In 2005, Dr. Hind Jarrah, Ph.D., brought together a group of diverse Muslim women in North Texas to meet the needs of their community and provide services for Muslim victims of domestic violence, leadership programs for Muslim children, and foster understanding of the Muslim faith.
Trauma-Informed, Culture-Sensitive, Inclusive Agency
The Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation (TMWF) stands on two pillars: a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive organization that offers comprehensive, research-based programs and services. It focuses on equality without racial discrimination.
- TMWF is dedicated to protecting the welfare of all members of the community without discrimination on the basis of national origin, age, race, religion, color, gender, disability, or sexual orientation because it understands that “no community is impervious to abuse.”
- CEO Kafeel emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in family law cases and DV. Understanding the cultural complexities, backgrounds, and layers of trauma that survivors face is of utmost importance. TMWF knows that without realizing this crucial factor, no agency can deal properly with trauma and violence, especially in a Muslim community.
Social Services Programs
TMWF welcomes all individuals, including immigrants, refugees, the impoverished, seriously ill patients, and victims of family and domestic violence, by providing them holistic, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed services.
Residential Services:
TMWF’s Residential Services programs make sure to see through the process of providing safety to victims of violence. The foundation accomplishes this mission by giving a number of residential services, including emergency shelters, transitional, supportive, and HUD rapid rehousing. With this program, TMWF promises the victims safety, assurance of mind before bed, and shelter at an undisclosed place.
Non-Residential Services:
- The Domestic and Family Violence Program includes multilingual staff speaking over 20 languages and a detailed service including counseling, case management, a hotline, legal immigration, and legal family law for victims of DV.
- The Zahra Khan Support Program (ZKSP) continues the legacy of compassion of 20-year-old Zahra Khan, who succumbed to stage 4 liver cancer, and provides assistance and financial and medical help to terminally ill people.
- Emergency Financial Assistance and Empowerment is aimed at supporting the victims of violence and the impoverished through economic aid by a staff equipped with financial literacy. The program helps women and families to strive and thrive by helping them achieve economic stability.
Other than social services, TMWF also has programs that promote education and interfaith. This series includes the Islamic Art Revival Series, Mix and Mingles, and Peace in Homes Radio Podcasts.
Impact: Reshaping Thousands of Lives
In the exact words of Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation CEO Mona Kafeel,
“By sharing just that name, we are so proud and sharing that we support the community and we help this cause because we are philanthropists too.”
TMWF has brought their vision to life by bringing tidal changes and support to the community. Over twenty years, they have shared the momentous impact of their work and received massive recognition. Volunteer of the Year 2024, Woman of Impact 2023, Defender of the Year 2023, and 50 Leading Women 2022 are only some of the recent awards they have received.
- Established two 24/7 crisis shelters for domestic violence survivors.
- Created 27+ transitional apartments, including HUD Rapid Re-Housing.
- United North Texas Imams with a zero-tolerance pledge against domestic violence.
- Initiated ongoing interfaith dialogues and activities.
- Founded the Contemporary Arab & Muslim Cultural Institute (CAMSCI) at UNT.
- Engaged the Muslim community with training on domestic violence, youth online safety, mental wellness, financial literacy, and women’s entrepreneurship.
Conclusion: TMWF’S Inspiring Journey
Founded shortly after 9/11 by a group of Muslim women, TMWF emerged from the desire to actively engage with the community and counter media misconceptions. Their efforts aimed to showcase the true values and identity of Muslim women. Committed to culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care, along with its comprehensive services, it has made a profound impact on thousands of lives. Interfaith dialogues, offering crucial resources, and empowering women to take control of their lives have enabled TMWF to build bridges and create positive change in the community.
Contact Info
Website: https://tmwf.org/
@Email: tmwf@tmwf.org
Office: 469.467.6241
