Nancy and Karim Iskander know firsthand how tragedy can suddenly strike, forever changing life as we know it. While on a family walk on September 29, 2020, their sons, Mark, 11, and Jacob, 8, were struck as they crossed the street.
The boys’ lives were tragically ended, leaving their grief-stricken parents, family, friends and the community heartbroken at the senseless loss of two young people. Despite their crushing pain, the Iskanders were determined to honor Mark and Jacob’s lives by helping others.
They established the Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation in November 2020 to help foster children, the Mark and Jacob Foster Care Ministry to provide scholarships to local private schools that their boys attended, as well as an orphanage in Egypt that currently houses and cares for nine formerly homeless children.
“I love children, and when the boys died, I wanted them to impact lives,” says Nancy Iskander. “Giving a child a home, love and guidance can really change their path and provide the potential for a bright future.”
The community’s support is essential to the nonprofits’ efforts, says Julie Cohen, coordinator and chair of the foundations’ fundraiser held last October at the Westlake Yacht Club.
“We live in such an amazing community; we raised a quarter of a million at our first charity event,” shares Cohen. “In representing the family and helping them, I have never been told no. People just want to help.” Event sponsors at the October event included Katrina Jayne Photography, Deluxe Balloon Company and Boccaccio’s and The Landing Grill and Sushi Bar, owned by Hamid Sadraie.
“The mission is to turn the darkest, most horrific, heartbreaking scenes that happened right across the lake here to a blessing that’s long-lasting,” Iskander says. She vowed not to stop until the impact that Mark and Jacob were supposed to make in the world is realized through the work of the project that carries their names.
Created to recruit, train and certify families as foster care parents and match them with kids in need, the foster care agency recently celebrated its efforts that facilitated the successful placement of teenage twins in a loving foster home.
“Consider fostering a child,” urges Nancy, adding, “It does make a huge difference when children are placed in a home with parents to provide them with guidance, food and care. If we open our homes…to teens and children who are lost, it will turn their life around.”
“We would encourage people to call us. We’ll help get you certified, including CPR certification, conduct background checks, and we cover expenses with a monthly stipend as well as additional help to provide them with the support they need,” Nancy explains.
The statistics regarding the urgent need for foster families are astounding, Cohen shares, noting that in Ventura County, more than 700 children are in need of a loving home every day.
“Foster parents sometimes quit serving—they need a lot of support,” Cohen notes. “Donations to our organization will enable foster families to continue serving needy children and will allow them to offer the foster children the same opportunities that Mark and Jacob had. Together, we can all save and improve foster children’s lives.”
The October event included an expression of gratitude for prosecutors Ryan Gould and Jamie Castro, who persevered in the years-long criminal case charging Rebecca Grossman for striking the boys in the crosswalk. The occasion also honored Captain Jennifer Seetoo of the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station and Chief Drew Smith of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The officials participated in a dunking contest at the event to contribute to fundraising efforts.
Unparalleled Support
“Our agency is fully inclusive: we provide training, assist with certifications, conduct home inspections with a dedicated social worker and stay by their side every step of the way,” Cohen explains. “Nancy Iskander, the victims’ mother, personally supports foster families throughout the entire process. She’s changed our community with her strength, her resilience and her kindness.
“They continue to do good work to honor their boys. Nobody really understands unless you’ve gone through it. She’s just a remarkable human being,” Cohen adds.
Ongoing regular events will support their efforts. In January, the organization held an event for foster children and families at Dave and Buster’s in honor of Jacob’s 13th birthday on January 13.
Community Pledge
“Together, we are transforming the tragedy into a force for good!” Cohen says, inviting readers to honor the boys by promising not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, refrain from racing vehicles on the roads and to be kind and volunteer.
“We are the village,” says Cohen, who aims to make all foster kids’ dreams come true. “We can transform and change lives when we do it together.”
For more information, visit MarkandJacobFosterCareMinistry.com and MarkandJacobFoundation.org or call 805.374.1110.