September 18, 2025

Standing Strong: Suicide Prevention Month

Two Lifelines for At-Risk Youth: Shifa for Youth & Amala Youth Hopeline

As many in our community know, MAS-SSF focuses on both prevention and intervention. During Suicide Prevention Month, we want to highlight two programs designed to support at-risk youth with culturally responsive care.

• Shifa for Youth Workshops: These in-person sessions, led by trained peer support specialist create safe spaces for young people to learn, share, and build resilience.
• Amala Youth Hopeline: For those who prefer to remain anonymous, this year-round phone line offers direct access to trained volunteers who provide one-on-one confidential support.

Together, these programs ensure youth in our community have compassionate outlets where they feel heard, supported, and never alone.

Helping Families Build SMARTer Futures Together

A parent who joined our Shifa for Youth SMART Goals workshop on September 10th summed it up best: “These SMART goals are important, it will help our kids to manage their life and future.”

Using the proven framework of setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals, MAS-SSF facilitators led two interactive sessions—one with 13 youths and another with seven parents. To ensure everyone could fully engage, a younger child was cared for in a separate space, and Pashto interpretation was provided so all attendees could benefit.

By the end of the two-hour program, parents expressed gratitude for these tools that encourage their children to think positively about their futures and guide everyday goals to be more achievable. Youth participants echoed the impact, sharing comments such as: “The presenter was good,” and “The workshop was beneficial.”

As a thank-you, each family received a pizza to take home and a $20 gift card. Youth also received a gift card for their participation.

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.

Help Your Peers. Make a Difference.

Volunteer with the Amala Youth Hopeline.

855-95-AMALA (26252)

Are you over 18 and passionate about mental health

and supporting the well-being of other youths?

Join the Amala Youth Hopeline as a volunteer peer supporter. You will receive free training to become a para-professional peer support provider—equipping you with real tools to help young Muslims facing stress, anxiety, isolation, or other challenges.

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