Message from the Executive Director
There is something about the start of a new school year that feels like a fresh beginning—not only for our children, but for families as a whole.
At Mozaic, we often talk about helping newcomers adjust to life in a new country. But true integration is about much more than adjusting. It is about reaching the point where you feel confident enough to participate, contribute, advocate, and belong.
This month, I saw that happening in so many different ways.
I watched parents who are still learning to navigate life in the U.S. sit together and learn how to use ParentVUE, communicate with teachers, and advocate for their children. I saw high school students ride the Metro into Washington, D.C. and walk through a university campus, beginning to imagine themselves as future college students. I saw children from our own Mozaic families create artwork—not for themselves, but to bring joy to pediatric patients they had never met.
And at our Annual Ladies Mawlid, I saw another beautiful form of community: women gathering in faith and sisterhood, volunteers giving countless hours behind the scenes, and female entrepreneurs—including refugee-led businesses—sharing what they have built with the wider community.
These moments remind me that our goal should never be simply to help someone through a difficult season. It is to help create the conditions where people can discover their own strengths, build confidence, form meaningful relationships, and eventually become the ones opening doors for others.
That is the kind of community we want Mozaic to be.
As we begin another school year and another season of programming, thank you for helping us build a place where newcomers are not defined by what they need, but welcomed for all that they have to offer.
Raghad Bushnaq
Founder & Executive Director
Mozaic
The Mozaic Digest
U.S removes Syria from terrorism sponsor list
Mozaic Highlights
Annual Ladies Mawlid Gathering
Nearly 100 women gathered for our Annual Ladies Mawlid, an afternoon of remembrance, learning, sisterhood, and love for our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This year’s theme, “Reviving the Sunnah,” encouraged us to think beyond learning about the Sunnah to how we can actively bring it into our homes, relationships, and communities.
The afternoon featured two beautiful performances by the ADAMS BEAT Choir, poetry and nasheed, an engaging panel discussion, an interactive game, and a special Sunnah foods spread. As guests left, each received a rose bearing a Sunnah to take home and uphold—a simple reminder to carry the spirit of the gathering into our everyday lives.
The celebration continued with our Women-Led Business Bazaar, where 20 vendors had the opportunity to showcase their businesses and connect with the community.
We are deeply grateful to the sponsors who helped make our Sunnah foods spread possible: The Jasmine Tree, Cozmo One, Al Makkah Mart, and Roula Decor.
Behind every part of the gathering was an incredible team of volunteers. From our emcee and program volunteers to those who stayed up until 2 AM preparing the Sunnah roses, and the male volunteers who helped with the heavy lifting and venue setup—the event simply would not have been possible without their commitment and dedication.
Interested in performing at next year’s Mawlid or joining the organizing committee? You can let us know via email at suryani@mozaicdmv.org.
Help a Child in Syria Start the School Year Ready to Learn
Our Back-to-School Campaign is still ongoing, and there is still time to make a difference. Your donation can help provide students in Syria with the school supplies and educational essentials they need for the year ahead.
Every gift, no matter the amount, helps a child continue their education with greater hope and opportunity.
Donate to the Back-to-School Campaign for Children in Syria
Help us turn our love into action—give today and invest in a child’s education.
Back To School Night: Preparing Families for a Successful School Year
Mozaic welcomed families for our Back-to-School Parent Information Night, an evening designed to help refugee and newcomer families begin the school year feeling prepared, informed, and supported.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, 32 children received backpacks filled with school supplies, while 20 families received food packs. But the heart of the evening went beyond providing supplies—it was about equipping parents with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for and support their children throughout the school year.
Banan Malkawi led an informative parent workshop covering essential tools and topics, from navigating ParentVUE to communicating effectively with teachers and schools. Hastana Rastouli provided Dari interpretation and enriched the conversation by sharing her own experiences navigating the school system.
