Message from the Executive Director
Raghad Bushnaq
Founder & Executive Director
Mozaic
The Mozaic Digest
Temporary Protected Status
Protestors gathered outside the Supreme Court during oral arguments for two cases regarding the Trump administration ending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrians and Haitians, on April 29,2026, in Washington, DC. TPS allows people from unsafe countries to live and work legally in the U.S. when returning home would be dangerous. About 6,000 Syrians in the U.S. are directly affected by this case. The Supreme Court is expected to make its decision in late June to early July 2026. Courts have temporarily blocked attempts to end Syrian TPS while the case proceeds. TPS still remains valid for now, but future protection is uncertain.
If the Court rules for the government, TPS designations become essentially unreviewable by courts, and the administration gains a green light to strip status from up to 1.3 million people across 17 designated TPS countries. Advocates call it the largest “de-documentation” event in U.S. history.
If the Court rules for the TPS holders, it would require DHS to justify terminations under an established legal standard and likely restore protections for Haiti and Syria — with ripple effects on the ongoing challenges over Afghanistan, Venezuela, Cameroon, and the rest.
Syrian Delegation Visits Washington, DC
Syria’s Finance Minister, Yisr Barnieh, led a Syrian delegation to Washington during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings. They also met with Syrians based in USA. The Syrian delegation held talks with the Treasury Department on strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, state-run news agency Sana reported.
Mozaic Highlights
Eid Celebration 2026
Mozaic hosted an Eid Celebration for over 20 families at George Mason University’s Dewberry Hall. Guests were treated to Shawarma bowls sponsored by Falafel Inc, Bechamel by Bechamel.etc, popcorn, cotton candy and cupcakes by Cakes for Kids.
Kids were engaged in various crafts while their parents received tips on advancing their careers in America.
Local author, Omar Khawaja, held an engaging storytime and every family went home with Eid gifts. Thank you to Noble Garden Academy, Aya Montessori (Columbia, MD), Cozy Village Play Cafe and Adams Center (Sully) for the toy drive for Eid gifts. Thank you to Mubarak Paper Co for sponsoring the storytime, and thank you to Mubarak Paper Co and Sister Nadia Kamal’s family for donating goodie bags for children! A special shout out to our collaborators – Afghan Student Union from GMU for working with us.
Tea, Treats & Talk
Our Mozaic Pulse youth club hosted a beautiful Tea, Treats & Talk gathering, creating a safe and welcoming space for young girls to connect, reflect, and build confidence. The event featured meaningful conversations, light refreshments, and peer-led discussions, showcasing the leadership and initiative of our youth.
The youths took charge of the set up, menu and reaching out to family and friends to sign up. If you know of female youths ages 14 – 17 years old, who are keen to learn more about health care needs in humanitarian crisis areas, hone their leadership, public speaking and fundraising skills, and build meaningful friendships, please encourage them to join here: https://forms.gle/x4hegyS4w4idqr7GA
Career Development Workshop & Accenture Office Visit
Accenture’s Refugee Employee Resource Group hosted a Career Development Workshop for refugees and immigrants in Washington, DC at the end of April. Mozaic was honored to be invited, and our community members benefited from an engaging and informative session.
Participants learned how to leverage AI tools to strengthen their resumes, navigate job applications, and better understand career pathways—especially within the tech industry. They also received personalized resume reviews and mentorship, gaining valuable insights and practical strategies to help them take the next steps in their professional journeys.
The event concluded with a delicious lunch catered by Mozaic Kitchen, showcasing the talent of our refugee chefs.
Programs like these not only equip participants with essential skills but also restore confidence and provide hope for a brighter, more stable future.
The Green Sale showcased Mozaic’s commitment to resource-sharing, community engagement, and environmentally conscious initiatives, creating a meaningful space where families could meet their needs while supporting one another.
Institute for Immigration Research Symposium
Mozaic was honored to attend a two-day working symposium hosted by the Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason University. The symposium, “Leaving and Belonging: Making an Impact on Immigration and Displacement through Arts, Culture, and Storytelling,” brought together researchers, artists, nonprofit leaders, and community practitioners working at the intersection of immigration and community building.
Through panels, workshops, and discussions, the symposium explored how arts, culture, and storytelling can shape public narratives, influence policy, and strengthen a sense of belonging for immigrant and refugee communities. Participants also examined best practices, identified gaps in current systems, and collaborated on strategies to create more inclusive and impactful programs.
