Closing 2024 with Gratitude and Hope
Dear Community,
As we close out 2024, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all that Muslimahs Against Abuse Center (MAAC) has accomplished this year. Our belief in empowering and uplifting the most vulnerable members of our community has driven us to overcome challenges, break barriers, and make a meaningful difference in countless lives.
This year, we provided $112,000 in direct assistance to clients, addressing critical needs such as eviction prevention, rental assistance, hotel stays, and relocation costs. Additionally, $56,000 supported families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, helping them navigate profound financial and emotional challenges. Through our partnership with Seattle Housing, we helped secure 15 housing vouchers for domestic violence survivors-some of whom had been on waitlists for over a decade. We also met critical household needs by distributing diapers to over 500 families.
Our impact extended far beyond direct services. In 2024, we hosted over 50 workshops, organized 10 impactful community events, and launched our first-ever Substance Prevention Program. We continue to reflect and ensure that each workshop aligns with the needs and voices of our community, striving to make a meaningful impact with every session.
This year has been a testament to the resilience and strength of our community—the foundation of MAAC. Without your unwavering support, none of this would have been possible. It is your belief in our mission and your commitment to standing with us that enable us to continue this critical work.
Of course, this journey hasn't been without its trials. We navigated funding uncertainties, faced external pressures, and stood strong in the face of intimidation when clients' abusers attempted to breach our safe spaces. Together, we overcame these obstacles, dismantling stigma and ensuring every woman and girl feels safe and valued within our care.
Our work has been recognized and celebrated. This year, MAAC received several awards, including a significant honor from CAIR Washington for our advocacy and service to the Muslim community and beyond. These achievements are a reflection of the dedication of our staff, board, volunteers, and donors who pour their hearts into this mission daily.
Looking ahead to 2025, we face new challenges, including the absence of direct financial assistance funding. As we plan for the future, we ask for your continued support to sustain and grow our programs, provide essential services, and bring our mission to life. If you are able, please consider making a donation to MAAC to help us continue to serve those in need.
Thank you for being part of our journey, for believing in us, and for helping us build a world where every woman and girl can thrive in safety and dignity. Here's to a new year filled with hope, healing, and progress.
With gratitude and hope,
Rahma Rashid,
Executive Director & Founder
Muslimahs Against Abuse Center