balkan American Community Center (BACC). The project of theweekend school started in 2009 with only four children and currently the number of children ofAlbanian, Bosnian and Bulgarian descent students of this school exceeds two hundred. This schoolhas benefited not only the children but also their parents as they find a comfortable place tosocialize among themselves.

17

Weekend School

18Bulgarian School Children

Bulgarian School Children

Albanian School ChildrenAlbanian School Children

Bosnian School Children

Bosnian School Children

Albanian School Children

College Preparation ClassesGetting to college is not an easy path, for this reason we at the FEBA in general and at Balkan AmericanCommunity Center (BACC) in particular have put together classes that would help high school students toscore higher in college acceptance exams as well as help them get the necessary guidance to aim Ivy LeagueUniversities. During 2013-2014 approximately fifteen students joined these classes at the BACC. Classeswere held on Fridays and Sundays.

As the nation’s most widely used college admission test, the SAT is the first step toward highereducation for students of all backgrounds. It’s taken by more than two million students every year and isaccepted by virtually all colleges and universities. The SAT tests the reading, writing and math skills thatyou learn in school and that are critical for success in college and beyond. It gives both you and collegesa sense of how you’ll be able to apply the thinking, writing and study skills required for college coursework. The SAT also provides the opportunity for you to connect to scholarship opportunities, place outof certain college courses and learn more about your academic strengths.

Recommended College List and Contact Information5 Steps to Creating a College List5 Things You Need to Know About College Admission8 Tips for Crafting Your Best College EssayQuick Guide: The Anatomy of the College ApplicationCollege Application ChecklistVisit us at www.balkanamerican.org

FEBA Mentorship program will inspire, educate and connect with the mentees in a way to assist them inreaching their maximum potential. Mentees are matched to the mentors according to their needsand interests, which in turn creates an ideal mentoring environment. The mentee centered approach ofthe FEBA Mentorship Program has three main components: the mentor profile, the menteedevelopment and training strategy, and comprehensive mentoring approach with both individualizedand group sessions customized based on specific grade levels.

19

Summer Leadership CampsSummer International Leadership CampJune 27 - July 17, 2013;

July 24- August 16, 2014;

The aim of the project was to discover and educate the leaders of the future for a brighter and morepeaceful world. The program focused on students in middle and high school between the ages of 11and 17 years of age who are of Balkan-American origin. Participants were chosen and matched with USstudents of appropriate age and gender who also hosted the participant in their home for the entireprogram. The families not only cared and provided for the participants throughout the program butalso spent their Sundays showing the participants around through sight-seeing and fun activities.Groups were arranged and consisted of 6 participants from the local community and 6 participantsfrom the host country. The program was held in the Balkan American Community Center in Troy,Michigan. The number of students participating in this program during 2013 & 2014 was approximately150. The foreign students got equipped with better English and leadership skill. Many new friendshipswere built and the students left with tears in their eyes because they got attached to the hosting familyand the Balkan Center too much.

20

Summer Camp Students at Detroit ZOO, 2013

Paint Ball, Field Michigan 2013 Cedar Point 2013

The outreach sector of the Balkan American Community Center (BACC)is dedicated to helping its community and creating strong partnershipswith the public, organizations and Balkan leaders. BACC recognizes theneed to build bridges between the Balkan countries through activedialogue and so it consistently puts together events that do just this.BACC consistently works on bridging the gaps that have stalled growthwithin the Balkans by creating peaceful and productive environmentsbent on bringing the nations and their representative together. BACCalso places significant focus on the Balkan families living in the UnitedStates. Providing family oriented gatherings and events that not onlypromote unity and family values, but inter-cultural dialogue is but oneof the ways BACC ensures that they are reaching out to the masses withtheir goal of helping the Balkans and its people, wherever they may be.Community breakfasts , youth leadership retreats, networking events,leadership workshops , fundraising events help build these bridges offriendship with local institutions in the area. Senators , congressman,city mayors, community leaders and other active figures in thecommunity are welcoming and supporting activities of the center.

21

Outreach Networking and outreaching to the elected officials is to establish long-term relations and buildenduring relationships in benefit of the communities. With academic events, cultural events,leadership programs and partnerships, we aim to network the Balkan-American community withelected officials . This, we believe, will boost the potential of Balkan-American youth to becomemore integrated in American life, more involved with the community, not to lose touch with theirorigins, and do their best to serve this country in all means needed.

President Bill Clinton talking to a group of FEBA representatives in Waldorf Astoria Hotel NY, sharinghis experience as President of USA and as the main factor pushing the NATO Forces to bomb Serbiaon 1999 and put an end to the almost 10 year Balkan war that took the lives of hundred ofthousands of innocent people. Mr. President shared his extensive experience in the region and gavea comprehensive insight on what it take the Balkans to overtake the difficulties they are facing andthe economical steps that needs to be followed in order to prosper in this globalised world.President Clinton also took time to answer questions take photo and shake the hand of theparticipants in this prestigious event.