Attending spaces like this is critical for Mozaic staff to stay informed, inspired, and connected. These opportunities allow us to:
- Build meaningful networks with national leaders, researchers, and peer organizations
- Bring back innovative ideas and best practices to strengthen our programs
- Stay engaged in conversations shaping immigration policy and community support systems
Ensure our work remains relevant, impactful, and rooted in the lived experiences of the communities we serve
Group Mental Wellness Workshop
This April marked the launch of our Mental Wellness Workshop series for women. Led in a supportive and culturally sensitive environment, participants began learning practical coping strategies, building emotional resilience, and forming meaningful connections with one another.
During the first session, the refugee women learned about recognizing stress and explored the concept of the “stress bucket,” helping them better understand and manage daily pressures. We are deeply grateful to Asma Rehman (MSQ, LCSW-R) for generously volunteering her time and expertise to uplift the women Mozaic serves.
Through these sessions, women are gaining the tools, confidence, and safe space needed to heal, connect, and rebuild their lives—strengthening not just individuals, but families and the broader community.
Help us sustain the Mozaic Social Lounge—a safe, welcoming space where women can gather, learn, and access critical wellness support. Your donation ensures these life-changing programs remain accessible to those who need them most. Donate today: mozaicdmv.org/donate
Gardening Workshop
Mozaic hosted a Gardening Workshop led by Girl Scout Zahra Rasouli, aimed at increasing awareness around food sustainability and the wellness benefits of gardening.
Participants had a wonderful time planting tomato, squash, and pepper seeds—many enjoying the simple joy of getting their hands into the soil. The workshop created a space for learning, connection, and hands-on experience.
With SNAP benefits being reduced and ongoing uncertainty around food assistance, learning how to grow food at home can play an important role in improving food security and reducing household expenses. This workshop empowered families with practical skills to take small but meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency and healthier living. At the end of May, they will transplant the seedlings to the ground and we can’t wait for that!
If you are a Scout and would like to lead projects, reach out to Mozaic today at mozaic501c@gmail.com!
Sewing Class 101
We kicked off our Sewing Class 101 for Spring 2026, led by Cecilia Tran, welcoming women eager to learn foundational sewing skills. Participants began their journey in garment-making, building confidence and practical skills that can support both personal growth and income opportunities.
Students included both community members and refugees served by Mozaic. It was a joy to watch them support one another and build meaningful connections—an essential step in helping refugee women feel a sense of belonging and integration within the wider community. We are deeply grateful to Cecilia for generously sharing her time and expertise.
Through the Mozaic Sewing Studio, women are not only learning technical skills but also gaining confidence, building community, and accessing pathways toward financial independence.
Help us expand our Sewing Studio and provide more women with tools, materials, and training opportunities. Your support directly empowers refugee and immigrant women to build sustainable futures. Donate today: mozaicdmv.org/donate
Hooks & Books Youth Club
Our Hooks & Books Youth Club officially launched this month, bringing together young girls for a unique blend of reading and crochet. The club fosters creativity, literacy, and sisterhood, while providing a space for youth to unwind, learn new skills, and grow together.
The program offers scholarships to beneficiary families, ensuring access for those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate. Through guided reading and hands-on skill-building, the club helps inculcate a strong culture of reading while equipping girls with practical creative skills. Most importantly, it provides a safe and nurturing spacewhere girls can build meaningful friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
This month’s featured book is Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga, a powerful story that explores identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience—sparking meaningful conversations among participants.
By investing in both literacy and creativity, Hooks & Books empowers young girls to grow academically, socially, and emotionally—laying the foundation for confident, capable future leaders.
Help us expand Hooks & Books and sponsor more girls to participate. Your support ensures that every girl has access to a safe space to learn, connect, and thrive. Donate today: mozaicdmv.org/donate
Child Minding Support
To better support mothers attending our programs, Mozaic introduced child minding services during Mental Wellness Workshops and Sewing classes. Children engaged in reading, crafts, and games in a safe and nurturing environment—allowing mothers to fully participate and benefit from these critical programs. Thank you to our amazing volunteers. We still have some spots that need to be filled, so if you are keen, please fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/9iv4E3uMSMmmJfLPA
In the Spotlight
Volunteer of the Month
Anna Sophia
George Washington University (GWU) undergraduate first-year student Anna Sophia Feher began volunteering with Mozaic as part of her service-learning requirement for her course, University Writing 1020 (Contested Bodies: Beyond a Standard Refugee Narrative), partnering with a local organization focused on supporting refugees.
Born and raised in New Jersey, she grew up with a multicultural background, and has always found cross-cultural connections fascinating, a passion that she has continued by choosing to major in International Affairs.
