In a world where compassion often meets barriers of access and opportunity, Sabil USA stands as a testament to what it means to serve with empathy, vision, and purpose. As one of the American Muslim Community Foundation (AMCF) Women’s Giving Circle’s 2025 nominees, Sabil USA exemplifies community-driven leadership and a steadfast commitment to uplifting those in need.
Founded in 2012, Sabil USA was born from a simple yet transformative idea: that every person deserves equitable access to food, healthcare, and financial stability. Its roots trace back to a dining table conversation between twin sisters, Sahar and Sahar Aziz, and a small group of friends who shared a deep concern for struggling immigrant families in their community. As Egyptian immigrants themselves, they understood intimately the difficulties of navigating life in a new country—from financial insecurity to cultural isolation. That shared experience became the foundation for Sabil’s enduring mission.
“Sabil is more than just a nonprofit; it’s a lifeline for those who need it most,” says its founder. “We’re not just about meeting immediate needs; we’re about empowering people to live with dignity, respect, and the resources they need to build a brighter future.”
Since its founding, Sabil has become a trusted source of relief and empowerment for underserved communities across Orange County, California. Through its network of services—including food distribution, financial assistance, healthcare access, and mental health support—Sabil ensures that vulnerable families are not left behind. The organization’s name, which means “path” in Arabic, reflects its guiding philosophy: to pave a path toward stability, dignity, and self-sufficiency for all.
Yet, like many community-based nonprofits, Sabil faces daunting challenges. Due to severe cuts in federal funding, Sabil USA’s food pantry has seen two-thirds of its support from food banks eliminated in a single month. This drastic reduction—in essential items such as produce and meat—poses an urgent threat to hundreds of families who depend on Sabil’s pantry each week. Still, the team remains unwavering in its commitment to serve, drawing strength from the resilience of their community and the generosity of local supporters.
Beyond statistics and services, Sabil’s impact is best captured in the lives it touches—lives like that of Noor, a resilient mother of three young daughters. Noor’s story reflects both the struggles faced by many and the transformative support Sabil provides.
After escaping years of abuse, Noor sought safety in a shelter, only to find herself living in her car with her children once her time there expired. When Sabil’s case manager learned of her situation, they immediately arranged temporary housing at a motel, covering the cost until a new domestic violence shelter could provide stability. During this time, Sabil connected Noor with local families who needed childcare, enabling her to earn an income while caring for her own children.
Once Noor secured work, Sabil helped her pay the deposit on an apartment, furnished the home, and provided clothing and essentials to help her family settle in. With safe housing and financial stability, Noor was finally able to focus on her education. For a year, she used Sabil’s office as a quiet study space while completing her college coursework. Today, Noor is a nurse assistant, raising three thriving daughters—a living example of the strength and hope that define Sabil’s mission.
As Sabil USA looks ahead, its goals remain both ambitious and deeply human: to feed more families, strengthen mental and financial well-being, and break the cycles of poverty that persist across generations. The organization envisions a community where no one has to choose between rent and food, where every person can access care and compassion without barriers.
“At Sabil, our goal is simple yet profound,” the team shares. “To secure the well-being of every person in our community by offering comprehensive support in their physical, social, mental, and economic welfare. Because when we help someone rise, we all rise together.”
To learn more about Sabil USA, visit sabil.us or follow their work on Instagram.
To explore all of the American Muslim Community Foundation Women’s Giving Circle’s 2025 nominees—organizations leading transformative change in communities across the country—visit our webpages: AMCF Women’s Giving Circle