We are especially grateful to our dedicated volunteer Saira Farooqui, who helped lead the backpack drive and coordinate sponsorships. Her commitment, along with the support of our volunteers and donors, made the evening possible.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the local businesses that generously provided dinner and desserts for our families at the Back-To-School Parents’ Information Night:
Falafel Inc. — for the falafel sandwiches
Instagram: @falafelinc
Lotus Blossom Bake Shop — for the tiramisu cups and cookies
Instagram: @lotusblossombakeshop
https://www.instagram.com/lotusblossombakeshop
Baked by Jiji — for the basbusa and baklava
Instagram: @bakedbyjiji
https://www.instagram.com/bakedbyjiji
More than backpacks and school supplies, evenings like this help families build confidence, connections, and a stronger sense of belonging as they navigate a new school system and community.
Thank you to everyone who helped our families start the school year feeling prepared, welcomed, and empowered.
Summer Art for a Cause: Creativity That Gives Back
This summer, our young artists learned that creativity can be about more than making something beautiful—it can also be a way to bring joy to someone else.
Through Mozaic’s Summer Art for a Cause program, students spent several weeks creating paintings with a special purpose: to gift their artwork to pediatric patients through the Arts2Heart Foundation.
The paintings have now been delivered, bringing the project to a beautiful close.
What made this program especially meaningful was the story of the young artists themselves. The majority of participants come from Mozaic families, many of whom have been in the United States for less than five years. Watching them carefully work on pieces not to keep for themselves, but to brighten the day of another child, was incredibly heartwarming.
And their kindness was received with just as much joy. After receiving the artwork, the Arts2Heart Foundation shared:
“Your amazing paintings came. Thank you so much. They are so awesome and will make such a difference for our pediatric patients! THANK YOU!”
For our students, Summer Art for a Cause was a lesson in art, generosity, empathy, and the joy of giving back. We are so proud of our young artists for using their creativity to make a difference—and grateful to everyone who helped make this meaningful summer program possible.
Hooks & Books: A Summer of Reading, Creativity & Friendship
Our sold-out Hooks & Books Club wrapped up a wonderful summer of reading, crochet, and connection!
Throughout the program, the girls read and discussed Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan, and Front Desk by Kelly Yang. Along the way, they strengthened their reading skills, learned new vocabulary, shared their thoughts through group discussions, and explored the themes and experiences within each story.
Books were only part of the fun! The girls also learned new crochet skills, from slip knots to creating bow keychains and beautiful flowers. Most importantly, they bonded with one another and formed new friendships throughout the summer.
The club ended on a particularly sweet note with a book-inspired celebration, where students brought and shared foods connected to the books they had read—a fun way to bring their summer reading to life.
A heartfelt thank you to Maya Basha, who led the club, and Malk Abdelrahim and Aya Alhalabi, whose enthusiasm and support helped create a welcoming space for the girls to read, create, connect, and grow.
Programs like Hooks & Books give children opportunities to keep learning over the summer while building confidence, creativity, and community.
Help us make programs like this accessible to more refugee and newcomer children. Your support provides scholarships for families who may otherwise be unable to participate.
Support a scholarship: mozaicdmv.org/donate
Women's Crochet Circle
What began as a summer alternative to our Walking Club has blossomed into a welcoming weekly Women’s Crochet Circle, held every Monday morning at Mozaic.
Women gather over crochet, coffee and tea to learn new skills, share stories, and build friendships. For many of our refugee participants, the circle has become an important space for connection, creativity, and community, while helping reduce the isolation that can come with adjusting to life in a new country.
We are grateful to our volunteer Juman, who now leads and supports the women as they learn and practice their crochet skills.
Interested in joining? Community members are welcome! Please email suryani@mozaicdmv.org for more information.
Community begins with connection. Your support helps Mozaic continue creating welcoming spaces where refugee and newcomer women can build friendships, learn together, and support one another.
