A Message from our Executive Director
Dear Mozaic Family,
As summer comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude on the incredible programs that brought our center to life these past months. From the colors of the Voices of Color art workshop, to the creativity of Arduino coding and website development, to the focus of our sewing classes, the joy of Arabic storytime, and the grounding of our Youth Jummah—our spaces were filled with imagination, learning, and connection.
Seeing our youth step into their creativity and confidence this summer has been truly inspiring. As they begin a new school year, my prayer is that they carry with them the knowledge that they are deeply supported and loved by their community. Thank you for standing alongside us in this mission.”
With gratitude and hope,
Raghad Bushnaq, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mozaic
Program Highlights
Recent Success Stories
Mozaic is proud to celebrate Durkhanai Stanikzai, an Afghan student who recently continued her studies in Engineering at George Mason University! Durkhanai arrived in the U.S. about a year ago, when Mozaic was her family’s resettlement partner—welcoming them at the airport and helping them get settled. Since then, she has worked hard to support her family while also volunteering with Mozaic as an ESOL teacher for Dari speakers. Her resilience, generosity, and determination truly inspire us. We wish her every success in her studies and are so proud of all she has already accomplished!
Event Recaps
Arabic Storytime: Stories, Smiles, and Creativity
On August 15th, our Arabic Storytime concluded with stories, crafts, and lots of creativity. Children strengthened their Arabic while connecting with faith and culture. Thank you to the families who joined us—stay tuned for the next series with even more engaging storytelling and crafts!
Voices of Color: Art as Expression
This month, our Voices of Color art workshop wrapped up with canvases full of creativity and hearts full of pride. Students explored painting, drawing, and mixed media while expressing their stories and identities. Stay tuned for our upcoming Voices of Color Art Exhibition to celebrate their powerful creations!
Arabic Storytime: Stories, Smiles, and Creativity
Our second Youth Sewing cohort wrapped up with students learning key skills like hemming, hand stitching, and using a sewing machine. Each proudly completed a handmade apron—a beautiful mix of patience, creativity, and skill!
Website Development
This month, our youth dove into web development—building and launching their own websites in just 90 minutes! They customized pages with Next.js, TailwindCSS, and ShadCN, then went live with Vercel—walking away with functional sites and new confidence in tech.
Arabic Storytime: Stories, Smiles, and Creativity
This month, Mozaic hosted its first all-day Arduino Coding Camp for youth ages 10–16. Students explored electronics and coding with real Arduino kits—building mini projects and their very own switch boards. They left with new skills, creativity, and the confidence to see themselves as young inventors.
Upcoming Events
Kids Sira Workshop (Ages 6–10)
Date: Saturday, Sept 13, 2025 | 11 AM – 1 PM
Venue: Mozaic Center, Sterling
Register: bit.ly/sirakids2025
Youth Sira Workshop (Middle & High School)
Date: Sunday, Sept 14, 2025 | 2–4 PM
Venue: Mozaic Center, Sterling
Register: bit.ly/mozaicyouthsira
Immigration Film Festival Opening
Date: Friday, Sep 19, 2025 | 6-10 PM
Washington DC
Our Shared Home
Date: Sunday, Sept 21, 2025 | 2:00 PM
Venue: Kanoon Restaurant, 1106 Herndon Pkwy, Herndon, VA 20170
Register: bit.ly/mozaicwelcoming
Upcoming Classes
This fall, we’re offering:
Kids Sira Club (ages 7–10)
Wednesdays starting Sept 24
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Register here: https://bit.ly/siraclub2025
Morals & Manners Class for youth (ages 11–15)
Saturdays starting Sept 27
2:00 -3:00 pm (Boys)
3:00 -4:00 pm (Girls)
Register here: https://bit.ly/youthmorals2025
Quran Fluency for Women ( online)
Starting Sept 12
Fridays, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Sign up for placement assessment: https://bit.ly/quranfall2025
Tajiwid for Women (Online)
Starting Sep 14
Sundays, 4.30 pm
Sign up for placement assessment: https://bit.ly/quranfall2025
In the Spotlight
A special thank you to our Summer Intern, Sarah Charah. A senior at George Mason University.
Volunteer Spotlight
Sarah led the Mozaic Library project and assisted with events including World Refugee Day, Voices of Color art workshop and crochet class.
Here’s what Sarah has to say about her experience:
“During my time with Moziac, I had the privilege of meeting truly incredible people. I was especially grateful to be part of the library project, while the work was at times exhausting, every moment was worth it knowing that children would now have a space to expand their knowledge and see Moziac as a second home. At first, I believed I was there to help them, whether through workshops or other activities, but in truth, they gave me far more than I could ever offer. They revealed to me a deeper level of humanity. Their kindness, patience, and resilience left a lasting impression, and each day I was inspired by the way they gave of themselves despite carrying their own struggles.”
