October 16, 2025

OFFERING SAFETY, HOPE, AND HEALING FOR DV SURVIVORS

DV survivors deserve safety, healing, and hope—and MAS-SSF is available to help them rebuild their lives. From advocacy to shelter, we work to meet the basic needs of local Muslim women and their children to put them on their paths to recovery. By raising awareness and standing united, we can break the cycle of violence and build a future rooted in compassion, safety, and respect.

We want to let you know about a few organizations that provide services to DV survivors to use and share:

WEAVE is a provider of crisis intervention services for survivors of domestic violence and manages the Rape Crisis Center for Sacramento County. It has been helping victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and sex trafficking since 1988. During DV Awareness Month, WEAVE is offering training on how to recognize DV victims, has staff ready to make presentations to schools, businesses and groups, encourages new volunteers to come forward, and more. Under the banner of “You don’t need to have all the answers—just being there and knowing where to turn can change someone’s life,” we encourage you to sign up for its newsletter and engage with them on social media.

Nationally, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project acknowledges DV Awareness Month and are proud to introduce the theme “With Survivors, Always.” This theme allows them to explore what it means to be in partnership with survivors toward safety, support, and solidarity. It is both a love letter and a call to action for those committed to advocating for survivors’ needs and rights. Learn more here.

MAS-SSF’s Amanah House, in collaboration with My Sister’s House, provides a safe haven for women and children escaping domestic violence. Here, survivors find shelter, stability, and a chance to heal in peace. Our dedicated Mental Health Peer Support Specialists offer compassionate care in six languages—Arabic, Dari/Farsi, English, Pashto, Punjabi/Sindhi, and Urdu/Hindi—ensuring help is accessible to all.

For help, contact amanah@mas-ssf.org or call (916) 633-2073 Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM (after 5 PM calls are forwarded to an English-only 24/7 support line). For other inquiries, call our office at (916) 486-8626.

Nationally for Emergencies: If You Are in Danger or Need Help Immediately

Call 911 or the Emergency Number of your Local Police Department

For Domestic Violence Information & Support

Call National Domestic Violence Hotline

Tel: 800-799-SAFE, 800-799-7233 Website: www.thehotline.org TTY: for Deaf & Hard of Hearing: 800-787-3224

Assistance provided 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish, and with access to 170 languages through interpreter services.

Safety Alert

Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to clear completely. If you are afraid your internet or computer use might be monitored by an abuser or family member, do not use a personal computer in the home. Use a safer computer, such as in a public library.

Please Join MAS-SSF in Building Futures Free of Violence

MAS-SSF JOINS THE FUN AT COSVIO’S SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY PICNIC

The Council of Sacramento Valley Islamic Organizations (COSVIO) hosted a vibrant community gathering on Saturday, October 11th, at Hagan Community Park in Rancho Cordova.

The free event drew around 500 attendees, many of whom are newcomers to the United States. Guests enjoyed food trucks, a small market, and a variety of activities for both adults and children throughout the five-plus hours picnic.

MAS-SSF played a very visible role at the event, warmly welcoming participants and sharing information on our wide range of programs. Our staff connected individually with 15 new families, assisting them with registration so they can access the services and support we provide. Many more learned about our services and were provided with flyers and pamphlets.

It Was a Perfect Day to Spend Time with Our Community!

BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND KINDNESS:

HOW TO PEACEFULLY RESPOND TO BULLYING

On October 9th, 2025, the MAS-SSF Shifa for Youth Program hosted an Anti-Bullying workshop, providing education on the various types of bullying our youth are encountering and how they can respond to ease this challenge or find help; separate sessions were held for parents and youth. We were pleased to welcome eight families—16 youth and nine parents—to this late afternoon event. To ensure everyone could fully participate, Dari and Pashto interpreters were available alongside English presenters.

 The workshop began with an overview of the various MAS-SSF programs and the services and incentives available through our Shifa for Youth Program. Both the youth and parent sessions included a presentation covering:

• Statistics and prevalence of bullying

• What bullying and cyber bullying look like

• Dangers and prevention tips

• Resources and support available

Youth Reactions

Several of the youth attendees were new to the U.S. and unfamiliar with the term “bullying.” Once introduced to the concept, they became highly engaged, sharing personal experiences and learning how deeply bullying can affect others. With the help of our interpreters, youth gained a better understanding of how to recognize, prevent and respond to bullying behavior. MAS-SSF provided practical tools to help them deflect or intervene when witnessing bullying.

Parent Reactions

Parents participated attentively, following along with printed materials and asking thoughtful questions. As many are recent newcomers, we recognized the sensitivity of this topic and created a welcoming, supportive atmosphere. The presentation began with common U.S. terms related to bullying before exploring strategies for prevention and response. Parents received actionable tools to help protect and empower their children and strengthen their communities against bullying.

 To thank families for their participation, each received a pizza to take home

and a $20 gift card, youth also received individual gift cards for their engagement.

This workshop has been well-received by the community, are you interested in hosting it at your event? Contact us at info@mas-ssf.org.

SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS SO THEY TOO CAN BENEFIT FROM OUR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS!

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE EVENT

SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE IN MY SISTER'S HOUSE 22ND ANNUAL RUN!

For more information on My Sister's House and this event, click here

MAS-Social Services Foundation is a non-profit that aims to aid families at large

and the Muslim community in particular with their social services needs.

Connect with Us

info@mas-ssf.org | www.mas-ssf.org

(916) 486-8626 | 9 AM - 5 PM

3820 Auburn Blvd. #83 Sacramento, CA 95821