President Clinton talking to FEBA representatives in NY

22

Balkan American Community Center (BACC) is always trying to help its members realize theirpotential and give them the chance to network and share their ideas with others. To further theirknowledge, BACC Youth members had the opportunity to attend the NAPEC Innovation Conference inNew York City on April 22-2013 and April 12-2014 and in Chicago on April 19-2014. On these trips, thegroup was able to meet many influential and accomplished individuals from all around the world,while also talk to their fellow colleagues who were participating in the innovation challenge. TheNorth American Professional & Entrepreneurs Network (NAPEC) gives young professionals theopportunity to gain valuable insight and network with individuals with similar interests andambitions. Through these conferences, they were able to bring cutting edge innovations in businessand finance. The NAPEC Innovation Challenge was designed to help and reward students who wantedto pursue an innovative idea, develop a technology into a marketable product, or have a newapproach to a difficult problem or compelling opportunity. Other than winning a monetary prize ofover $20,000 combined, the finalists also had the opportunity to showcase their ideas toentrepreneurs, investors and venture capitalists and receive valuable feedback on their ventures.After the innovation challenge, there were several panels with C.E.O’s of different companies.

Networking Events

N APEC Conference N Y 2013 N APEC Conference Chicago 2014

23

Community BreakfastsWith its aim to bring together the community, and help build bridges with local institutions in the area,community breakfasts have been a staple event of the Balkan American Community Center. Whileenjoying traditional breakfast food, community members are gathered in a family friendly environmentwhere they can network and gain perspectives from different distinguished speakers each month.Through presentations, visual aids, and dialogue these speakers keep our community membersentertained and informed. Each distinguished speaker is versed in a specific field, such as: medical, realestate, tax preparation, financial planning, immigration, social work, etc…

Date Participants (approx.) Topic Company Guest Speaker

3-Feb-13 100 Income Taxes A.K Tax Services Mrs. Muharrema Kolasinac

3-Mar-13 120 Financial Planing HANTS Group Mr. Gary Harris

14-Apr-13 90 College Planing FEBA Mr. Adi Kaimovic

5-May-13 100 First Aid First Aid Sec Mrs. Sarah Hardy

12-Jan-14 70 Imigration Law Nushaj Law Office Mr. Renis Nushaj

9-Mar-14 100 Obama Heatlh Care Advomas Mr. Gent Nishani

11-May-14 120 Retirement Morgan Stanley Mrs. Sanja S. Berhamovic

14-Sep-14 90 General Information FEBA Mr. Taulant Kadiu

9-Nov-14 100 Nutrition Wayne State Univ. Medical Students

Traditional Balkan breakfasts enjoyed in presence of valuable

presentations by guest speakers

24

Breakfast Schedule 2013-2014

Leadership ConferenceWashington D.C.

A subsidiary of the Balkan AmericanCommunity Center, the Albanian Cultural ClubJunior was founded by a group of youngAlbanian-Americans in Southeast Michigan.The Club is housed at BACC in Troy. Themembers of the Albanian Cultural Club Juniorare high school and college students who areinterested in promoting Albanian language,culture and tradition in their local communityand its youth.

In the last weekend of March 2013, AlbanianCultural Club Junior had the opportunity to goto Washington D.C., and enhance theirknowledge of culture, teamwork, andnetworking. Through hard work, dedication,and the help of sponsors, ACC Juniororganized the event by working together as agroup. The group met at Balkan AmericanCommunity Center each Friday night duringthe months of February and March, andcarefully planned what needed to be doneduring that week to make this event possible.

To be able to come to Washington D.C. eachstudent had to write a research paper havingto do with Albania and its history, economy,tourism, and several other topics. Through allthe papers that were written, the best oneswere chosen to present at the conference in

Washington D.C.

ACCC Junior at the National Albanian American Council

25

Everywhere the group went in the capitol city,they got a warm welcome and they were metwith smiling faces that were ready to answer anyquestions pertaining to D.C. They got a chanceto visit the National Albanian American Council,where they met with Mr. Avni Mustafaj, theexecutive director, and they got some insideinformation on how the NAAC works to keeprelations between the US and Albania. Theywere also informed of the opportunities forinternships they could be a part of in WashingtonD.C. Being as they come from Michigan, thegroup could not leave D.C. without a visit to thecongressional office of John D. Dingell, theMichigan congressman and also the longestcurrently serving member of congress. Afterthat, the group got the opportunity to visit Voiceof America: Eurasia Division, the group ofstudents met with such people as Elez Biberaj,Ph.D., Ilr Knomi, writer and reporter, and manyother staff members that showed them a tour ofVOA and one of the Shkolla Shqipe students waseven able to broadcast in Albanian.