Having studied abroad twice so far in her own academic career; for a summer in Rome, Italy and a year in Budapest, Hungary, Anna Sophia is more than familiar with the struggles of learning a new language and recognizes the importance of direct engagement to yield confidence and skill. She spent her spring semester tutoring one of our adult ESOL learners online.
Over the course of 10 weeks, Anna Sophia would virtually meet with her “student” twice a week and practice English with her. Building skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, her student became more confident and comfortable with her English language knowledge. Beyond that, Anna Sophia and her student struck a beautiful friendship- despite their age gap and cultural differences.
Over the course of 10 weeks, Anna Sophia would virtually meet with her “student” twice a week and practice English with her. Building skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, her student became more confident and comfortable with her English language knowledge. Beyond that, Anna Sophia and her student struck a beautiful friendship- despite their age gap and cultural differences.
She continued, “ I was scared at first, thinking that I wasn’t going to be able to teach well, but as my student’s confidence grew, so did mine. I noticed improvements in both of us after just a few classes and we shared the joy of this together, but we also celebrated mistakes and made sure to always stay laughing. Mistakes are how you learn and while it seems scary to mess up, by laughing we were able to change our perspective and turn it positive.”
Story of the Month
Amena Rahimi
Amena Rahimi came to the USA from Afghanistan about 3 years ago. As a mother of 5 children, the move was emotionally hard. When she found out through her neighbour about vocational training classes offered by Mozaic, she asked her daughters to sign her up.
Amena learnt to take the bus- allowing her to attend sewing classes at Mozaic independently. Beyond that, whenever she met a new neighbor in need of help, she would not hesitate to inform Mozaic about their needs. Amena wanted others to be uplifted through Mozaic’s various programs, just like her.
From not knowing a single English word, Amena has worked hard at learning English under the guidance of Ms Taslim Satya, Mozaic’s Advanced Beginner ESOL class instructor. Mozaic, she said, is her home. These days, she is able to communicate in English and attends both ESOL and sewing classes at Mozaic. She also completed a project in collaboration with Space For Art Foundation – sewing together different patches of artwork to a junior space suit which has been exhibited in several states, including Texas. “Mozaic is my home,” is how Amena describes the center. She hopes to learn driving to allow her to attend more programs independently.
Testimonies
Anna Sophia
“These organizations truly work miracles in the lives of refugees adjusting to their new lives in their host countries. The lesson I will carry forward from this experience is to be positive, even when life is hard. Perspective changes everything and good things come to those who work for it. A piece of advice that I would give to an incoming student volunteer would be to be adaptable and to not only teach, but to also learn from your student. This is as much of a learning experience for us as it is for our students and I advise future volunteers to take that to heart.”
Mozaic Library Spotlight
Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Things become even more complicated when Kareem’s mother travels to Syria to help family members but is unable to return due to the U.S. travel ban, leaving Kareem feeling lost and uncertain.
Throughout the story, Kareem must navigate difficult choices, confront bullying and prejudice, and figure out who he wants to be. Ultimately, the novel is about finding your voice, embracing your identity, and learning to stand up for what is right—even when it’s hard.
Shifa Saltagi Safadi is a Syrian American author and former English Language Arts teacher, born in Syria and raised in the United States. She writes stories that center Muslim and immigrant experiences, helping young readers see themselves reflected in literature.
Her novel Kareem Between received the prestigious 2024 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, one of the highest honors in children’s publishing.
Find copies of Kareem Between at the Mozaic Library. Discover our catalogue here: https://mozaicdmv.org/our-programs/mozaic-library/
Partnerships
Thank You to Our Partners & Supporters
Sponsorships
Grateful for Our Sponsors: Mozaic Eid Celebration
Donate Today
Fuel Their Future
To help clients face the pressures of rising gas prices, Mozaic is raising funds to help support our clients. These funds will go to ensuring that clients are able to pay for gas to attend workshops at Mozaic Center that will help them to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Workshops include sewing classes, mental wellness workshops, programs for students and more.
Due to rising gas prices, clients have hesitated from signing up for various workshops as they are try to budget their gas needs.
Upcoming Program
Quilting 101
Mozaic is excited to offer a quilting class for beginners starting May 6. The class will be held every Wednesday for five weeks from 12.30pm – 3pm. Students will learn about quilt patterns, how to cut fabric for quilts, and work on a collaborative project together.
The class will be taught by Hania Dahman, Master of Fine Arts in Sewing.
