Message from the Executive Director
As summer break comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible energy, compassion, and sense of community that filled the Mozaic Center over the past few months.
This summer was more than a season of activities—it was a season of learning, belonging, and new beginnings. Refugee and newcomer children, youth, and women came together with long-time community members to learn new skills, discover their talents, build confidence, and form friendships that crossed cultures and backgrounds. Whether through art, public speaking, crochet, baking, or college preparation, every program created opportunities for meaningful connections and helped strengthen the fabric of our community.
One of the greatest joys this summer was witnessing the leadership of our youth volunteers. They didn’t simply assist with programs—they designed classes, mentored younger students, taught new skills, prepared refreshments, and created welcoming spaces where every participant felt seen, valued, and encouraged. Their generosity, creativity, and commitment remind us that investing in young leaders creates a ripple effect that benefits our entire community.
At Mozaic, we believe that integration happens through relationships. When families gather around a craft table, children laugh while learning together, and volunteers share their time and talents, barriers begin to disappear. These moments build trust, foster belonging, and create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, community partners, and supporters who believe in our mission. Thank you for standing alongside refugee and newcomer families as they rebuild their lives with hope, dignity, and opportunity.
As we prepare for a new season of programs, we invite you to continue this journey with us—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our mission with others. Together, we are building stronger communities, one relationship at a time.
Raghad Bushnaq
Founder & Executive Director
Mozaic
The Mozaic Digest
U.S. support for the UN refugee agency faces uncertainty
Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent the United States from reducing or ending its involvement with the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR. The U.S. has historically been UNHCR’s largest donor, and a major withdrawal could further reduce food assistance, shelter, legal protection, education, and resettlement support for displaced families worldwide. UNHCR is already dealing with significant funding shortages and staff reductions.
Mozaic Highlights
Summer at Mozaic: Learning, Creativity & Community
Summer Art for a Cause
Our young artists (ages 6–12) have been exploring a variety of artistic techniques while creating beautiful paintings that will be donated to the Arts2Hearts Foundation. Through this program, children are discovering how creativity can be a powerful way to spread kindness, compassion, and hope. Students have learnt making collages, textured painting, making notebooks and stickers! The program is led by Reem Almawaldi with the support of dedicated volunteers Ibrahim Syed, Maryam Syed, and Aamina Syed, whose encouragement and creativity have made each session a joyful experience for our young artists. Ninety percent of the students who attend this class are from refugee/asylum families supported by Mozaic. Help make programs like this accessible to every child. Your donation provides scholarships for refugee and newcomer families, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, create, and thrive. Donate today at mozaicdmv.org/donate.
Finding Your Voice
Girls in Grades 4–6 are building confidence through our Finding Your Voice public speaking program. Participants are learning the fundamentals of public speaking and debate while engaging in interactive activities that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. Each session empowers girls to communicate their ideas with confidence and develop leadership skills that will serve them for years to come.
Thus far, they have discussed the importance of identity, perspective, community and fairness. Besides developing speaking skills, the students have also built new bonds!
The program is led by Aiyla Khawaja and supported by Huda Shah and Zaara Ehsan, who have created an encouraging environment where every girl is inspired to find and use her voice.
Your support helps empower the next generation of young leaders. Donate at mozaicdmv.org/donate to provide scholarships for refugee and newcomer girls to participate in life-changing programs like this.
Hooks & Books Club - Summer Edition
Our Hooks & Books Club for girls has been a tremendous success and sold out this summer. Participants are learning to crochet beautiful flowers while reading, discussing inspiring books, and forming meaningful friendships. The program continues to foster creativity, literacy, and community in a fun and welcoming environment.
The club is led by Maya Basha and supported by Malk Abdelrahim and Aya Alhalabi, whose enthusiasm and guidance have helped create a welcoming space where girls can learn, connect, and grow together.
This summer, the girls are reading Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship (by Shifa Saltagi Safadi), A Place at The Table (Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan) and Front Desk (Kelly Yang). Participants are learning slip knots, as well as making bow key chains with their new skills, and will learn to make crochet flowers.
You can help open more spots for children who need them most. Support scholarships for refugee and newcomer families by donating at mozaicdmv.org/donate.
