Who We Are
JSIR — meaning bridge in Arabic — is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families who have fled genocide and unimaginable hardship, and are now rebuilding their lives in Oregon. Many of these families are survivors of violence, displacement, and loss, arriving with little more than hope for safety, stability, and a chance to heal.
Our Mission
We founded JSIR to be a bridge — between crisis and healing, and between survival and stability. Our mission is to walk alongside families as they start over, providing dignity, security, and the opportunities they deserve to thrive.
What We Do
Your support helps us provide life-changing assistance, including:
Supporting Connection to Medical Care & Healing: Surgeries, therapy, trauma counseling, and medical equipment.
Providing Legal Support and Assistance: Asylum applications, immigration services, and legal representation.
Navigating Housing Stability: Rent assistance, emergency housing, and furnishing aid.
Facilitating Education & Language Support: School enrollment, supplies, tutoring, and English classes.
Providing Daily Essentials: Food, clothing, hygiene supplies, transportation, and childcare.
Creating Community Integration: translation, connections with volunteers, and emotional support networks.
Why We Exist
These families have endured the unthinkable — bombings, displacement, and separation from loved ones. In Oregon, they seek not just refuge, but the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. JSIR exists to ensure they are not alone in this journey.
Our Vision
We believe in a future where displaced families, despite the trauma they’ve endured, can find healing, stability, and belonging — and where communities come together in compassion and solidarity to make that possible.
Nonprofit Board Members
Melissa Saul, President
Asma Taha, Vice President
Shaddi Barghouti, Treasurer
Brooke Keller, Secretary
Musaab, Ikhmayes, Board Member-at-large
Advisory Board
Jwanna Ibsiesl
Malea Kiblan
Rana Alshaikh
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!