Iran, Permit Renewal, & Your Contributions In Action

Lifesaving Support in the Wake of Crisis

In 2019, as U.S. sanctions intensified, Iran experienced severe economic strain, with inflation soaring to 70%. Making matters worse, catastrophic flooding devastated 26 provinces and caused $2.2 billion in damages. Responding swiftly, Moms Against Poverty, through its special OFAC permit and trusted partner Nikgaman Jamshid Charity, launched an expansive humanitarian aid in Iran initiative.

Moms Against Poverty was among the few U.S. organizations legally authorized to provide emergency support. Within days of the disaster, Moms Against Poverty distributed vital provisions—food, hygiene supplies, blankets, and clothing—to flood victims in flood relief in Iranian provinces like Golestan, Lorestan, Khuzistan, and Fars.

Infrastructure & Education: Rebuilding Futures

Post-disaster recovery moved beyond immediate needs. Moms Against Poverty committed to rebuilding damaged infrastructure, including schools and community buildings. So far, 19 reconstruction projects are underway, with 14 schools and 3 preschools already completed. Photos of five newly constructed schools showcase the impact donors have made.

Moms Against Poverty has also established 10 new village daycare centers in remote areas, bringing the total to 80—part of a long-term plan to expand education and orphan care programs in Iran.

Wellness and Health Projects Continue

As part of Moms Against Poverty’s Health and Wellness philosophy, earthquake recovery in Kermanshah led to the construction of two new health clinics. In Kerman, free health insurance for orphaned children continues, along with mental health therapy for special needs children through the Avizeh Center in Tehran.

To reduce the risk of fire-related deaths during winter, Moms Against Poverty replaced hundreds of unsafe oil heaters with 275 new electric units in impoverished villages.

During the Norouz (Persian New Year) season, Moms Against Poverty distributed over 2,000 food baskets to families in Sistan-Baluchistan, Lorestan, and Khuzistan—providing much-needed comfort during a season of celebration.

Vocational Training & Lifeline Support for Orphanages

In both Kerman and Bushehr, Moms Against Poverty continues to operate Vocational Centers, teaching youth valuable skills like rug weaving and woodworking. This initiative complements long-term economic stability efforts.

Moms Against Poverty also maintains NGO support for Iranian children by sustaining 20 orphanages across the country. This includes a privately operated all-girls orphanage in Kerman, the House of Flowers (Khaneh-e Golha), and facility renovations at the Avizeh Special Needs Center.

How NGOs Deliver Humanitarian Aid in Iran Despite Sanctions

Moms Against Poverty’s work highlights how NGOs deliver humanitarian aid in Iran despite sanctions, combining local partnerships, legal permits, and unwavering donor support. From emergency response to long-term educational and mental health programs, Moms Against Poverty offers a blueprint for effective humanitarian action in restricted regions.

In keeping with our Health and Wellness philosophy, our Kermanshah Earthquake Reconstruction efforts have manifested into two new health clinics that are providing care. We are also still providing free health insurance for orphaned children in Kerman, and therapy for special needs children in Tehran via our Avizeh center. 

As a heater safety initiative, we funded the replacement of several dangerous oil burning heaters. This meant 275 new electric heaters for several impoverished villages throughout Iran. In addition, our Norouz (Persian New Year) campaign manifested 2,000+ food baskets for Iranian families in Sistan Baluchistan, Khuzistan, and Lorestan.

In Kerman, our lifeline support of our Vocational Center continues to serve young adults,  teaching rug weaving, wood-work, and other vocational workshops. In Bushehr, we also remain lifeline supporters of a  Vocational Center.

In keeping with our orphan care paradigm, we remain lifeline support for operational sustenance of 20 orphanages, renovated the bathrooms at our Avizeh Special Needs Center, and also funded operations of our privately run all-girls orphanage in Kerman, House of Flowers (Khaney-e Golha). The Avizeh Center in Tehran provides mental health and therapy to developmentally challenged and disadvantaged youth. These are just a few highlights, as more detailed impact data can be found here.

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We’re excited to share pictures of 5 of 14 newly constructed schools in Iran. These schools were made possible thanks to donations from the Tahbazof Family Foundation, The Javaherian Family, Tara Nader, Bay Area Hope – OMEED Group and Volunteers from Google.

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