Women's Crochet Circle
To help our community stay cool during the summer months, our weekly Walking Club has transitioned into a new Women’s Crochet Circle, held every Monday morning.
Women gather to crochet, enjoy coffee and tea, share stories, and build lasting friendships in a warm and welcoming environment. The Crochet Circle has quickly become a cherished space for relaxation, creativity, and connection.
Many of the participants are refugee women, and are learning crochet from our youth volunteers, Maya Basha and Aya Alhalabi. The sessions end with tea and snacks brought by another youth volunteer, Maryam Syed.
Community begins with connection. Your gift helps us continue offering welcoming spaces where refugee and newcomer women can build friendships, reduce isolation, and support one another. Donate at mozaicdmv.org/donate.
Bridge to College
Our Bridge to College program continues to support high school students as they prepare for higher education. Participants are receiving guidance on the college application process, admissions, essay writing, and planning for their academic futures.
Students are also looking forward to an upcoming college campus field trip, where they will have the opportunity to explore university life firsthand, and gain valuable insight into the college experience.
Thank you to our instructor, Elham Fakhro, and volunteer, Alecia Drenckhahn, for spending their Saturday afternoons, guiding our high school students to chart their future.
Invest in a student’s future. Your donation helps provide scholarships and educational opportunities for refugee and newcomer youth pursuing higher education. Donate today at mozaicdmv.org/donate.
Sweet Chaos Baking Workshop
Our one-day baking workshop, Sweet Chaos, was a wonderful success!
Led by Girl Scouts Zoyah Ali and Zoya R., thirteen students from refugee families learned how to make delicious no-bake chocolate truffles while developing confidence in the kitchen, practicing teamwork, and discovering the joy of baking. Each participant brought home their own sweet creations as well as a brand new baking set!
The students also enjoyed a delicious lunch sponsored by young instructors, who had worked hard to fundraise for the workshop. The instructors were assisted by the Ali family- thank you for ensuring a fun afternoon of learning and creativity.
We are grateful to Zoyah for sharing her talents and inspiring the next generation of young bakers.
Supporting Refugee-Led Businesses
This summer, Mozaic launched a new initiative to support refugee-led businesses by connecting them with volunteers who can assist with social media marketing and digital presence.
Whether it’s creating engaging content, improving branding, or building confidence online, our volunteers are here to help small businesses reach more customers and grow.
This initiative is led by our youth volunteer, Aamina Syed, who is providing one-on-one social media support.
Are you a refugee entrepreneur who needs help with social media? Email suryani@mozaicdmv.org and we’ll connect you with Aamina.
In the Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight: Aiyla Khawaja
My name is Aiyla Khawaja, and I am a rising junior at James Madison High School. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in international law with a focus on human rights and environmental justice.
How did you first get involved with Mozaic?
What inspired you to volunteer?
After attending the workshop, I knew I wanted to stay involved. This summer, I had the opportunity to design, plan, and lead Mozaic’s Finding Your Voice public speaking and art program for girls in grades 4–6. When I was looking for a place to bring my idea to life, Mozaic immediately came to mind. Its mission, welcoming environment, and commitment to empowering refugees and newcomers made it the perfect place to launch the program.
Leading the Finding Your Voice program has been the highlight of my volunteer experience. Watching the girls grow in confidence while forming meaningful connections with them has been incredibly rewarding. At the same time, I’ve grown as a person by becoming more patient, empathetic, and—according to my students—a little cooler in the eyes of nine- and ten-year-olds!
Is there a moment that has stayed with you?
On the first day of class, we explored the topic of identity through self-reflection activities. Some of the girls were still learning English, and one student stepped in to translate for her classmates so everyone could participate. Later, our conversation shifted to the FIFA World Cup, and suddenly the room came alive. The girls enthusiastically shared their opinions, stories, and favorite teams with confidence and excitement. At that moment, I realized why I had started this class—to create a space where girls feel comfortable expressing themselves and know that their voices matter.
What does community service mean to you?