Support programs like this: mozaicdmv.org/donate
Bridge to College
Our Bridge to College program wrapped up with a joyous field trip to George Washington University in DC, led by the program instructor, Elham Fakhro, and supported by Mozaic’s Program Manager.
Sister Elham, who is a GWU student herself, gave the high schoolers an opportunity to discover the campus grounds. For many of the students, it was their first time taking the Metro to DC! They were all smiles and in bright spirits despite the downpour.
Sister Elham gave them tips about city-living, the students had a feel of how college students navigate campus routes, and an insight on college life in general. The field trip made them excited to explore their college options in future, and motivated them to work hard on their college applications.
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.
Supporting Female-Owned Businesses and Refugee-Led Businesses
As part of this year’s Mawlid program, Mozaic hosted a bazaar featuring female-owned businesses. Several of the entrepreneurs that took part in the bazaar included refugee-led businesses.
The vendors showcased beautiful clothes, delicious food and drinks, and handmade products including body care.
Thank you to all vendors for supporting this initiative. Please follow and continue to support them. Click on the names to discover their website or social media pages.
- The Jasmine Tree Gift Shop
- Arabesque Store
- Intentionally By Design
- Damascinos
- Juice, Please!
- SHEALowe
- Noor Al Abaya
- Afro Chique
- Mahnoors Art
- Noon By Farida
- Lulu + Jasmin
- Hikma Botanicals
- Mahgul Rathore
- Razane Maison Chocolat & Berries
- Nusuk
- Khwaja Law
- Dulles Driving School
- Anaar
- Amy Hand Crafts
- International Scholars Academy
- Aya Montessori
In the Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight: Elham & Lana Fakhro
Building Bridges Through Education and Service
This month, we’re delighted to spotlight sisters Elham and Lana Fakhro, two young women whose commitment to education and community service has helped create meaningful opportunities for Mozaic youth.
Proud daughters of Lebanese immigrants, Elham and Lana have each brought their own skills, experiences, and passion to Mozaic—showing just how much young volunteers can accomplish when they see a need and step forward to meet it.
Lana: Where It Started
Lana Fakhro, 18, grew up in Northern Virginia and recently graduated from Riverside High School in Loudoun County. This fall, she begins her freshman year at the University of Virginia.
Lana’s journey with Mozaic began about two years ago, during her sophomore year of high school. Looking for a meaningful way to give back, she learned about Mozaic through her Girl Scout troop and developed a free tutoring program for students struggling with English.
As an Arabic speaker, Lana was able to communicate with students and families in a way that helped make the tutoring experience more comfortable and supportive.
What began as one service project soon grew into a much deeper relationship with Mozaic. Lana went on to help pilot other initiatives, including a summer STEAM program developed in partnership with local STEAM companies.
One of her most memorable experiences was seeing that program finally come to life after nearly a year of planning.
“It was exciting to see them try something new and build confidence as they worked toward a final result.”
For Lana, however, the tutoring program remains especially close to her heart. Seeing students become more confident speaking English, understanding their schoolwork, and asking for help showed her firsthand the impact that consistent support can have.
Elham: Building a Bridge to College
Inspired in part by Lana’s experience with Mozaic, older sister Elham Fakhro began thinking about how she could contribute her own skills.
Elham is a sophomore at The George Washington University, studying Public Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health on a pre-dental track. A first-generation college student, she is also actively involved in the Northern Virginia and Loudoun County communities.
Her own experience navigating higher education led her to identify another need among Mozaic youth: helping young people understand a college application process that can often feel confusing and overwhelming.
After connecting with Mozaic, Elham founded the Bridge to Higher Education Program, designed to give the next generation the information, mentorship, and confidence they need to pursue higher education.
“As a first-generation college student, I understand firsthand how challenging and overwhelming the college application process can be,” Elham shared.
A highlight came this summer when she took participants from the program on a field trip to her own campus at George Washington University.
For Elham, watching the girls explore the campus, ask questions about college life, and begin picturing themselves in that environment was particularly meaningful.
