LEWISTON — Ifraax Saciid-Ciise, a Somali interpreter and nonprofit director in Lewiston, has become a focal point in a growing backlash concerning the distribution of donations collected after the October 2023 mass shooting. Her organization, IFKA Community Services, was highlighted among 29 nonprofits that received equal checks from the Maine Community Foundation’s Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund.
According to records released by the foundation, a total of $1.9 million was allocated through its Broad Recovery Efforts & Organizations Fund, with each nonprofit receiving $62,522. This list of recipients has spurred significant debate, as many residents express concerns that funds should have been directed only to victims and families directly impacted by the tragedy.
The resulting controversy has developed into a significant political issue, attracting attention from prominent figures, including Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jones, who launched a Change.org petition advocating for an investigation and audit by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice.
The situation gained further media traction through coverage on platforms like Fox News and NewsNation, the latter spotlighting the story through multiple segments and investigative reports on how the donations were distributed, raising questions about their use.
At a Lewiston City Council meeting, Saciid-Ciise addressed the mounting criticism, clarifying that her organization and others on the recipient list are not merely NGOs, but “ethnic community-based organizations” aimed at assisting local residents dealing with trauma stemming from the shooting. She refuted the narrative that these nonprofits do not deserve the funding, emphasizing their role in supporting affected community members.
However, community reaction has been largely negative, with residents voicing their frustrations over what they perceive as a misappropriation of funds meant for shooting survivors. Some critics drew attention to the backgrounds of individuals associated with the nonprofits and questioned their connections to the tragedy.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Saciid-Ciise’s profile has become intertwined with other local headlines, including a recent police raid on the Mogadishu Store owned by her mother, Shukri Abasheikh, amid an ongoing fraud investigation. Despite the investigation, authorities clarified that it was not related to immigration enforcement.
Saciid-Ciise, recognized for her leadership in the nonprofit sector, has been portrayed in various media as a dedicated advocate for Somali-speaking immigrants and refugees in Lewiston. As the discourse around donor intent and the allocation of financial resources continues, the clash over who deserves support is escalating into a larger dialogue about community needs, accountability, and the role of charitable contributions.
The outrage surrounding this issue serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in charitable efforts and how societal perceptions can shape the aftermath of tragedies. Amidst the controversy, there remains hope that this dialogue can lead to clearer guidelines in the future, ensuring aid reaches those most in need while fostering unity in the community.