At the American Muslim Community Foundation (AMCF), we are honored to highlight Khair Collective (khaircollective.org), one of our 2025 Women’s Giving Circle nominees.
Khair Collective’s story is rooted in a profound truth from our tradition, the words of the Prophet ﷺ: “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.” Their very name, Khair (goodness), is a reminder that service is at the heart of faith. From the beginning, Khair Collective has drawn on this calling to uplift youth and women, help those who struggle in silence, and create communities where wellness is nurtured through both faith and evidence-based care. You can follow their journey on Instagram @khaircollective and on Facebook @khaircollectively.
Addressing Silent Struggles in Mental Health
Khair Collective’s “why” is clear: too many Muslims suffer quietly under the weight of stigma, guilt, and fear surrounding mental health challenges. In many communities, discussions about mental health remain taboo, leaving individuals and families to struggle in silence.
This silence is especially devastating for youth. According to the Muslim Youth Mental Health Fact Sheet (Tahseen et al., 2021), 18% of Muslim youth report experiencing depressive symptoms, mirroring national rates. Yet their challenges are compounded by Islamophobia, discrimination, and identity struggles. Alarmingly, over half of Muslim high school students (55%) and nearly four in five Muslim college students (78%) report experiencing religious discrimination, which is strongly linked to higher depression and anxiety.
Family support can be a lifeline, but not all youth have it. The same research shows that strong family connections reduce the likelihood of depression by 40% and suicidal thoughts by 58%. Yet many parents lack the tools, language, or understanding to help. Khair Collective was founded to close this gap—offering resources and programs that meet people where they are, with compassion and care.
Transforming Lives Through Faith and Connection
Khair Collective steps into this gap with programs that are culturally grounded, spiritually affirming, and recovery-oriented. Their model goes beyond education—it transforms lives through connection and hope. A central part of their approach is harnessing lived experiences: empowering peer professionals and community members to use their own journeys of struggle and healing as beacons for others.
Consider the story of Fatima, a mother of four and a survivor of twelve years in an abusive marriage. After enduring financial betrayal and abandonment, she chose safety and stability for her family. Her journey eventually led her to a Mental Health First Aid training offered by Khair Collective at her mosque. That course not only gave her new skills but revealed her calling as a Certified Peer Specialist. Fatima’s resilience became a light for others, showing that lived pain can be transformed into lived purpose.
Stories like hers embody Khair Collective’s mission: breaking stigma, inspiring hope, and showing that recovery is possible.
Expanding Reach, Growing Impact
The numbers also speak to the power of Khair Collective’s work. In 2024, they hosted 11 programs nationwide, offering Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings, workshops on anxiety, depression, and identity, and sessions tailored for families. The impact was tangible:
- 94% of participants reported satisfaction.
- 89% said they would recommend the programs to others.
- Nearly half pledged to volunteer, multiplying the impact.
Already in 2025, Khair Collective has reached over 800 participants, certifying teachers in New York City, equipping students across ten universities, and empowering families in cities such as Miami, Baltimore, and Kansas City.
These efforts are more than numbers—they reveal the deep hunger in Muslim communities for safe spaces where faith and mental health intersect.
A Movement Rooted in Faith and Service
Khair Collective is not only running programs; they are cultivating a movement. One where stigma is dismantled, silence is broken, and youth, women, and families are supported holistically. Their vision is grounded in Islamic tradition, driven by data, and animated by the lived experiences of those who choose hope over despair.
At AMCF, we recognize that this is not just mental health work—it is an act of faith, service, and love. By nurturing resilience and empowering communities, Khair Collective reminds us of the Prophet’s ﷺ words: “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.”
Conclusion: Celebrating Goodness, Together
Khair Collective is a testament to what happens when faith meets action, and when communities come together to heal. Their work shows that goodness (Khair) is not abstract—it is lived every day in the courage of survivors, the dedication of peer professionals, and the hope of youth who find belonging.
As part of our 2025 Women’s Giving Circle, we are proud to spotlight Khair Collective for their extraordinary commitment to building healthier, stronger, and more compassionate communities.
Learn more about Khair Collective:
- Website: www.khaircollective.org
- Instagram: @khaircollective
- Facebook: @khaircollectively
And don’t miss the chance to meet all of our 2025 nominees working to strengthen our communities: bit.ly/AMCF-2025nominees