“Being able to serve as a mentor and encourage them to see higher education as something that is possible for them made the experience very special to me.”
Service That Grows
What stands out about Elham and Lana’s journey is how one act of service has continued to grow into another.
A tutoring project led to deeper involvement. Lana’s experience introduced Elham to Mozaic. Elham’s own journey as a first-generation college student inspired a new program. Together, their efforts have supported young people at different stages of their educational journeys.
For both sisters, service is ultimately about showing up, sharing what you have, and helping others recognize what is possible.
As Lana puts it:
“Even the smallest act of service can create a lasting impact.”
And Elham has a message for others considering volunteering with Mozaic:
“No matter where life takes you, always remember that you have a community at Mozaic—a community that will empower and support you. If you’re just starting or have recently found this organization, get involved and volunteer. It will be one of the best things you ever do.”
Thank you, Elham and Lana, for sharing your time, talents, and hearts with the Mozaic community. We can’t wait to see where your journeys of service take you next.
Story of the Month: Building Confidence, One Driver at a Time
Hasna Abulaban is a Palestinian-American, a mother of one, and an entrepreneur whose journey is one of resilience, determination, and starting again.
After losing her husband in 2020, Hasna navigated profound change while raising her child and continuing to move forward personally and professionally. In 2025, after five years away, she returned to the United States ready to rebuild—and to create something of her own.
Drawing on her background in law, education, and driver instruction, Hasna turned her experience into a business: Dulles Driving School, a DMV-approved driving school serving Northern Virginia.
The idea grew from something simple but important: helping people feel safe and confident behind the wheel. Hasna recognized that many new drivers—particularly adults and those who are nervous about driving—need more than technical instruction. They need patience, encouragement, and an instructor who makes them feel comfortable while they learn.
“I wanted to create a school where students feel comfortable learning,” she shares.
Today, Hasna is working to make Dulles Driving School a trusted name in Northern Virginia, helping students not simply pass their driving tests, but become safe, responsible, and confident drivers.
Her ambitions extend beyond her own business. Hasna hopes her journey will encourage other women who dream of entrepreneurship to believe that it is possible to begin—or begin again—even after life’s unexpected turns.
Her guiding words capture her journey beautifully:
“Believe in yourself, keep moving forward, and trust that every challenge is part of the journey.”
At Mozaic, we are proud to spotlight women like Hasna who transform their experiences, skills, and determination into opportunities—not only for themselves and their families, but for the communities around them.
Testimonies
“I would like to say thank you very much for this wonderful program (Bridge to Higher Education). My daughters learned a lot and really enjoyed the classes. It was a very good experience for them, and they had a great time. Thank you for giving them this opportunity. I hope they can join this wonderful program again in the future.”
Mozaic Library Spotlight
Book Spotlight: Burnt Out to Lit Up
How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People
by Daisy Auger-Domínguez
With leadership experience spanning Google, Disney, VICE Media, and Moody’s, Auger-Domínguez brings both executive insight and a very human perspective to the challenges leaders face today.
Donate Today
Back to School Campaign for Students in Syria
Your gift helps Syrian children return to the classroom with dignity and hope.
Donate today: https://bit.ly/syriaschool26
Upcoming Program
Kids Sira Club
Dates: September 23 – December 9, 2026
Day: Wednesdays
Ages: Girls & Boys, 7 – 10 years old
Total: 11 sessions
Registration Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/kids-sira-club
Morals and Manners Class
Saturdays, beginning Sept. 26, 2027 – June 5, 2027
Boys: 2pm – 3pm
Girls: 3pm – 4pm
Ages: 12 – 15 years old
Registration Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/morals-and-manners-class-ay2627
Bloom
Dates – Oct 7 – Nov 18, 2026
Day: Wednesdays
Ages: Girls, 10 & 11 years old
Total: 7 Sessions
Registration Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bloom-2
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
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