Congressman John D. Dingell’s office visit

After these amazing visits, the students hadplanned to have a conference of their own atGeorgetown University. There they gavepresentations and speeches in the presence ofPh.D. and Ph.D. candidates. The conferencelasted about three hours, with a workshop andteambuilding exercise. The group talked aboutfuture projects they could hold and take a partin.

Georgetown University Conference

The Washington D.C. leadership conference was funded through sponsorship. Knocking on doorsand explaining our idea got many promises of sponsorship. Even though not a big sum of moneywas collected, many people gave to the students. Even in Washington D.C. they were met withindividuals who were willing to sponsor.

Through this journey one quote stood true in the group: Coming together is a beginning; keepingtogether is progress; working together is success.

Visiting Voice of America

26

Youth Leadership Winter Retreat

BACC Youth Leadership Winter Retreat. Programs help Balkan-Americans develop this feature byencouraging them to face these challenges and learn from the best. BACC serves a catalyst thatuncovers this potential within every participant, and matches it with the right field of leadership. Thisprogram is organized annually during month of December. Treetop Resort in Gaylord during 26-28 Dec.2013 and Alpine Valley Skiing Resort during 27-29 Dec. 2014 housed this program for BACC .

The youth are the future of our community. The BACCYouth Leadership Retreat offers students, and youngprofessionals the opportunity to connect with eachother — to build bridges — in order to encouragecommunity building initiatives. We are excited toinclude motivational speakers as well as seminars inleadership, outreach, networking and education aspart of this amazing experience. Introduction onupcoming events such as Feba internships, teach andtravel and NGO training programs will be also part thepast retreats. Not to forget the great skiing experience.

Treetop Resort 2013

Alpine Valley 2014

Treetop Resort 2013

27Treetop Resort 2012

Professional Clubs

Media, Entertainment and Sports Club

One of the most active clubs at NAPEC, the Media, Entertainment and Sports (MES) Club’s diverse offerings include semester-long consulting projects; a speaker series; popular conferences and trips to NY, Chicago etc.. The MES Club partners with other business schools to organize the annual MBA Media and Entertainment Conference (MEC) — a preeminent event for business school students.

Mission: Serving this generation of professional and fostering the next by promoting innovation,cooperation, fellowship and growth.

Membership means more opportunitiesBusiness and professional clubs at BACC partnering with NAPEC provide members with exceptionalopportunities to dive deeper into their areas of interest. Students and professionals who leverage theexperiences created by these clubs gain meaningful, real-world exposure; an extensive list of contactsand new connections; and a greater understanding of their personal strengths and career skills — aswell as the know-how to effectively apply them to attain their professional goals.

Investment, Marketing and Finance Club

The NAPEC IMF Club is the principle resourcefor students interested in investmentbanking, finance and marketing. The Clubworks to educate students about theopportunities available in the investmentbanking industry and provides the tools andsupport required to successfully navigate therecruiting process. This club is also dedicatedto providing a forum for exchange of ideasand matching of talent between theInvestment Management community, youngprofessionals and current students..

28

Political Science and Lawyers ClubThe NAPEC Polaw Club is build to support the studentsand professionals who are interested in Law and PoliticalScience. Polaw Club stages a series of relevanteducational and inspirational events, such as “Developingyour professional vision to succeed at the highest levelsof the legal profession through innovative training,networking and professional growth opportunities.Programs, include, “Increase Your Visibility: How toEnhance Current Client Relationships and Build NewOnes,” and “How to Leverage Self-Evaluations forProfessional Advancement.” Beyond planning theseprograms, Club’s monthly meetings include discussionsof professional advancement topics with accomplishedmembers of the legal community, networking with otherlike-minded, highly motivated individuals, anddiscussions of professional and motivational literature.

Engineering and Technology ClubThe NAPEC EnTech Club educates its membersabout the high tech industry and gives themopportunities to interact with companies in thisfield. We focus on strategic issues of the energyindustry and its environmental impact and howbetter engineering and technology can help. Ourfocus is on current technologies as they relate tosoftware, hardware, the web, mobile and media.Among our various activities, we organize recruitingevents, speaker events and networking cocktailswith technology clubs across nation. The Club alsooffers one-on-one resume feedback sessions anddistributes a comprehensive recruiting andinterview guide to assist its members in the processof navigating the fall recruiting season. Healthcare Club

The NAPEC Healthcare Club is a resource for students fromacross nations who are interested in the healthcare and lifesciences industry. Our mission is threefold: First, enablecurrent members to obtain internships and jobs in thehealthcare and life sciences industry through various club-sponsored activities, including networking events andcompany site visits. Second, promote the development offuture healthcare leaders while creating a fun and supportivecommunity. Third, by leveraging individual academicstrengths and local biopharmaceutical industry and teachinghospitals, host the world’s leading conference focused oninnovation in the healthcare business - NAPEC Bio-Innovations Conference.

