About AMAANA

OUR STORY

AMAANA began in 2023 with a simple but powerful vision: to create a place where individuals with disabilities and their families feel seen, supported, and truly welcomed. Founded by Rawida Abukhalil and Rana Ottallah in the Westbank of New Orleans, AMAANA was built in response to a growing need for compassionate care, meaningful education, and community connection.

What started as a local effort quickly grew into something bigger. As families found belonging and support through AMAANA, the organization expanded to a second location in the Eastbank of New Orleans. Today, that same mission continues to reach new communities, with AMAANA launching its first out-of-state chapter in Dallas, Texas in January 2026 — carrying forward the belief that every individual deserves dignity, opportunity, and a place to belong.

AMAANA’s team is specially qualified to provide quality care and improve the lives of those with special needs and their caretakers. Our network includes a dedicated faculty and staff, Governing Board of compassionate advocates for special needs care, dozens of active volunteers, and a network of experts and allies certified in educating and advocating for the legal rights of individuals with disabilities and/or exceptionalities.

OUR FACILITY

AMAANA’s Dallas location is not only centrally located to our community, but offers Weekday & Weekend School attendees plenty of room to learn and play.

Our facility includes a sensory room, full kitchen, accessible restroom, projector system, security system for the safety of our students and staff, and a spacious yard, where we host festivals and outdoor activities for the community.

We invite prospective volunteers and parents to join us at AMAANA to witness the impact of our daily programming and special events.

SENSORY ROOM

Our sensory room serves children who need a sensory break while attending AMAANA’s events and activities or while parents are attending training or in need of respite care. Sensory Ramadan and Eid gifts are also distributed to children and young adults served by AMAANA.

Make your tax-deductible donation today.

Help our independently-owned non-profit continue to provide daily care, education, and community programming for over a dozen families with special needs. Click here to learn more about how your support helps our community.

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With community support, AMAANA is able to create unique, sensory-friendly programming, tailored to the interests and well-being of those with special needs and their families. Click here to see our upcoming events.