Empowerment

Empowerment
Programs

Big Sister Circle Program Overview

The Big Sister Circle was established in 2021 to support women from marginalized communities, particularly in Houston. What began more than fifteen years ago as a basic needs program has grown into a powerful network helping women not only survive but thrive. The program addresses challenges such as isolation, depression, and trauma by fostering meaningful connections between women and mentors known as “Big Sisters,” who guide, encourage, and walk alongside them on their journey toward empowerment and belonging.

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women supported
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Home Transformation Per Family
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Mentorship and Empowerment

Participants, referred to as “Little Sisters,” are paired with Big Sisters who provide weekly guidance in their native language, including Arabic, Farsi, and Spanish. These mentors assist in practical areas such as navigating healthcare, creating resumes, and accessing resources, while also providing emotional and peer support. The program not only helps women adapt to their new environment but also empowers them to thrive and, in time, give back by becoming mentors themselves.

Support and Impact

In addition to mentorship, the WE program offers annual Home Transformations, providing $5,000 in essential furnishings and supplies to a family in need, creating safe and welcoming spaces. Over the past three years, the program has supported sixty-nine women through partnerships, scholarships For language learning, and expanded opportunities. Reflecting Amaanah’s mission, the program continues to embrace and empower neighbors, enabling them to rebuild their lives and foster brighter futures.
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women supported from 20 different countries
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Funds We Collected

Borderless: A Micro-Enterprise Initiative

Borderless Amaanah’s first micro-enterprise initiative, created to empower marginalized communities with a strong focus on women. The program equips participants with creative and artisanal skills to produce upcycled products from discarded textiles. Alongside skills training, Borderless provides business support and sustainability education, fostering both economic empowerment and environmental responsibility. This initiative addresses challenges such as isolation, depression, fear and financial dependences aiming to create a supportive community where women can achieve self-sufficiency and personal growth.

Historical Roots and Achievements

Launched in 2013 as The Community CLOTH, the program initially supported over 60 artisan women from 20 different countries. It gained recognition through collaborations with local fashion designers, awards in New York City, and partnerships with the Smithsonian Museum to highlight Southeast Asian women’s migration to the U.S. The program celebrated cultural heritage through craft preservation, live demonstrations, and skill sharing. Amaanah was among the first organizations to provide space and support for these artisans, paving the way for long-term empowerment.

Future Vision and Call to Action

A decade later, the program was transferred, rebranded as Borderless, and integrated into Amaanah’s Empowerment Pillar. Its vision is to help women transition from surviving to thriving, ultimately leading to the creation of more Minority/Women-Owned Businesses (MWBE). Ongoing collaborations with organizations and businesses are key to expanding its reach. Amaanah also invites supporters to join its Empowerment Task Force, which meets quarterly to strategize, network, and fundraise. Interested individuals can contact.

Amaanah Workforce Program Overview

The Amaanah Workforce Program is designed to empower resettled refugees and immigrants by going beyond basic job placement. It helps individuals rebuild their careers in America with dignity, independence, and long-term success. Many clients bring valuable skills, trades, and professional experience from their home countries, but face challenges like certification restrictions, language barriers, and lack of documentation, often limiting them to low-paying jobs. Amaanah addresses these challenges by creating a structured workforce pipeline that matches clients with meaningful career opportunities.
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People We Helped

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Funds We Collected

Program Approach

Through partnerships with community groups, corporations, and unions, Amaanah connects skilled workers to employers willing to honor their qualifications and ambitions. The program includes a thorough process of qualification sharing, interviews, and placement. For participants not yet ready to enter the workforce, Amaanah offers coaching, mentorship, language support, and job-readiness training, ensuring every client has a clear, guided path toward professional success.

Impact & Involvement

This initiative is more than employment—it is a bridge to stability, family support, and full participation in communities. By providing confidence and practical tools, the program helps participants secure sustainable careers rather than survival wages. To expand its impact, Amaanah invites sponsorships and partnerships, offering opportunities for corporations and individuals to support through quarterly strategy meetings, career openings, and fundraising. Interested sponsors can reach out to workforce@amaanahservices.org for more information.

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