We had the good fortune of connecting with Zeenat Khan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zeenat, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In March 2016, I established DFW Refugee Outreach Services with the goal of mentoring. To adapt, refugee families must have access to mentorship programs and their basic survival needs fulfilled. We were the first organization to start a mentorship program and, to date, have successfully mentored several hundred families. I volunteered for many organizations but was not satisfied with delivering items at the door; I wanted to know the family behind that door. I wanted to hear the story of their journey to a new country. Refugees could be from any listed countries: Afghanistan, Africa, Burma, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. It’s important to remember that refugees come from all over the world, and their situations can be very complex and challenging; without knowing, we cannot successfully integrate refugees.

What should our readers know about your business?
DFWROS aims to assist refugees in successfully integrating into their new society. DFWROS found a mentoring gap in the programs offered to refugees. We aim to fill the gap between caseworkers who can’t or won’t act as mentors and guides to refugees. Hundreds of refugees struggle to settle, but there needs to be a concrete strategy in place. Assigned caseworkers often leave many people to care for themselves, immediately setting up families for failure. The biggest hurdles refugees must overcome include difficulty speaking and learning English, raising children, and helping them succeed in school, securing work regardless of educational or professional background, securing and affording safe housing, accessing health services (including mental health), obtaining a driver’s license or means of reliable transportation, and general cultural differences and barriers. DFWROS assists refugees during resettlement in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

The journey of our organization was certainly not an easy one. We had to face numerous challenges due to the lack of funding and grants. Since we are a volunteer-based organization, finding committed volunteers also proved to be a challenge. However, we persevered and continued to work towards our mission with determination and dedication. Despite the obstacles, we remained focused on our goals and continue to make progress towards achieving them.

As a small organization, we have faced our fair share of challenges, but we continue to persevere and stand out. Our dedication to our mission and values has helped us remain strong and stand firm in the face of adversity. We may not have the resources of larger organizations, but our passion and determination allow us to make a meaningful impact in our community. We are proud to be a small organization that makes a big difference.

DFW Refugee Outreach Services (DFWROS) recognizes the critical need for comprehensive support and empowerment for refugee families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The current landscape reveals significant challenges and barriers these families face as they strive to adapt and integrate into their new society. The needs statement highlights these challenges and emphasizes their urgency and importance.

Our brand is solid and consistent. Since DFWROS was incorporated as a charitable organization in the greater region of Dalla/Fort Worth, we have mentored individuals, assisted families, promoted, and taught independence, established pro-social friendships, and trained on strong interpersonal skills. The organization utilizes a holistic wrap-around approach to support its clients. The brand’s strength demonstrates itself through the proficiency of its program participants’ life skills after being involved in the DFWROS resettlement efforts and training. DFWROS’s collaborative spirit is developed by a caring, inclusive environment that promotes the best action and reinforces personal respect.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would definitely take them to some of the most amazing spots around. For starters, I would take them to my favorite restaurant, a little Italian place that serves the most delicious pasta.

Over the course of the week, we could visit some of the top tourist attractions in the city, such as the art museum and the botanical gardens. We could also check out some of the local shops and markets, where we could find unique souvenirs and gifts.

But I think some of the most fun and interesting things to do would be to explore the city’s neighborhoods and meet some of the locals. We could take a walk through the historic district, visit a street fair or festival, or even attend a concert or performance at one of the city’s many theaters.

Overall, there’s no shortage of great places to eat, drink, visit, and hang out in this city. With a little planning and some good company, we could have an amazing time exploring all the fun and exciting things this area has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe the success of my organization to my family and their unwavering love and understanding. Without their support, I would not have been able to achieve what I have today. They are my backbone, my guiding light, and the reason why I work so hard every day. I am grateful for their constant encouragement and belief in me. They are the true heroes behind my accomplishments, and I am honored to have them by my side.

The refugee families I work with or have worked with are another reason for my dedication. It is truly a rewarding experience to be able to provide support and assistance to individuals and families who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. Seeing the resilience and determination of these families in the face of adversity inspires me to continue my work and do everything I can to help them rebuild their lives and create a better future for themselves and their children. It is an honor to be able to play a small role in their journey towards safety and stability.

Website: www.dfwros.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfw.ros/

Linkedin: DFW Refugee Outreach Services

Facebook: @dfwros

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM7pVYGUvDr-f7pbrcULRXg

Image Credits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU0AG7p7yPQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkyNQ7LMkxQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EbQXAB1fhM https://www.keranews.org/news/2021-12-27/relief-agencies-struggle-to-find-housing-options-as-more-afghan-refugees-arrive-in-dfw

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