named programs · 7 · from sources
What they call their work
BizBuilder Program
8-week entrepreneurship program that guides participants through validating ideas, building business models, marketing, financial planning, and creating investor-ready pitch decks; includes live sessions, mentorship, and certification
Educational Programs
Workshops and seminars on civic engagement, family wellbeing, and personal development for women and community members
Social Care Navigation
Free support for Medicaid-enrolled individuals connecting them to resources for food, housing, transportation, and care navigation through the Staten Island Social Care Network
Welcoming Baby Initiatives
Support for new mothers and families through community baby showers and a baby closet providing essential items for children birth to age 7
Winter Warm Drives
Annual initiative collecting and distributing warm clothing to community members in need during cold months
Young Chefz
Free 6-week cooking program for children ages 6–12 focusing on plant-based recipes, healthy eating, and community beautification; offered in-person or virtually
Youth Summer Enrichment Program
Summer camp for children ages 5–13 offering educational and recreational activities, including field trips, workshops, and team-building; offered in-person and virtually
activities · 12 groups
What they do
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Startup Acceleration & Business Growth Support 2 activities
- Entrepreneurship Training ProgramRuns an 8-week program that guides participants in building or scaling a business, including development of a business framework, pitch deck, and growth plan, supported by weekly mentor check-ins and culminating in a final pitch presentation and certification.
- One-on-One Business CoachingProvides customized strategic guidance and execution support to founders in areas such as sales, funding, and operations, beyond group program offerings.
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Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Education 1 activity
- Body Safety Workshops for ChildrenConducts workshops for children that teach personal boundaries, recognition of safe versus unsafe touch, and skills to speak up confidently, with consistent curriculum across multiple program iterations.
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Political Leadership Training for Underrepresented Groups 1 activity
- Civic Engagement InitiativesOffers workshops, seminars, and support programs to promote civic engagement, including education on rights and participation in local governance, primarily for underserved women and children.
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Diaper and Baby Supply Distribution 1 activity
- Community Baby Showers and Baby ClosetSupports new mothers and families through community baby showers and a baby closet that provides essential resources for children from birth to age 7.
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Community Iftar and Eid Celebrations 1 activity
- Community Iftar DinnersHosts community iftar dinners during Ramadan, such as the Ramadan Community Iftar Dinner at Curtis High School, to foster inclusion and community relations.
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Food Distribution and Hunger Relief 1 activity
- Food and Nutrition AssistanceProvides food and nutrition support to children and families in need as part of its community services.
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Medicaid Health Home Care Coordination 1 activity
- Free Support Services for Medicaid MembersOffers free assistance with food, housing, transportation, and care navigation to eligible Medicaid members through trained care navigators who help individuals access needed services.
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Intake and Referral Coordination 1 activity
- Mental Health Resource Referral NetworkConnects community members to mental health services through an established referral network, facilitating access to care and support.
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Early Literacy Promotion 1 activity
- Read Aloud ProgramImmerses children in literature through curated read-aloud sessions that support cognitive and emotional development, with themes aligned to Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Ramadan, and social issues such as disability awareness.
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Holiday and Seasonal Essentials Distribution 1 activity
- Winter Warm Clothing DrivesOrganizes and conducts seasonal drives to collect and distribute warm clothing to community members in need, particularly during colder months.
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Youth and Family Cooking Education 1 activity
- Youth Cooking ProgramOffers a free six-weekend cooking program for children ages 6 to 12, featuring hands-on plant-based and fruit-based cooking activities in virtual or in-person formats.
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Summer Day Camp Programs 1 activity
- Youth Summer Enrichment ProgramsOperates summer camps and enrichment programs for children ages 5–13, including educational, recreational, and team-building activities, with virtual options available during the pandemic. Programs include field trips, workshops, and confidence-building activities such as archery instruction.
