You’ve been with Dar-us-Sakina for several years, starting as the Teen & Adult Program Coordinator — what first inspired you to join this work?

My interactions with people with disabilities throughout my life have left a lasting impact on me. Each person I’ve known has brought something unique, whether it was a perspective, a strength, or a way of connecting, and that has shaped how I see the world. Being around them has taught me patience, empathy, and how to live more authentically.

I have friends and relatives on the autism spectrum, and witnessing their journeys showed me how individuals and their families face new challenges once they reach adolescence and adulthood. The supports that exist in childhood often fade, leaving families searching for spaces where their loved ones can continue to learn and belong.

Beyond that personal connection, my faith has been a driving force. In Islam, people with disabilities are considered the people of Jannah, and serving them is an amanah. It’s a privilege for me to fulfill this amanah by being a part of Dar-us-Sakina, breaking stigmas and helping build a community where individuals with disabilities are valued and included.

How has your role evolved from program coordinator to Adult Day Program Director, and what have you learned along the way?

With the guidance of Sana Sattar and Nadiya Shafi, we launched the Teen & Adult Program (TAP), and I had the chance to be involved in every part of it, from planning to implementation to evaluation. It was an incredible learning experience that helped me understand what goes into building a program from the ground up and how to continually improve it over time. That foundation prepared me for this next chapter, and I’m truly thrilled to now be working with our team on the Adult Day Program.

The work shares a lot in common with TAP, which was held once a week, but the Adult Day Program runs daily. That shift has pushed us to design a much more detailed and comprehensive curriculum, putting systems in place for daily operations, taking on more complex administrative tasks, and shaping a space that is both functional and welcoming.

Along the way, I’ve come to know our local community more closely and gained a clearer sense of how to support adults with disabilities in meaningful ways. It’s been a journey of growth for me too, and I’m excited to keep learning and building alongside this new initiative.

The Adult Day Program is a huge milestone for DUS. What excites you most about leading this brand-new initiative?

What excites me most is that the Adult Day Program is something families have been waiting for. For years, parents have asked what happens after their loved ones have completed traditional schooling and still need daily enrichment, and now we finally have an answer. What makes this even more meaningful is that we now have our own dedicated space to call home. We can shape it to fit our participants' needs, from how the classrooms are designed to how the lessons are adapted for different learning styles, making it a fun place that truly supports them.

It’s not just about having somewhere to go during the day. It’s about building a program where adults can keep growing, practice real-life skills, and stay connected to a community that values them. Knowing that inshaAllah the program will give them that sense of belonging and purpose is incredibly meaningful to me.

How do you envision the program helping young adults transition into more independent and fulfilling lives?

We focus on building practical, everyday skills that truly matter, such as home management, kitchen skills, money management, vocational training, Islamic studies, self-care and wellness, and learning how to navigate the community safely with confidence. Each of these areas helps participants strengthen their independence. Over time, I see them taking more ownership of their lives, whether that means managing daily routines, stepping into work or volunteer roles, or engaging more fully with the world around them.

What’s also important is that our program is not limited to a certain profile of individuals with disabilities. We aim to welcome and support people of all ability levels and use adapted curriculum materials to meet varying learning needs. Whether someone needs more hands-on assistance or is ready to take on more independent tasks, we want them to be included and capable of growth in our program.

In your experience, what makes Dar-us-Sakina’s approach unique in serving families with children and adults with special needs?

What makes Dar-us-Sakina unique is that we bring together professional best practices with cultural and religious values. This allows families to feel confident that their loved ones are receiving quality support in an environment where their faith and identity are considered and respected.

What is one story or moment from your time here that really shows the impact DUS has on families?

For me, the impact shows up in everyday wins. It might be a participant preparing their own meal, using money at a store, or taking the lead in an activity. Just as moving are the moments of faith and belonging, like when participants pray together or engage in Islamic studies in a way that’s meaningful for them. Families often tell us they never thought they’d see their loved one take part in these kinds of experiences. Those are the moments that remind me why what we do matters.

For parents who may feel overwhelmed after a diagnosis or unsure where to turn, how can they lean on Dar-us-Sakina for support?

We want parents to know they don’t have to go through this alone. Through our supports team and educational programming, families can find guidance, resources, and most importantly, a supportive community that understands their journey. Sometimes just reaching out is the first step, and from there we walk alongside them.

What message would you like to share with the community about the importance of inclusion and supporting adults with special needs?

Inclusion and disability services should not end when childhood ends. Adults with disabilities deserve chances to keep learning and participating fully in community life. True inclusion is not a one-time effort but something we live out every day by making sure adults with disabilities are part of our conversations, our activities, and our vision for the future.

For people who are interested in helping with the Adult Day Program, what’s the best way to get involved? Where do you need the most support right now?

This is such an exciting time for us! We’re getting ready to open a space that families have been dreaming of, and there are so many ways to be part of it. Right now, one of our biggest needs is sponsorship. Your support will help us finish renovations, furnish the center, and make sure it’s welcoming and accessible for everyone. Sponsoring the program is also a sadaqa jariya, a continuous charity that will, insha’Allah, benefit you for years to come. You can check out our fundraising page to sponsor specific spaces or items and help bring this vision to life.

Beyond financial support, our community is full of people with amazing talents and skills that can make a real difference. Whether it’s offering expertise or helping with setup, every contribution adds value. The best way to get involved is by filling out our Community Expertise Form. Together, we can make this vision a reality.