Finding Community and Purpose: Muhammad’s Journey at CenterLight PACE
Meet CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participant Muhammad Falzur Rahman, who has been enrolled in the program since 2024.
His inspiring journey from leading prayers as an Imam to finding a supportive community in our South Asian Cultural Alternative Care Site (ACS) in Jamaica is a testament to how CenterLight PACE helps participants continue doing what they love as they age. In the following interview, you'll discover how his experience at CenterLight PACE has transformed his daily life and helped promote his independence.
Interviewer: Please tell us a little bit about your background.
Participant: I used to lead prayers. I served as an Imam in at least three mosques. Whenever I went to my village, I led the prayers there. And here in the city, I did it regularly.
Interviewer: How was life for you when you were no longer able to lead services in your mosque?
Participant: After that, I served as a second Imam here. Initially, I started as a second Imam here. After a year, I went back home and stayed there for four months. Because of that long absence, I lost my position as they had to hire someone else.
My mental state was very bad at that time. I was surrounded by people I knew, and everyone respected me there Subhanallah, Subhanallah [Glory be to Allah]. Leaving behind that respect and everyone's love made my heart feel heavy.
Now, I am leading the prayers here at CenterLight.
Interviewer: How did coming to Jamaica ACS change your daily life?
Participant: We do exercises here. [Therapeutic Recreation Specialist] Belinda leads our exercise sessions, and she conducts very nice exercises, I enjoy them a lot. The environment, the behavior of people, and everyone's love have truly impressed me. That's why I like it here at CenterLight PACE.
Interviewer: How do you feel after spending the whole day here and then going home?
Participant: It's normal to feel a little upset, but somehow, life goes on. I carry the memories of this place with me and remember the love from everyone, that's what stays in my heart.
Interviewer: Can you describe the moment you realized you could begin leading services again at CenterLight Jamaica ACS and how did that feel?
Participant: When I started leading prayers here, everyone accepted me and liked me. At first, I suggested that someone else take the responsibility, but no one wanted to. Everyone kept requesting me to lead the prayers. That means they accepted me. I didn't step forward on my own at first. Even the head of CenterLight PACE always supported me and encouraged me to lead the prayers here.
Interviewer: And how has being part of the Jamaica ACS supported your independence, well-being and sense of progress?
Participant: From time to time, when I sit idle for a while, I read from the Qur'an and Hadith. People listen to me, and I enjoy talking with them. I really like coming to CenterLight PACE.
Interviewer: Is there anything you would like to share with others who may be considering joining a program like the ACS?
Of course, I would. CenterLight provides many facilities. There's good food, opportunities to interact and bond with others honestly and respectfully, a chance to pray, and essentially, everything one needs is available at CenterLight PACE.
Interviewer: Suppose you go home and have relatives or friends, would you recommend that they join ACS here in Jamaica?
Yes, I always mention it at the mosque where I pray, I always talk about Center. People often ask me where I go and what I do there. I tell them that as soon as we arrive, breakfast is arranged, and they pick us up and drop us back by car. They serve breakfast, tea, and coffee very nicely, whatever someone prefers, it's provided. They also organize exercise sessions and serve juice. Everything is taken care of. After that, they arrange proper meals for us. They serve delicious Bengali food, along with vegetables, lentils - everything is well organized for us. That's why it feels very good in the heart, and we feel happy and satisfied. Because of this, I tell people that if they are interested, they can come with me and see it themselves. I even tell my friends and relatives. Insha'Allah, there are proper ablution facilities here, separate wudu areas, and prayer rooms. There are also bathrooms and everything else is fully complete. That's why we love CenterLight PACE. Before coming here, I didn't know that CenterLight PACE provided such excellent arrangements, supported by the government. But after arriving here, I saw that everything is very well organized. Insha'Allah, that's why I like it so much.
H3329 NoPOInfo MdRahmanTestimonial
Last Updated February 12, 2026
This interview was translated by a certified translation agency.