RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - “It’s not hoarding if it’s books,” was the message on the T-shirts worn by Fitrah volunteers advertising their non-profit online book reselling business.  Fitrah empowers Sacramento County’s most vulnerable youth: those who are in the foster care system, court-involved, homeless or out of school.  “We empower them by letting them run our businesses,” said Nadia Niazi, president and executive director of the nonprofit. During COVID, Niazi decided to focus on collecting and reselling books online, but things moved slowly, and Fitrah had its grand opening and ribbon cutting in Rancho Cordova on September 29, 2022.

Several years ago, Canadian-American Nadia Niazi made the acquaintance of a 60-year-old woman who had been homeless for 19 years.  In visiting the homeless encampments, Niazi became aware of a lot of homeless youth, many of whom have “aged out” of the foster care system, now no longer eligible.  Over 800 children and youth in foster care attend school in Sacramento County school districts.  Phyllis Needelman, who is secretary and member of the Fitrah board, said that there are programs that will extend support for several more years if the youth continue their education.  But often, she said, “Education is the last thing they want to think about.” Needelman works in foster youth services at San Juan Unified School District. 

Program participants receive training and mentoring in the skill-based work of operating the bookselling business, and also receive help with personal development such as resume writing, interview techniques, obtaining an ID and setting up a bank account. The name Fitrah refers to the Arabic word relating to the state of a person at birth.  “Every single youth is born pure, innocent, and deserving of a future to thrive regardless of their race, religion, or gender,” Niazi said.  With her vision, energy and ability, Niazi has collected a cadre of enthusiastic and able volunteer helpers, who work with the youth who have joined the program.

Amreen Keval met Niazi at an event unrelated to Fitrah, but when they got to know each other, she was invited to join the board.  She declined, but is now operations manager, preferring hands-on work more than an administrative or financial position.  “I have a 17-year-old, he’s a senior and . . . I’m going to college fairs with him,” Keval said.  “A lot of these foster kids don’t have that kind of support, where they have the guidance such as, ‘You need to be doing this now, this is how you apply for college, this is how you apply for financial aid.’  We want to fill that niche.”

The first client to complete the program was Stallion King, who is now a volunteer trainer and coordinator.  Addressing the large group attending the grand opening, King said that she had lacked confidence when she started with Fitrah, and never in the past would have felt able to address a group such as she was doing.  “Fitrah for me over time has become a family,” King said. “With the love and support from them, I’m able to conquer everything.”  Three other participants in the program received their certificates of completion at the event:  Emily Evans, Annie Lindberg, and David Diaz. 

Start-up entrepreneur investor Ingrid Rosten is on the Fitrah board. The thing that Rosten sees that is different with Fitrah from some other programs is the hands-on work and pay to work.  They get mentored along the way, but just by doing that work and learning the skills, it boosts their confidence so much that they are able to “take on life from a different lens.”

The Fitrah program has sponsorship and support from many organizations, such as United Way, CASA, JPMorgan Chase, and many others, and in the past has received a grant and SHINE award from SMUD.

The Rancho Cordova drop box for donated books can be found at 3259 Monier Circle, Suite 200, Rancho Cordova.  Other drop boxes are located in Fair Oaks, Rocklin, Folsom, Roseville, and South Sacramento.  To volunteer or donate online, go to www.Fitrah.org.  To buy books go to fitrahbooks.webstoreplace.com/?categoryId=182882

For more information, please call 916-970-0770, or e-mail [email protected].