Mozaic May 2025 Newsletter
As spring bloomed, so did our community’s energy and engagement! May was a month full of growth, celebration, and meaningful connections at Mozaic. Here’s a look at some of the beautiful moments we shared:
Empowerment in Action: Mozaic Kitchen at the Mother’s Day Bazaar Representing Syria
A great milestone for Mozaic and one of our resilient Syrian beneficiary families! Just one year after resettling, this family showcased their culinary talents through the Mozaic Kitchen program at the International Mother’s Day Bazaar, hosted by the American Palestinian Women’s Association at the Islamic Center of DC.
This event coincided with the annual DC Embassies Open House, a significant occasion where embassies from around the world open their doors to share national culture, food, and art with the community. It’s a vibrant celebration of diversity and connection—values at the heart of Mozaic’s work.
Seeing our family confidently interact with customers, practice their English, and take bold steps into entrepreneurship was truly inspiring. Their table didn’t just serve delicious food—it told a story of resilience, growth, and hope.
This is what empowerment looks like in action, bridging cultures and building community.
Mother’s Day 2025 Bazar
Your donation helps us empower more families with entrepreneurial tools and language skills. Donate now.
Paint, Purpose & Peace: Textured Art Night
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Mozaic hosted a Textured Art Paint Night led by guest artist Hira T. from The Textured Brush. Refugee beneficiary families and community members came together to create vibrant floral canvases—using art as a powerful tool for healing, self-expression, and stress relief.
Beyond the brushstrokes, the evening fostered meaningful connections and community bonding, reminding us that creativity can be a shared path to peace and mental wellness.
This event beautifully embodied Mozaic’s commitment to nurturing not only skills but also the hearts and minds of those we serve.
Help us continue offering wellness-centered programs like these. Support this work.
Stitching Stories: Embroidery in Sewing Class
This month, our sewing students beautifully embraced the timeless art of hand embroidery—threading not just fabric, but focus, creativity, and calm into every stitch. Under the expert guidance of our talented instructor, the students explored intricate techniques that nurtured both their craftsmanship and their mental well-being.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible instructor, Hania Dahman, whose patience, artistry, and passion for teaching brought this delicate skill to life. Her ability to inspire and uplift our students has left a lasting mark—on both their fabric and their confidence.
We’re so proud of the creativity and dedication each student showed, and we can’t wait to see where their hands and hearts take them next.
🧵 Help us keep these life-enhancing classes accessible for refugee women. Make a gift today.
Nature & Nurture: Guided Walk at Meadowlark Gardens
We ventured outdoors with our refugee students and their families for a peaceful, guided walk at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. It was more than just an afternoon in nature—it was a chance to breathe, reflect, and reconnect.
Surrounded by turtles, barn swallows, and fragrant herbs, the serene environment offered a gentle escape from daily stress and a moment of calm for minds carrying heavy stories.
Spending time in nature has a powerful impact on mental well-being, and this outing reminded us how healing it can be to slow down and simply be—together, in community, and in creation.
Help us offer more healing outdoor experiences. Donate now.
Engaging Globally: Mozaic at IFESDC
Our leadership participated in the International Islamic Finance & Economics Conference at the World Bank and a high-level UNHCR meeting hosted by Islamic Relief USA. We’re proud to elevate refugee voices and advocate for inclusive, ethical-based solutions.
Support Mozaic’s role in global dialogue and refugee advocacy. Give today.
Healing Together
Earlier this month, Mozaic had the opportunity to participate in ICNA Relief’s Healing Together event on May 3 at the ICNA office in Alexandria. We hosted a table to share about our programs and services, and it was a wonderful chance to connect with community members and explore new partnerships with other organizations doing vital work. We’re grateful for spaces like this that allow us to grow our impact and strengthen our network of support.
Help us keep building these connections—donate now
UNHCR at IRUSA
A heartfelt thank you to IRUSA for hosting an impactful dinner with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is Filippo Grandi. Mozaic founder and ED, Raghad Bushnaq was there in a room full of pathfinders working to uplift refugee communities around the world.
Mozaic Refugee Kitchen was delighted to have prepared delicious food for this meaningful gathering.
STEM Night with GMU: Science, Invention & Fun!
In partnership with George Mason University STEM Leaders, Mozaic hosted a STEM Night filled with robotics, hands-on experiments. On the sidelines of the STEM event we held the Echoes of Genius: Muslim Civilizations in Science & Art. Kids left inspired and curious—what better way to connect heritage with the future!
Invest in our youth and their learning journeys. Support Mozaic’s programs.
Understanding Possible Changes to Medicaid
Mozaic hosted two virtual information sessions via Zoom to help refugee and beneficiary families understand and prepare for the potential impacts of the proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” on Medicaid. The bill, recently introduced by the government, could bring significant changes to healthcare coverage that may directly affect our community. To ensure accessibility and clarity, one session was conducted in Arabic and the other in Dari. Both sessions covered how decisions are made on Capitol Hill, detailed the contents of the bill, and outlined the immediate steps refugees should take while awaiting the final vote.
Morals & Manners Class Wraps Up
Our beloved Akhlaq & Tahthīb class for teens wrapped up this month after a year full of enthusiasm, growth, and meaningful conversations. Rooted in Islamic ethical values, the course offered students thoughtful guidance on character, manners, and personal development—all within a supportive and spiritually enriching environment.
We were blessed to have Ustatha Qurat Mir as the lead instructor, whose exceptional qualifications, deep knowledge, and natural talent for connecting with teens made each session impactful and engaging. Her ability to speak to the hearts and minds of this age group helped foster a space where students felt heard, challenged, and inspired to grow.
We look forward to welcoming returning and new students in the next cycle, insha’Allah!
📘 Help us offer more values-based education for teens. Donate here.
Coming in June: World Refugee Awareness Month
June is recognized globally as World Refugee Awareness Month, a time to honor the strength, resilience, and journeys of refugees around the world. At Mozaic, we’re preparing a series of events and campaigns to spotlight the stories of our refugee neighbors and deepen community understanding.
This year, Mozaic is launching two special campaigns focused on Syria, highlighting the continued challenges faced by displaced Syrians and the urgent need for sustained support. Stay tuned as we share stories, host awareness events, and invite you to stand in solidarity with Syrian families—both locally and abroad.
Help us celebrate and uplift refugee voices this June. Contribute now.
Thank you for being part of the Mozaic family.
Together, we’re building lives, one connection at a time.