About Us
At the heart of our journey is the heartfelt vision of Dr. Junaid Ahmed and Dr. Wassia Khaja Ahmed. Moved by compassion, they founded our organization to support children facing harsh and unforeseen challenges. They recognized that even a small act of kindness in a young life can ignite hope and leave an everlasting impression. Today, we remain committed to nurturing meaningful relationships and sparking positive change in the lives of those we serve.
Our mission is rooted in uplifting children, adolescents, and families navigating difficult circumstances, from those in foster care to young people overcoming social and emotional hurdles. Through innovative programs, supportive services, and essential resources, we work diligently to promote safety, well-being, and lasting community health. By empowering both individuals and communities, we strive to lay the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Meet the Board
Dr. Junaid Ahmed is the co-founder of the Junaid and Wassia Family Foundation, a mission-driven initiative dedicated to supporting foster children and their caregivers through holistic programs and outreach. Alongside his clinical role as a board-certified cardiologist and founder of Cardiac Vision, Dr. Ahmed channels his compassion and leadership into expanding access and care for vulnerable communities. His commitment to social impact reflects a deep belief in equity, dignity, and long-term support for those often left behind.
Dr. Wassia Khaja Ahmed is a board-certified ophthalmologist with a passion for service, bringing both clinical excellence and heartfelt advocacy to the communities she serves. Her dedication to vision care and social impact reflects a commitment to healing that goes far beyond the clinic, empowering lives through both sight and support. As co-founder of the Junaid and Wassia Family Foundation, she has championed initiatives focused on uplifting foster children and the caregivers who support them, blending purpose with compassion.
Billy Pernell is a proud Navy veteran whose leadership and resilience continue to inspire beyond his military service. A co-founder and dedicated supporter of the Junaid and Wassia Family Foundation, Billy brings compassion and strategic insight to its mission of uplifting foster children and their caregivers. His commitment to service is reflected not only in his time as an Air Traffic Control Specialist and Security Force instructor but also in his civilian contributions as a published author and Quality Engineer.
We believe foster youth can rise above their past, shape their future, and inspire the world!
Our Mission
We believe every child deserves the chance to thrive. Our mission is to build bridges of opportunity, through mentorship, wellness programming, and purposeful partnerships, for youth touched by the foster care system. Together, we’re reshaping what’s possible.
Our Vision
To redefine the future for foster youth by transforming systems of care into pathways of opportunity - where every child is seen, supported, and set up to succeed.