About Us

The Muslim Family Foundation (MFF-CA) is a unique, all-volunteer organization with a special focus on family social, mental, and behavioral health issues. Founded in 2012 and officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2015, MFF-CA is guided by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors composed of diverse community professionals and leaders. The organization operates without paid staff, driven entirely by a passionate team committed to community well-being.

MFF-CA utilizes culturally responsive education and resource-based strategies to design prevention and early intervention programs aimed at addressing social and mental health challenges. Through these efforts, MFF-CA strives to make a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of individuals and families.

The American Muslim family is remarkably diverse—ethnically, linguistically, ideologically, socially, and economically. This richness contributes to the fabric of the community, while also presenting unique challenges. American Muslim families often navigate not only the common social issues shared with the wider population, but also the additional complexities of cultural adaptation and societal acceptance.

In the coming years, MFF-CA remains committed to expanding access to social and mental health services. This includes offering culturally competent educational programs and connecting community members—regardless of background—with professional mental health providers when counseling or clinical services are needed.

To support this vision, MFF-CA’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council have developed a strategic plan that outlines a three-year roadmap for growth, service delivery, and organizational development. Progress will be reviewed quarterly and the plan will be revised annually to ensure it remains responsive to community needs. Progress updates, resources, and milestones will be shared transparently through MFF-CA’s website.

On average, MFF-CA serves approximately 1,100 individuals annually, with around 86% identifying as Muslim and 14% as non-Muslim. The organization serves individuals and families across all age groups, including a significant number of U.S. military veterans and community members with disabilities or impairments. 

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Effective Date: 07/27/2025

Muslim Family Foundation- California (MFF-CA) is committed to an inclusive, respectful environment. We prohibit discrimination or harassment in any form and comply with all applicable laws. Our services, programs, and employment practices do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, immigration status, or any other protected category.

Meet The Founder

Ali Al-Saadoon

Founder & Executive Director 

Dr. Ali Al-Saadoon is the Founder and CEO of the Muslim Family Foundation California (MFF-CA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social service organization that primarily, though not exclusively, serves Muslim communities across the Inland Empire.

Although professionally trained as a civil engineer, Dr. Al-Saadoon discovered his true calling in community service. Over more than three decades, he has served on the boards of multiple nonprofit organizations and has been deeply engaged in grassroots initiatives within the Inland Empire Muslim community. Through this extensive service, he recognized a critical gap in professionally structured, culturally responsive organizations dedicated to addressing the social and mental health needs of individuals and families.

In 2012, Dr. Al-Saadoon founded MFF-CA to provide culturally responsive support, educational programming, and referral services grounded in traditional values. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to integrate executive leadership with clinical oversight in Muslim mental health services. As Founder and Senior Clinician, Dr. Al-Saadoon brings extensive experience in integrating culturally responsive mental health care, Islamic psychology frameworks, community-based interventions, and public education initiatives. The organization’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for American Muslim families through prevention, early intervention, and connection to appropriate mental and behavioral health services.

Dr. Al-Saadoon is a regular speaker and contributor on topics related to Muslim mental health, stigma reduction, family systems, and community wellbeing. He has also held several key leadership roles, including serving as President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Center of Riverside, as well as Convention Chair for the Muslim American Society.

His academic background reflects a strong interdisciplinary approach to social impact and community leadership:

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Master of Arts in Social Impact, Claremont Lincoln University
• Doctorate in Psychological and Educational Counseling, American University for Human Sciences

Dr. Al-Saadoon continues to lead MFF-CA with a clear vision focused on strengthening families, advancing culturally grounded mental health services, and fostering resilient, inclusive, and well-supported communities.

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Executive Committee

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Mr. Mohamad Nasser

President

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Mr. Monir Ahmed

Vice President

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Mrs. Mary Ann Al-Saadoon

Treasurer & Co-Founder

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Miss Nada Nasser

Administration

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Mrs. Laila Imbasher

Administrative Analyst

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Mrs. Tahnia Alam

Youth Programs Director & Social Media

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Dr. Kristina Zaragoza

Chief of Staff

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Dr. Jillian Watts-Abdul Rashid

Mental Health Program Director

and Service Provider

Community AdvisoryAdvisory Council

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Imam Mahmoud Harmoush

Sh. Hasan Radi

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Dr. Makbul Patel

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Dr. Keri Then

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Ms. Roberta Sparks Neff

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Mr. Hussam Ayloush

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Dr. Ronald Loveridge

Former Mayor City of Riverside, California