Nader, the dressmaker (1 of 6)

I first met Nader, 42, when KindWorks, a nonprofit I help lead, organized a welcome dinner for recently arrived refugees. Nader and his wife Rasha, 36, and their three children attended; they weren't quite sure what to expect or how they would communicate with an excited crowd of nearly a hundred well-wishers. I asked Nader if he was having a good time; he nodded and smiled. As our halting conversation continued, mostly in sign language, Nader pulled out his phone and started showing me photos of gorgeous long gowns and elaborate wedding dresses. He had made these dresses himself in a factory he owned in Syria, and later in Egypt. Nader’s phone lit up in shades of blue, coral and pure white, as he flipped through bejeweled and beaded masterpieces. Now he was smiling broadly, enjoying the oohs and aahs around the table. I knew I needed to learn Nader’s story.

(1 of 6)

Photo: George Kolotov

Mozaic, a nonprofit based in Virginia and run completely by volunteers, is supporting Nader's dressmaking and tailoring efforts, and others like him. Please learn more about their work and donate to their efforts on their website: http://www.mozaicinc.org