29

On 22 March 2013 The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in collaborationwith Balkan American Community Center (BACC) and the City of Troy Police organized the NaturalizationCeremony of 400 new citizens who took the oath and enjoyed for the first time to be citizens of thisgreat country. In the podium there were present the Director of USCIS Detroit office , Judge,Community Leaders from the Albanian, Bosnian, Bulgarian and the Turkish communities..

American National Enthem by Entela Kaba in Balkan American Community Center

New US Citizens during the Naturalization Ceremony

USCIS Director, Judge and BACC Leaders at the US Naturalization Ceremony

During the past years the Balkan American Community Center has invited numerous elected official whograciously enough have accepted our invitations and have come to talk to community members andshare their perspectives. Members of Senate, Congress, Immigration, FBI, USCIS, Media, localGovernment and many other service offices have encouraged us to actively participate in the systemthorough our civic participation and engagement of the youth.

Public Events & Visits

30

President of Tunisia Mohamed Moncef Marzouki

Secretary of SateMrs. Ruth Johnson

Visiting BACC

Oakland County Exec.Mr. L. Brooks Patterson

Visiting BACC

SenatorMr. Gary PetersVisiting BACC

Michigan Dem. Party ChairmanMr. L. Mark Brewer

Visiting BACC

President of USAMr. Bill Clinton

President of AlbaniaMr. Bujar NishaniVisiting Michigan

SenatorMrs. Debbie Stabenow

Visiting BACC

SenatorMr. Carl LevinVisiting BACC

31

The Balkan American Community Center BACC started it’sAid group in order to ensure that the team was always looking for waysof helping those most in need within the community after traumatizingevents. In the unpredictable world we live in, where disasters seem toalways loom in the shadows, it is necessary to be prepared to provideaid at all times. Hunger, poverty, deep social injustice and naturaldisasters are but a few of the troubles that humanity faces on a dailybasis and which is will continuously face throughout our existence.Although this remains inevitable, we cannot remain passive.Community service is our duty as citizens and members of ourrespective communities. The Balkan American Community youthvolunteer in various food banks, soup kitchens, tree planting, cleaningparks and helping others.

32

Aid Projects

33

Balkan American Community Center organized bake sale events, fundraising dinners and online donation drives for the disasters in Bosnia Flood, Hurricane Sandy in NJ, Van Earthquake and Soma Mining victims in Turkey, Philippines victims, Syrian Kids and other disasters.

Community Service

Balkan American Community CenterBACC aims through volunteeringand community service to expandour youth horizons, strengthen theirsenses of civic engagement, to givea sense of moral obligation to helpthose less fortunate and the desireto make your community a betterplace in which to live. During thepast years Balkan youth hasparticipated in various food banks,soup kitchens, tree and flowerplanting, food packing and parkcleaning projects. Mother TeresaService day is an initiative ofAlbanian Student OrganizationAASO where volunteers fromcollege come and volunteer at BACC

Summer Camp Students volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank

Mother Teresa Service Day

Volunteers cleaning parks 34

The Balkan American Community Center BACC understandsthe importance of investing time and resources in the youth. Moreover, BACC understands the challenges that youth are experiencing in the 21st century and aims to provide the ground that will help themcope with these obstacles. Sports and recreation are essential parts of a healthy lifestyle, especially in a time when exercise is difficult to fit into a busy student schedule. Aside from this, sports can also provide a positive environment for youth where they not only have a place to escape from the stresses in their lives but also a place to develop lifelong skills such as respect and team work. It is precisely these skills which BACC looks to develop amongst the youth so that they may progress through life well equipped to handle every curve ball that may be thrown their way.

35

Sport Clubs & ClassesThe Balkan American Community Center BACC

organizes regional soccer and basketball leagues and

tournaments indoor and outdoor at its location in Troy.

BACC offers classes of karate and indoor foosball

training. The league matches are played in regular fall/

spring for outdoors and winter for indoor seasons.

BACC sports clubs compete in local tournaments,

where other teams participate. Participation in these

events provides a chance to Balkan Americans to

engage in sports and cultural life with other

communities.BACC Ballers basketball team was formedwit Balkan High School students in 2013.

US Dragons Youth soccerclub practicing in BACCoutdoors and Indoor fieldssince 2014 to compete inMichigan Soccer Leagues

Karate classes were offered during Spring of 2014 by Instructor Miss. Vesa Vuniqi 4-th degree black beltchampion. Children ranged from 7 to 17 years old. Classes were offered every Wednesday and Sunday.

Outdoor and Indoor soccer tournaments for adults and children were organized during spring and fall of2013 and 2014. Teams from all Detroit Metro area joined and got cheered by hundreds of parents and fans

36

37

http://www.baccmichigan.org/