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financials · form 990 · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$28K
Contributions & grants$24K86%
Program service revenue$4K14%
Investment income$70%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$42K
Program expenses76%
Admin / overhead22%
Fundraising2%
Salaries & benefits$6K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$93K
Cash$85K
Investments$8K
Liabilities$12K
Net assets$81K
Liquid reserves26.7 mo
4 years on record · 2022–2025 · YoY revenue -80.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAFIYYAH ABDUL-QAWIYY | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 25 | $6K |
board members · 6
- AMANY ABUOELKHIR — BOARD MEMBER
- HAMZA ABDUL-LATIF — BOARD MEMBER
- HINA NAVEED — BOARD MEMBER
- HUSNIYAH HASSAN — BOARD MEMBER
- SADEAQAH ADI — BOARD MEMBER
- SHAHANA MASUM — BOARD MEMBER
relationships · 17
Who they work with
- AMCF Partner — Partner organization that awarded MSSI an endowment grant and supports their funding through the Women’s Giving Circle.
- Ayanna Abdul-Qawiyy Partner — Community youth participant who reads aloud for MSSI's literacy program.
- Ayesha Rodriguez Partner — Community youth participant who reads aloud for MSSI's literacy program.
- Children's Aid Partner — Representatives from Children's Aid attended the Community Iftar Dinner, indicating a partnership with Muslim Sisters of Staten Island.
- Community organizations Partner — Partners with community organizations to expand impact through joint initiatives and support.
- Curtis High School Partner — Hosted the Community Iftar Dinner in partnership with Muslim Sisters of Staten Island.
- Educational institutions Partner — Collaborates with educational institutions to advance mission through shared resources and values.
- Isa Abraham Partner — Board Member and Interim Secretary contributing to governance and organizational operations.
- Mia Ali Collins Partner — Community youth participant who reads aloud for MSSI's literacy program.
- Mya Ali Collins Partner — Community youth participant who reads aloud for MSSI's literacy program.
- Nathi Aubertin Partner — Community youth participant who reads aloud for MSSI's literacy program.
- Office of State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton Government — Representative from State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton's office attended the Community Iftar Dinner, indicating a government affiliation or partnership.
- Optivise Solutions Partner — Partner organization that powers the BizBuilder entrepreneurship program.
- Safiyyah Abdul-Qawiyy Partner — Founder, Interim President, and Executive Director of Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, providing leadership and strategic direction.
- Staten Island Social Care Network Partner — MSSI is one of over 90 community partners in the Staten Island Social Care Network, connecting eligible individuals to essential support services.
- Sylvia Canter Partner — Facilitated a cooking class for the Young Chefz program.
- United Community Schools Partner — Representative from United Community Schools attended the Community Iftar Dinner, indicating a partnership with Muslim Sisters of Staten Island.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Addressing Social Determinants of Health to Improve Well-Beingmethodology: social-determinants-of-healthBy identifying and addressing non-medical needs such as food, housing, and transportation through screening and navigation, we improve health outcomes because these social factors fundamentally shape individual and community health.
- Community Empowerment Through Trauma-Informed Engagementmethodology: trauma-informed-community-engagementBy engaging underserved women and children through civic and community programs grounded in trauma-informed principles, we improve empowerment and resilience because participation fosters safety, belonging, and agency.
- Culturally Responsive and Joy-Centered Literacy Programmingmethodology: culturally responsive literacy programmingBy integrating read-aloud sessions with cultural themes and joyful engagement, we foster literacy and love of reading because children develop language skills and identity affirmation simultaneously.
- Empowerment-Based Education for Childrenmethodology: empowerment-based-educationBy teaching children age-appropriate personal safety and self-advocacy skills, we build foundational empowerment because knowledge of boundaries and voice increases confidence and reduces vulnerability.
- Women-Led, Community-Driven Model of Supportmethodology: women-led community supportBy centering programs in women-led, community-governed structures, we increase trust and participation because culturally resonant leadership fosters dignity, inclusion, and collective ownership.