“For years, I was scared to talk, in any language. OMID’s ESL program wasn’t just about words; it helped me find my courage again.  I’ve always loved programming, but my English wasn’t good enough to follow tutorials or apply for jobs. Now I’m learning, coding, and believing I can do it. Speaking English made me feel free, like I’m finally catching up with the person I wanted to be.”

– Shadi,  English Level 2

“One class about ego and self-awareness really stayed with me. It made me realize how often I hold myself back because of fear.
Through these sessions, I’ve learned to speak up, take space, and trust my own instincts. I feel stronger now, not just as a performer, but as an empowered woman.”

– Zahra, Drama for Healing Workshop

“Photography is something I’ve always loved. I usually pick up my camera when things don’t feel right inside me.
Somehow, taking pictures helps me breathe again. It calms me down and gives me the strength to keep going.
It’s my way of reminding myself that there’s still beauty in the world, even on the hard days.”

– Leila, Creative Healing Program

The Little Turtle

When I first met Neda, she hardly spoke in our online sessions. Her camera was off most of the time, and when it was on, she kept her head down. She seemed distant, sometimes even frustrated. She was not sure that this space was safe.

Gradually, something shifted. One day she turned her camera on, smiled shyly, and joined the activity. Week by week, her laughter became louder, and she felt more confident.

Then one day, during our “Turtle Skill” lesson (when we teach kids how to pause and take deep breaths to calm down) she said: “Miss, my dad was getting angry at my sister. I told him, ‘Dad, you can calm down! Be a turtle! Take a few deep breaths, and then you’ll feel better.’”

…that made me tear up!

Moments like that remind me why I keep showing up in OMID even from miles away, through a screen. Healing can travel far when it’s shared with kindness and patience.

– Sarah, Volunteer, PATHS Facilitator

$100

can open doors for two girls to join an ESL (English as a Second  Language) class and start building their confidence through learning.

$100

can cover one participant’s full journey in the PATHS (Power, Awareness, Transformation, Healing) program. Helping her process trauma and rebuild emotional strength.

$100

can support a young woman to attend a Trauma Management Workshop,  learning tools to manage stress, anxiety, and self-expression.

$100

can bring music and connection to four girls’ lives through our Choir Program, helping them find a profound way to self-expression.

$500

can provide a full scholarship for one young woman, giving her the chance to continue her studies and pursue her dreams.

Help OMID Start 2026 with Impact

This season, we’re hoping to raise

$15,000

to provide five new scholarships, and to grow our English Language and Trauma Recovery Programs

Omid Foundation USA
North Bethesda, MD, USA