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Masu Haque-Khan and Badar Khan's commitment to philanthropy and community

When Masu Haque-Khan and Badar Khan moved to Brookline from Houston, they brought with them a deep commitment to philanthropy rooted in their faith and a desire to support their new community. Their connection to The Brookline Center began at a dinner party hosted by a board member, but their involvement and ongoing support truly took root at the 2018 Kids Fund Gala, which they attended as guests of their neighbors. 

The Kids Fund Gala proved to be a turning point for the Khans. They were struck by the compassion and sense of community demonstrated by attendees in support of the Center’s mission, and the client stories shared that evening resonated with them. “It was one of our first experiences feeling the strength of the Brookline community and the impact we could have together,” recalls Masu. 

Since then, the Khans’ commitment to the Center has grown, driven by the urgent need for accessible mental health care. “The need for mental health services has always been there, but during the pandemic, it became undeniable. As parents of two teenage daughters, we saw how isolation and the sudden loss of independence impacted young people, especially high schoolers. Almost every parent we spoke to shared stories of someone in their family or close circle who needed support,” says Masu. “It’s that overwhelming need that keeps us committed to supporting the Center and its mission.” 

The Khans cite the Center’s strength in developing innovative models that maximize limited resources in an integrated and community-supported way as another reason to stay involved. They highlight the success of the bryt program, which supports students returning to school after a mental health crisis. For Badar, programs like bryt are important because they’re designed to be sustainable: “bryt equips teachers and staff with the tools to support students, which is crucial for making a lasting impact.”  

In addition to philanthropy, the couple give considerable time to the Center. Masu serves on the Board of Directors and chairs the Strategic Development Committee. In 2023, the Khans co-chaired the Kids Fund Gala with two other couples and set a fundraising record, thanks in part to Badar’s role spearheading corporate support.  

Reflecting on their journey with The Brookline Center, Masu shares, “Our involvement has been transformative in ways I didn’t expect. It has opened our eyes to the prevalence of mental health challenges and the critical, lifesaving care the Center provides. It’s an honor to be part of a community that truly cares, supports one another, and never stops striving for meaningful change.”