Mozaic is excited to offer a quilting class for beginners starting May 6. The class will be held every Wednesday for five weeks from 12.30pm – 3pm. Students will learn about quilt patterns, how to cut fabric for quilts, and work on a collaborative project together.
The class will be taught by Hania Dahman, Master of Fine Arts in Sewing.
There are still a few spots left, so hurry and register here: https://mozaicdmv.org/classes/
Opportunities to Get Involved
Volunteer With Mozaic
We are always looking for volunteers to support our community! From organizing books, to helping with transportation, research, and job search, there’s always a need to be filled! If you are keen to share your talents and give your time to Mozaic, Sign up here: https://mozaicdmv.org/contact-us/volunteer/
Resources for Immigrant Families in Northern Virginia
Below are trusted local and national organizations offering support to immigrant, refugee, and newcomer families in Northern Virginia. These resources provide assistance with healthcare, mental health, housing, education, employment, financial stability, and legal services.
Job Opportunities
Individuals searching for job opportunities can head to the Mozaic website and drop down to “Job Opportunities” under the tab “Contact Us”. Our team of volunteers diligently search for job openings in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.
🩺 Healthcare & Mental Health Support
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Northern Virginia
Free support groups, mental health education, and multilingual resources to help individuals and families navigate mental health challenges.
🔗 https://nami-northernvirginia.org/
HealthWorks for Northern Virginia
Low-cost medical, dental, and behavioral health services for uninsured, underinsured, and immigrant families.
🔗 https://hwnova.org/
Neighborhood Health
Federally Qualified Health Centers offering primary care, behavioral health, women’s health, and dental services with sliding-scale fees.
🔗 https://www.neighborhoodhealthva.org/
🏠 Housing & Financial Support
United Way 211 Virginia
Free 24/7 hotline and online directory that connects families to housing assistance, food resources, financial support, and other services.
📞 Dial 2-1-1 | 🔗 https://211virginia.org/
Coordinated Services Planning (Fairfax County)
Helps families access emergency food, shelter placement, utility support, and short-term financial assistance. Interpretation services available.
📞 (703) 222-0880 | 🔗 https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/registerapply
🎓 Education & Youth Resources
Parent Resource Center – Fairfax County Public Schools
Workshops, one-on-one support, special education guidance, and multilingual resources to help parents advocate for their children’s education.
🔗 https://www.fcps.edu/frc
Loudoun Literacy Council
English classes, reading support, and family literacy programming to strengthen learning at home and school.
🔗 https://loudounliteracy.org/
Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC)
Youth programs, ESL classes, family support, and refugee resettlement services in the region.
🔗 https://www.ecdcus.org/
💼 Employment, Skills & Financial Empowerment
Virginia Career Works – Northern Region
Career centers providing job search assistance, training opportunities, resume help, and workforce resources at no cost.
🔗 https://vcwnorthern.com/
CASA
Offers workforce development, workers’ rights education, financial literacy support, and job readiness programs for immigrant workers.
🔗 https://wearecasa.org/
⚖️ Immigration & Legal Assistance
Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON)
Provides low-cost and pro bono immigration legal services including TPS, asylum, family petitions, and work authorization support.
🔗https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/organization.486633-Justice_For_Our_Neighbors
ImmigrationHelp.org
A free nonprofit online platform offering step-by-step tools for completing immigration forms such as work permits, green card renewals, and DACA applications.
🔗 https://www.immi.org/en
Restoration Immigration Legal Aid (RILA)
Pro bono immigration legal services focused on asylum and special immigrant juvenile cases.
🔗 https://www.restorationimmigration.org/
Just Neighbors
Provides immigration legal services and referrals to help low-income immigrants navigate the immigration system.
🔗 https://www.justneighbors.org/resources-for-non-citizens/
Legal Aid Justice Center
Offers civil legal advocacy and representation on issues that affect immigrant and low-income families.
🔗 https://www.justice4all.org/
📝 Please note: Services, eligibility requirements, and availability may change. We encourage families to contact organizations directly or visit their websites for the most up-to-date information.
💛 Building stronger communities, one story at a time.
📩 Mozaic Support
For direct support, program questions, or to get involved, contact us:
Email: info@mozaicdmv.org
Phone: 202-989-9000
✨ Donate today to sustain programs that nurture creativity, confidence, and community: mozaicdmv.org/donate
🙌 Volunteer with us and make a hands-on impact: mozaicdmv.org/volunteer
📅 Stay connected for future events and programs: mozaicdmv.org/events
Lending a Helping Hand to Build a Better Community
Refugees | Women | Children
