Rihla Community Services provides culturally grounded mental health support, coaching, and life services to Afghan refugees and the broader Muslim community in San Diego.
Like any other community, the Muslim community faces complex challenges related to abuse, domestic violence, mental health, and spiritual and emotional well-being. Muslims also experience the unique burden of Islamophobia, which can discourage many from seeking the help and care they deserve. As a result, many suffer in silence, underreport their needs, and turn to coping mechanisms that are often unsustainable and harmful over time.
Rihla — an Arabic word meaning journey — reflects our belief that healing, growth, and transformation unfold over time and require collective effort. We are committed to walking alongside every person who seeks support — without fear of stereotyping, stigma, or cultural misunderstanding.
Service is grounded in Islamic spiritual teachings, creating a space where community members feel seen, respected, and understood.
We apply CBT, motivational interviewing, and CAM frameworks to ensure outcomes are measurable, effective, and trauma-informed.
We emphasize future-focused coaching and skills development that resonates with refugees seeking stability.
Our staff includes refugees themselves — two team members immigrated to America as refugees — creating authentic trust with those we serve.
Rihla is a Family Empowerment Center dedicated to integrating Islamic spiritual healing, contemporary leadership development, and community engagement. We strive to cultivate inner peace, personal growth, and strong, compassionate relationships within individuals and families.
A community — Muslims and people of all faiths across San Diego County and beyond — living lives rooted in dignity, balance, and holistic well-being, empowered to strengthen both their inner selves and their relationships with others.
Respecting the inherent value and worth of every individual, transcending all differences as we share a common human identity.
All humans are born equal. We work to eliminate prejudice, discrimination, and negative stereotyping in everything we do.
Committed to truthfulness in our actions, speech, and fulfilling commitments — objective and free of favoritism.
Individual and family counseling sessions addressing trauma, self-identity, goal-setting, and healthy coping strategies for refugees navigating a new culture.
Future-focused coaching on personal growth, conflict resolution, time management, and resilience — delivered in a way that respects community values.
Support groups and workshops for children, youth, and mothers addressing school acclimation, bullying prevention, cultural identity, and parenting in a new country.
Community workshops on parenting skills, cultural adaptation, stress and trauma management, nutrition, and building healthy relationships.
Culturally affirming events in partnership with community organizations, combining workshops, resource distribution, and celebration of Islamic traditions.
Premarital educational classes and a confidential matchmaking service connecting Muslim singles with the goal of marriage, guided by respect and Islamic values.
Born in Palestine, raised in Saudi Arabia, and a San Diego resident for 26 years. Holds a Bachelor's in Chemistry, a Master's in Leadership Studies, and a Certificate in Coaching from the University of San Diego. Currently a PhD candidate focused on social justice and equity in education.
Rawah has spent over two decades helping families navigate the systems meant to support them — starting as a medical translator bridging Arabic-speaking families and healthcare providers. Her work spans special education advocacy, community leadership, and refugee support. She regularly attends IEP and 504 meetings to ensure families have a voice, has built large-scale community programs from the ground up, and supports refugee families at Rihla as they navigate school enrollment, healthcare, and resettlement. She holds a BBA and a Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychology, and is fluent in Arabic and English.
A mother of five who immigrated from Afghanistan to Pakistan and then to the United States — navigating refugee life twice. Her decades of parenting experience and deep cultural understanding make her coaching invaluable to refugee families and youth.
Noorzia brings firsthand experience as a refugee and a career built on service to her role at Rihla. In Afghanistan, she worked as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and trained communities on civic participation. After arriving in the US in 2021 as a special immigrant visa holder, she pursued education in English, healthcare interpreting, and nursing — while channeling her expertise into supporting the families Rihla serves. She helps refugee families access resources, navigate school systems, and feel confident in their new community.
Mariam works in healthcare and brings a deep passion for serving her community to her role at Rihla. She believes in leading with compassion, respect, and a genuine desire to help others — especially the young people Rihla serves. She volunteers with organizations that make a meaningful impact and brings that same energy to her work supporting youth cultural empowerment.
Date: June 27, 2026
Location: Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD)
Whether you're seeking services, looking to partner with us, or interested in supporting our mission — we welcome your message. All inquiries are handled with care and confidentiality.