DEARBORN — The Western Union Company, a worldwide leader in money transfer services, has assisted the Yemeni American Benevolent Association (YABA) to renovate two classrooms at its community center in the Southend here. As part of its continuing efforts to give back to the communities it serves, Western Union sponsored a four-week construction project in an effort to renovate the community center and support the many residents who frequent YABA. for educational purposes. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Saturday, October 27.

YABA has been a key component in the Yemeni community in Dearborn since its founding in 1969, more than thirty years ago. It is the oldest Yemeni organization in the country, according to Dahan Alnajjar, vice president of YABA, who told The Arab American News that Western Union contributed two thirds of the funds needed for the renovation. The city’s Yemeni community uses the center to host meetings, after-school activities, religious education classes and as a social center. Live Yemeni music and a catered lunch will be featured at the ribbon-cutting.

“We are incredibly pleased with the renovation and appreciate the support from Western Union,” he said. “The new classrooms will be of tremendous benefit to the many children who rely on our center for educational purposes, and we are thankful to Western Union for making all of these amazing changes possible.” Alnajjar said the center’s weekend Arabic school hosts close to 150 students a year.

“We think this is a good partnership for the Yemeni community and for Western Union as well, Anajjar said. The renovations included the installation of six windows, three doors, two blackboards and electrical access to give the classrooms a fresh and updated look. “Becoming involved in the communities that we serve is an integral part of Western Union’s culture. We are proud to team up with Y.A.B.A. and look forward to a lasting relationship with this community,” said Jean Sabbagh, Assistant Marketing Manager at Western Union.

Western Union is dedicated to serving its consumers where they live, work and shop around the U.S., with Agent locations in the heart of many ethnically diverse neighborhoods throughout the country. Western Union has continued to grow its Agent network over the past several years, resulting in a wide range of Agent locations throughout the Middle East, offering even more convenience.