Pillars of Peace

Pillars of Peace was founded by members of the Islamic Center at NYU community in order to address a gap in appropriate residential services for Muslim survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. While our focus is on the Muslim community, all are welcome. 

We aim to create a trauma-informed organization that is based on an empowerment model of services which focus on cultivating an atmosphere of support and encouragement. Our mission and goals are rooted in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and we will continue to advocate for these basic rights on behalf of survivors of gender-based violence.

Vision

Our vision is to develop the first facility of Pillars of Peace - the Noora House - an emergency domestic violence shelter. The Noora House will be a space culturally sensitive to the needs of the Muslim community, especially the South and Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and African communities although services will be publicly available to women of any and all races, religions, and backgrounds. The typical resident of the Noora house would stay for a period of 1-3 months. The length of their stay would be determined by their specific situation. Below is a chart that shows some of the services and routes that a resident might take through the Noora House. 

The organization and its programs will serve survivors of domestic violence and other related forms of gender-based violence. While this organization was established to address a gap in Residential Services for Muslim women, our doors are always open to ALL. Our Residential program will operate from confidential locations for the safety of our clients. 

As continuing services beyond a resident’s stay, the organization will provide both residential and non residential programs to survivors of gender-based violence which will be accompanied by holistic direct services. Additionally, there will be outreach and training programs to engage with the community along with legislative and policy advocacy. 

Guiding Principles - Five Pillars

Faith

Solidarity and Inclusivity

Community Engagement and Empowerment

Dignity and Equality

Social Justice