These stories span three decades. Once a call is received, Niswa responds by understanding what is needed and providing the appropriate help.
More often than not, the end is better than the beginning. We encourage everyone in the community to seek help sooner rather than later. Respect and care are a responsibility of all parties involved in creating a healthy, nurturing, and happy environment for a strong family.
With shelter, case management, legal referrals, employment support, and care, families found new ways forward.
Fatima [not real name] arrived in the USA with her seven-month-old baby while her husband was unable to accompany her. During Covid19 she was living in a car when she called Niswa. She is now living safely with her daughter in housing provided by Niswa, receiving immigration assistance for her husband and support as she looks for work.
Newly married and living in a foreign country, Tania [not real name] needed help leaving an abusive situation while maintaining her path to citizenship. Niswa provided shelter, employment and legal assistance. Today Tania [not real name] is happily married with a child.
Rupi was brave enough to leave an abusive relationship without family nearby. Niswa provided shelter and employment support, and eventually helped her return to her home country.
After an attempted suicide connected to abuse, Naz [not real name] had no family or friends to turn to. Niswa provided counseling and shelter, then helped her return home to reunite with loved ones.
Education, practical support, and legal referrals helped women build confidence and independence.
Zoya [not real name] received housing, shelter, and a legal-aid referral that helped her leave an abusive environment and reunite with her child. With Niswa’s assistance, she earned a nursing degree and is now a nurse with a happy family.
Farah [not real name] called Niswa from a San Diego train station with her four-month-old baby and no money for the fare. Niswa arranged her travel and transitional housing. Farah [not real name] completed an MBA and now lives independently with her child.
Rania [not real name] needed a safe place for herself and her baby. Niswa provided shelter, legal support toward citizenship, and help becoming a pharmacy technician. She is now independent and leads a happy, productive life.
Afshan [not real name] needed long-term support after domestic violence. Through case management and education assistance, she became financially independent and is now leading a happy family life.
When children and parents needed safety, Niswa helped create a circle of care with housing, advocacy, and culturally responsive foster support.
After Nikki [not real name] was admitted to the hospital with self-inflicted injuries, Niswa worked with Nyla [not real name] and the Department of Child and Family Services to seek a Muslim foster home. Nyla [not real name] received housing at the Niswa shelter. Mother and daughter are safe and receive the care they need.
Samar [not real name] was falsely accused of kidnapping her children. Niswa helped place her children with a Muslim foster family, provided shelter, job support, and a car. Today she is a successful working mom and her children are pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
Selma [not real name] was eight months pregnant, abused by her spouse, and had nowhere to go. Niswa provided housing, stayed with her through the birth of Sarah [not real name], and helped them move into an apartment. Selma [not real name] is now working and both mother and daughter are safe.
Leila [not real name], a minor, called the 24-hour hotline from Los Angeles airport after being alone overnight. Niswa staff counseled her, contacted her father, booked a flight home with permission, and confirmed that she arrived safely.