- Amaanah Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Houston, Texas
Our Wellness pillar is designed to support the whole person — mind, body, and soul — recognizing that true stability and long-term success require more than one dimension of care.
Through intentional partnerships, culturally responsive programming, and community-driven experiences, we help our neighbors heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
We believe wellness happens when people feel seen, supported, and connected.
Our model centers on three interconnected elements:
Mental and emotional health are essential to healing, confidence, and resilience.
Physical wellness builds discipline, confidence, and strength, both individually and collectively.
Wellness also means joy, inspiration, and connection to the broader world.
Mental and emotional health are essential to healing, confidence, and resilience. Many of our neighbors have experienced displacement, trauma, loss, and prolonged stress. Through trusted mental health partners and community-based support, we work to reduce stigma and increase access to care.
This includes:
Physical wellness builds discipline, confidence, and strength, both individually and collectively. Movement and teamwork create structure, belonging, and healthy routines — especially for youth.
Our Amaanah Lions Program serves as the physical wellness cornerstone of this pillar.
Through soccer, our neighbors develop:
The Lions program is about more than sport, it is about building healthy bodies that support healthy minds
The Lions operate with two teams—Team A for competitive players who participate in leagues and tournaments, and Team B for recreational players who play for enjoyment. Together, they celebrate annually at the Community Cup. To date, the program has supported over 100 participants from 35+ countries, awarded $80,000 in scholarships, and collaborated with organizations like Texas A&M Prairie View Extension, Grow with Google, and professional soccer clubs such as Houston Dynamo and Dash.
Going beyond soccer, the Lions program incorporates financial literacy, job readiness, and life-skills training to prepare participants for success beyond the pitch. Recognizing the urgent need for safe spaces for girls, girls the chance to play sports—an opportunity often denied in their home countries. With ongoing partnerships and the Amaanah Athletics Taskforce, the program seeks to expand its reach, build stronger community connections, and ensure every young refugee feels a sense of belonging and hope for the future.
Wellness also means joy, inspiration, and connection to the broader world. For many of our neighbors, access to cultural and global experiences has been limited or lost.
Our Ball Retriever Program, in partnership with the Houston Dynamo, creates moments that restore wonder and belonging.
Through this program, participants:
For many, stepping onto the field or into the stadium is not just exciting, it is healing. It reminds our neighbors that they belong, that they are welcome, and that joy is still possible.
The Amaanah Ball Retriever Program goes beyond a simple game-day role, serving as a mentorship and leadership platform for youth ages 14 to 17. By standing alongside professional athletes, participants experience discipline, responsibility, and professionalism while developing confidence and leadership skills. The program empowers refugee and immigrant youth to dream big, fostering aspirations in sports, leadership, and community service, while creating a sense of belonging and future opportunities.
More than just a behind-the-scenes opportunity, the Ball Retriever Program provides mentorship, leadership development, and meaningful community engagement. It helps youth build responsibility, professionalism, and confidence while nurturing future leaders. To strengthen and expand the initiative, Amaanah invites sponsors to join through quarterly meetings, strategic discussions, and fundraising support. Interested partners may contact Michelle Shattuck, Chief Operating Officer, at Michelle@amaanahservices.org
for sponsorship opportunities.
