The Tiyya Foundation

We know the challenges that refugee youth & families face but consider the endless possibilities after community support.

Interviewed this weekend by Jada Montemarano from Spectrum News to discuss @tiagocoffee and Tiyya’s collaboration for Black History Month! As a recipient of their February campaign, a portion of proceeds from each coffee bag will be donated to our programs. What a lovely way to celebrate the Black diaspora, coffee origins of Ethiopia, and refugees. Thank you @tiagocoffee ! Beans from@dayebensacoffee in Ethiopia

Excited to expand our team! New positions are now available in Orange County . We are seeking a Career Placement Specialist (full-time) and a Family Services Program Coordinator (part-time). Please send resume + cover letter to [email protected]

It’s interesting how a pandemic can redefine your bond with your parents. There we were, my mother and I, hosting our first back to school celebration event. I’m sure we argued that entire morning prior to this shot (that was later featured in my grad school’s magazine). Our bond reflects my journey with Tiyya Foundation. As a natural grassroots community organizer, my mother is the anchor of many, including the 100 children that showed up to the park that morning, benefitting from her humbling generosity . So grateful to still have her counsel in times like today.

Message from our CEO / Co-Founder, Meymuna. Back to work! Growing up in Orange County, I thought my obstacles around Black Women Leadership was in my mind, as if I were the only one with all the racial traumas. It was paralyzing and I spent a decade working behind the scenes because of anti-Blackness within the context of leadership (long story ). Last year helped me see that my journey was part of a collective experience that encouraged us all to create change toge...ther. Years ago, I accepted pay of $300 / month to help create The Tiyya Foundation. This January, we enter 2021 with $300,000 of surplus thanks to our partnerships with the Sun Family Foundation, PIMCO Foundation, Islamic Relief USA, Kingston Technology, and Hoag Community Benefits. Thank you all for trusting me with your investments to support #refugee families starting anew in Orange County and Los Angeles. My family is Black-Indigenous from East Africa and I was born on a refugee camp after my parents were displaced from Ethiopia. Our Gharri Tribe is nomadic with various stopping points in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya as we were the camel merchants for generations. I was ashamed of being my full self in social settings because to be #indigenous had a negative reaction from people. I look forward to sharing more of my full story with you this year and introducing you to my family + work tribe who helped establish @flavorsfromafar.co social enterprise in Little Ethiopia, Los Angeles. More soon... Cheers to 2021, may our voices continue to be heard despite these obstacles. Sending you and your loved ones sincere wishes for good health. Please stay indoors so we can reunite soon . I look forward to making an impact together this new year. Also, I miss hugs. See more

Happy Holidays & Winter Solstice from our little family ! We survived our first year of working together full-time; during a global pandemic while launching a social enterprise restaurant in Little Ethiopia, @flavorsfromafar.co . Although it was disappointing to have postponed our community events and indoor dining experiences, we helped more families then ever before thanks to you. That’s most important! Thank you for everything and we hope to reconnec...t (virtually or in person) with you in 2021. Stay tuned for future job openings at our organization and ways to collaborate in the coming weeks. Our staff/ donor community is growing. Xx Goodbye 2020. Taking a needed break for now. See more

Tiyya’s donors are making a direct impact by addressing our community’s needs. Thank you! Financial aide will be distributed throughout the fall season