To me, community service is about much more than volunteering or completing service hours. It’s about building genuine relationships with people from all walks of life, listening to their stories, and caring about their well-being. True service means creating connections, showing compassion, and helping others feel seen, valued, and supported. Those relationships are what make community service truly meaningful.
Story of the Month: From a Refugee Student to Young Entrepreneur
Aya Alhalabi: From Student to Young Entrepreneur
When Aya Alhalabi first learned to crochet at nearly eight years old while living in Egypt, she never imagined it would one day become a source of confidence, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Aya and her family, originally from Syria, sought refuge in Egypt because of the war before resettling in the United States at the end of 2022. Now a 16-year-old rising 11th grader, Aya has become an inspiring role model for other young people in the refugee community.
After arriving in Northern Virginia, Aya began participating in Mozaic’s youth programs, where she found a welcoming community and opportunities to grow. Last year, she took the next step by volunteering with Mozaic’s crochet classes and other youth programs, sharing her skills while encouraging younger students.
This year, Aya transformed her lifelong hobby into a small business by participating in local artisan markets, where she proudly sells her handmade crochet creations. Her favorite items to make are adorable crochet plushies, each carefully crafted with patience and creativity.
Beyond earning an income, Aya says the experience has taught her valuable life skills. Running a small business has shown her how to manage money responsibly, communicate confidently with customers, and market her work through social media. Most importantly, it has helped her believe in herself.
“I’ve become much more confident,” Aya shares.
Aya’s journey reflects the power of investing in young people and providing opportunities for them to discover their talents. Through creativity, volunteering, and entrepreneurship, she has grown from a participant into a mentor and young business owner—an inspiring example of resilience and determination. Follow her at
At Mozaic, we are incredibly proud of Aya and look forward to seeing where her talents take her next.
Support the next Aya. Your donation helps provide scholarships and opportunities for refugee and newcomer youth to discover their passions, develop new skills, and build brighter futures. Learn more or donate at mozaicdmv.org/donate.
Testimonies
Heather Thornton, Community Member
“I wanted to reach out to express my appreciation for Mozaic’s wonderful World Refugee Day Tea Festival this past weekend. The work you’re doing to support refugees and immigrants is critically important, and I was happy to experience it firsthand.”
Mozaic Library Spotlight
Book Spotlight: 25 Million Sparks: The Untold Story of Refugee Entrepreneurs by Andrew Leon Hanna
To browse our collection or sign up for a library membership, visit: mozaicdmv.org/our-programs/mozaic-library/
Donate Today
Back to School Drive
Every child deserves to walk into their classroom feeling prepared and excited to learn.
This year, Mozaic is collecting new school supplies for refugee and newcomer children as they prepare for the new school year. From backpacks and notebooks to pencils, crayons, and folders, your generosity will help students begin the year with the tools they need to succeed.
Shop directly from our Amazon Wish List, and your donation will be shipped straight to us:
Every item—big or small—makes a meaningful difference.
Thank you for helping refugee and newcomer children start the school year with hope, confidence, and the supplies they need to thrive.
Upcoming Program
Annual Ladies Mawlid Presented by Jasmine Tree
Commemorating the Mawlid of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
This year’s Mawlid is dedicated to sponsoring the education of Syrian students in need.
A gift of $200 sponsors one student for an entire academic year. Every sponsorship is an opportunity for a student to keep learning and build a brighter future.
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tickets: https://bit.ly/mawlid26
Join us for an inspiring afternoon featuring:
A poetic journey through the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Scholar Panel Presentation & Discussion
Soul-stirring Nasheed
Adams Beat Performance
Interactive Activities (Kahoot)
Prophetic Foods
Bazaar following the program
Bring your mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends as we gather in remembrance of our beloved Prophet ﷺ while investing in the education of Syrian students.
Women Ages 14+ Only
Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/mawlid26
Women-owned business who would like to participate in the bazaar, please apply here: https://forms.gle/ZTrdyPcrmfazEHb87
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.
Free Summer Programs in NOVA
Summer can get overwhelming. Here’s a list of free activities offered in Northern Virginia and DC that can help families plan for a fulfilling summer.
Job Opportunities in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties in Fairfax and Loudoun County
Food Resources
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 provide 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