Blog of the Month
“Our elders didn’t grow up with instant results—they know what it means to work, wait, fail, and try again. In a world that wants everything ‘now, now, now,’ their wisdom teaches us patience, perseverance, and gratitude.”
Read more from 15-year-old N. Ali in her blog: Learning from Our Elders: The Wisdom They Carry
Opportunities to Get Involved
New Volunteer Opportunity: Career Development Mentor Program
Mozaic is launching a Career Development Mentor Program through our Professional Development Committee! As a mentor, you’ll guide job seekers, share career advice, and help open doors to meaningful career and financial opportunities. Your support can make a lasting impact—empowering community members to reach their goals and thrive.
Interested in joining? Sign up here: Career Development Mentor Form
Mozaic Hygiene Drive: Supporting Families with Dignity
With inflation rising and back-to-school season approaching, Mozaic launched a Hygiene Drive to support refugee families with essentials like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and feminine products. Thanks to generous contributions from families, individuals, and local businesses, our volunteers assembled and distributed kits that brought joy, relief, and dignity to those in need.
You can still make an impact—donate through our online registry or host a mini-drive with family and friends. Every contribution counts.
Community Voice
Refugee Youth Voices
Here’s what Sarah has to say about her experience:
At just 15 years old, Leen Alkhateeb—one of the bright young members of Mozaic’s refugee families—poured her positivity and energy into a stunning piece at our Voices of Color art workshop. Her artwork, an apple surrounded by Arabic calligraphy, symbolizes knowledge and curiosity. ‘Apples resemble knowledge and curiosity. And what got me through this hard year was my knowledge of Islam,’ Leen shared. The inscription reads: ‘Knowledge at a young age is like scripture on a rock.’
Leen’s creativity reflects not only resilience, but also the incredible potential of youth when given space to express their stories. Her piece, along with others, will be featured in our upcoming community exhibition—reminding us of the power, pride, and hope that emerge when young voices are uplifted.
Partnerships & Advocacy
Emergency Advocacy Day to Lyft Caesar Act Sanctions on Syria
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 9 AM – 4 PM at the Capitol Hill Register
Syrian Americans & allies gather Sept 3 in DC to urge Congress to repeal Caesar Act sanctions & amplify our united voice on Capitol Hill.
National Refugee Advocacy Days
From Monday, September 8 – Friday, September 12, 2025, advocates across the country will meet with policymakers to ensure refugee voices and needs are heard at the national level. Mozaic is proud to support this effort and invites our community to follow along and raise awareness. → Learn more
Welcoming America Week
Mozaic is excited to take part in Welcoming America Week, a national initiative celebrating inclusivity and belonging for immigrants and refugees. Join us for Our Shared Homes Storytelling on Sunday, September 21, 2025, where community members will share personal stories of resilience and homecoming. → Register here
Quick Resources
Helpful Links & Resources
🌐 Mozaic Resource Hub
Find program updates, support services, and community resources directly on our website: www.mozaicdmv.org
🌿 Government Benefits & Assistance
Benefits.gov – Learn about federal and state assistance programs for families.
❤️ Local Health Services
Free Clinics in Virginia Check a Free Clinic in Your Region
📚 ESL & Learning Support
Interested in joining Mozaic’s Women ESOL Class? Register here https://bit.ly/MozaicESOL or contact us at info@mozaicdmv.org
💼 Career Opportunities
Save the Date: Virginia Career Works – Meet the Employer Event
Featuring Northwestern Mutual, Fairfax County Public Schools, & ABM.
📰 Recent Policy News
Stay informed with updates on refugee and immigration policy: Read more.
⚖️ Find an Immigration Lawyer
Search for trusted legal support here: AILA Lawyer Directory
📩 Mozaic Support
For direct support, program questions, or to get involved, contact us:
Email: info@mozaicdmv.org
Phone: 202-989-9000
Closing Note
Join Us in Building Stronger Communities
Mozaic’s work is only possible because of people like you. Whether it’s donating to support refugee families, volunteering your time, or joining us at upcoming events, every act of support helps empower women, youth, and families to thrive.
✨ 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
At Mozaic, we believe that community is built through small acts of care, resilience, and hope. Every class taught, every kit assembled, and every smile shared reflects the strength of our collective spirit. Thank you for being part of this journey with us—together, we are creating a brighter future for our youth and families.
