About Us

As a child advocate and domestic violence advocate, Chama Ibrahim witnessed firsthand the unique challenges faced by survivors from Middle Eastern and North African communities.

"Time and again, I saw survivors enter shelters, hoping to escape violence, only to leave because the shelters themselves became sources of isolation. Language barriers and a lack of cultural and religious understanding made these safe spaces feel anything but safe."

Driven by her experiences, Chama co-founded Noor Family Services to address these critical gaps. Her mission was clear: to create a space where survivors could find solace, understanding, and actionable resources tailored to their needs.

"I owed it to our community and these survivors to give them a chance—a chance to access resources, to feel heard, and to break free from abusive situations."

To deepen her impact, Chama pursued her law degree at Emory University, equipping herself to provide both legal support and advocacy. Today, she helps survivors obtain protective orders and address a range of family law needs, empowering them to rebuild their lives.

NFS was formed in 2015 to meet the growing need for confidential, culturally sensitive services and legal assistance. Our mission is to support survivors in underserved communities, bridging the gaps caused by:

• Language barriers
• Cultural stigmas
• Emotional challenges such as loneliness, depression, or abuse

We are here to provide direct family law services and critical resources to those in crisis, offering hope and pathways to healing.

Noor Family Services is one of the few agencies with an on-staff attorney to provide direct legal services to victims of domestic violence, from temporary protective orders to divorce and child support matters. In addition, NFS is committed to legal advocacy, referral/crisis management, and outreach and education. As a culturally-sensitive non-profit agency, we view these programs as ways to extend the care and concern for victims and survivors in the broader ethnic community, regardless of race, religion, national origin, or cultural or ethnic affiliation. 

CHAMA IBRAHIM,  Co-Founder and Executive Director

ELENA SANCHEZ, Legal Services

LANCE GOWENS, Legal Services

SARAH KIM, Legal Services

FATIMA WASIM, Ph.D.,  Mental Health Therapist 

SAYEEDA WASEEM, Teen, Adult, and Couples Psychotherapist 

SUSAN HART,  Financial Manager

 SANDY KILLION, Outreach and Transitional Housing Advocate

AMAKA NWOSISI, Intake Coordinator and Legal Advocate

SOPHIA JETPURI-NAVIWALA, Outreach and Education Director