Today we’d like to introduce you to Zeenat Khan.
Hi Zeenat, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
DFWROS was established in 2016 by me handling all the organizational needs. I volunteered with many refugee organizations but wasn’t satisfied with dropping items off at the door of a needy family. I wanted to know the people behind the door, their journey, their loss, and the home they left behind. I would knock at the door, introduce myself, get to know the family, and provide mentorship to them. Mentoring the families became my goal, and hence, Dallas Refugee Outreach Services was born.
Since its establishment as a charitable organization in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth region, we have mentored and assisted families, promoted and taught independence, established pro-social friendships, and trained on strong interpersonal skills.
We have expanded our programs and initiatives, emphasizing mentorship’s power to newly arrived refugees. Our programming works to the end, where refugees can thrive and contribute productively to American society. Our milestones include hiring additional staff to serve more families and hiring professional tutors for each life skill like ESL, driver’s Ed, computer skills, sewing, job placement classes, and home-based business. We welcomed the hundreds of Afghan refugees who were evacuated. We provided families with all the kitchen supplies, household goods, cleaning supplies, hygiene supplies, groceries, home-cooked food, medical assistance, and Uber help.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been quite a challenge. With little knowledge about launching and managing a non-profit, I dug deep into reading and research. Despite facing numerous hurdles that tempted me to throw in the towel, I persevered. The thought of the families relying on our aid and support motivated me to rise daily.
As a small organization, the Afghan evacuation thrust us into the spotlight, suddenly inundated with hundreds of families depending on our support.
DFWROS also extended support to refugees affected by COVID-19, offering rental assistance, medical care, grocery aid, and assistance with errands. Our organization boasts a strong brand, which is evident in the remarkable skills demonstrated by program participants post-engagement with DFWROS resettlement efforts and training.
Since its inception as a charitable entity in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area, we have mentored and aided families, instilled independence, fostered pro-social relationships, and honed solid interpersonal abilities.
Staff and volunteers affiliated with DFWROS are deeply committed to the overarching mission, striving for community development, leadership, digital literacy, partnerships, opportunities, support, and accountability.
We face many challenges to date, but we always put our best foot forward. These families are part of us, and we take it personally to provide them with resources to get back on their feet.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I play many roles in the organization, which relies heavily on volunteers and community donations to fulfill its mission.
As a board director, mentor, and office staff member, I am compassionate and understanding of the cause.
One of my greatest passions is mentoring. I approach my role with genuine care and empathy, seeing each family I work with not just as beneficiaries of our services but as friends and extended family members. I have formed deep connections with these families, learning about their journeys, struggles, and the resilience that brought them to where they are today.
While I impart valuable knowledge and support, I also recognize the invaluable lessons I have learned from the families themselves. These families have taught me humility, grounding, gratitude, and resilience.
Instilling a sense of belonging is crucial when assisting families starting anew in a foreign land. For refugees and migrants who have been uprooted from their homes due to conflict, persecution, or other hardships, the loss of their sense of belonging can be profound. They are often faced with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch in unfamiliar surroundings.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is essential in helping these families feel safe, valued, and respected. This involves more than just providing material support; it fosters a sense of community and belonging beyond basic necessities.
I am known in the refugee community as a kind and caring sister! When I receive messages from families expressing gratitude and offering prayers, it fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment. I take great pride in our accomplishments and the journey we’ve undertaken. Despite relying on the generosity of our community, we’ve managed to assist over a thousand families with essential provisions, donated vehicles, financial aid, skill-building classes, and initiatives to help women establish home-based businesses.
What sets us apart is our personalized approach to assisting refugees and migrants, which goes beyond providing basic necessities. We prioritize fostering a sense of belonging and self-sufficiency, recognizing the unique strengths and needs of each individual and family we serve.
Our reliance on community donations doesn’t hinder our ability to make a significant impact. Despite limited resources, we’ve been able to reach over a thousand families, offering not just material assistance but also emotional support, skill-building opportunities, and avenues for economic empowerment.
Moreover, our emphasis on sustainability sets us apart. We don’t just provide temporary solutions; we invest in long-term initiatives that help families rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. From financial literacy classes to mentorship programs and support for women to start home-based businesses, we strive to create pathways to self-sufficiency and success.
At DFW Refugee Outreach Services, we believe in the power of community and the transformative potential of empathy and solidarity. By working hand in hand with refugees and migrants, we’re not just offering aid—we’re building stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
What makes you happy?
I am passionate about gardening, which I consider to be my therapy. I find immense satisfaction and joy in cultivating my garden, especially my vegetable patch. There’s no greater pleasure for me than enjoying chemical-free, sustainable produce grown right in my backyard.
I find immense joy in being a volunteer security guard at VRIC. Knowing that I’m ensuring worshipers’ safety and peace of mind fills me with deep satisfaction. Stepping into the role of a level 3 security guard was definitely outside my comfort zone, and it’s something I never imagined I’d be doing. However, I’ve always embraced challenges, and I take immense pride in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dfwros.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfw.ros/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DFWROS/
