He She Ze and We

EIN: 37-1964125

Mission Statement

He She Ze and We (HSZ&W) supports transgender and nonbinary people of all ages and empowers their families and allies to create the life-saving, inclusive environments we all deserve.

Education, Support, Advocacy, and Community are at the core of our work.

Program Summary

He She Ze and We is based out of Richmond and is deepening our work statewide across Virginia. HSZ&W offers virtual and in-person options for learning, sharing resources, and strengthening our community. 

In Northern Virginia, He She Ze and We provides a monthly in-person educational support meeting in Arlington. This meeting also offers a youth hangout social space for ages 5-13. 

Ally & Community Education is a fee-based professional training program tailored to the needs and goals of businesses, schools, agencies, and community groups looking to learn more about gender diversity and how to create or expand inclusive practices.

The HSZ&W Trans Wellness Fund supports access to gender-affirming care across Virginia. This fund has a quarterly application and distribution process to reduce or eliminate financial, practical, and support barriers to GAC for Virginians, as well as transgender and nonbinary people living in banned states who are traveling to Virginia for their care. We are accepting donations year round to sustain this grant. For more information, please visit https://heshezewe.org/twf. 

Our Family Connections program serves families with school-age gender-expansive children. This crucial program provides a break from the challenges our youth face at school or in their communities and offers a safe, inclusive environment where families, including parents and siblings, gather to connect and have fun together.

HSZ&W’s Trans Adult Social Club (TASC) has started in the Richmond area. This program is for trans and nonbinary adults looking to make meaningful connections, share resources, and have fun in a free and sober space to build community. HSZ&W is looking for collaborative partners to be able to bring TASC to Northern VA in the future, if desired and needed.

Impact Statement

He She Ze and We works to improve the lives of transgender and nonbinary people of all ages by supporting them directly as well as educating and supporting families, allies, and community members to create inclusive, affirming environments. Through personalized support services for families and trans & nonbinary adults, we meet people where they are and help them with the resources and education needed for lasting acceptance and belonging.

Family and community support is the #1 protective factor when it comes to keeping our loved ones safe from self-harm and suicide. Just one supportive adult can reduce the risk of suicide by nearly 50%. Imagine the impact when entire families are informed, accepting, and affirming – this is the transformative work of He She Ze and We.

In 14 years of grassroots work, HSZ&W has helped thousands of transgender and nonbinary people. Our organization is continuing to build a strong allied community with our education, support, and advocacy efforts to ensure they can live their lives fully and authentically in Virginia.

What ways can the public get involved?

Donate to help us increase our capacity to be a sustainable organization: https://heshezewe.org/donate/

Contribute to HSZ&W Trans Wellness Fund, which supports access to gender-affirming care across Virginia: https://heshezewe.org/twf 

Bring our Ally & Community Education Program to your workplace or community:

Fill out this form – https://heshezewe.org/forms-education 

Volunteer to help us spread awareness about He She Ze and We and expand our reach: https://heshezewe.org/forms-volunteer 

Consider being a fiscal sponsor for one of our annual events: Fundraiser & Dance Party and/or Back to School Youth Empowerment Event:

https://heshezewe.org/events/

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

$2,000 Supports 20 personal consultations – with a parent or trans adult needing resources or guidance for next steps
$1,000 Supports training with a school or business – to learn how to support their trans students, teachers or staff
$500 Supports a guest speaker night – so that trans folks and their families feel hopeful through the experiences of “possibility models”
$350 Supports Family Connections for one month – where families with gender-diverse school-age kids gather to socialize and find community
$250 Supports a Pridefest – where HSZ&W has the opportunity to connect with community members across the state
$100 Supports HSZ&W staff showing up – to spread awareness and advocate for Trans Rights
$50 Supports educational programming – that helps a parent decide to use their child’s new pronouns
$25 Supports a new book joining our lending library – a collection of Trans-related literature available to borrow at any time
$10 Supports our Community Care Project – a collection of positive, uplifting messages printed onto pocket-sized cards for both youth and adults

Information provided March 2026

Arm & Arm Inc.

EIN: 47-4617475

Mission Statement

The Arm & Arm Mission is to change the paradigm of how the transition process is addressed. Using our empathetic-based approach, we empower individuals during critical transition periods with tools that enable them to make rational evaluations of themselves and their situations.

Program Summary

Arm & Arm is redefining mental health and recovery by utilizing cutting-edge Cognitive and Somatic Recovery Techniques—proven methods that help individuals  process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop self-sustaining coping strategies. Unlike traditional clinical programs, our model is peer-driven, allowing individuals  with shared life experiences to mentor and guide others through their recovery. 

Impact Statement

Arm & Arm is redefining mental health and recovery support by utilizing cutting-edge Cognitive and Somatic Recovery Techniques—proven methods that help individuals  process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop self-sustaining coping strategies. Unlike traditional clinical programs, our model is  peer-driven, allowing individuals  with shared life experiences to mentor and guide others through their recovery. By providing peer-to-peer mentoring (a system of accountability) and educating the community on the signs and possible interventions to substance use and de-escalation strategies prior to police involvement, Arm & Arm is normalizing prevention as a lifestyle for our targeted population and their families.

What ways can the public get involved?

Arm & Arm is always looking for empathetic volunteers willing to help those in the community living with stigma. Anyone who is willing to donate their time and/or money to assist our efforts in building whole & healthy communities are always welcome.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

To provide support for training, community outreach services and support.

Information provided March 2025

Ayuda

EIN: 52-0971440

Mission Statement

Ayuda advocates for low-income immigrants through direct legal, social and language services, training and outreach in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.  

Program Summary

Ayuda provides legal, social, and language services for low-income immigrants including individuals and families affected by immigration challenges, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and family separation, ensuring access to justice and support for vulnerable communities. 

Impact Statement

For over 50 years, Ayuda’s expert team has helped over 150,000 immigrants navigate complex legal systems and access vital services. With offices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, we offer both in-person and virtual services to reduce barriers. We also provide emergency financial, food, and material assistance to those in crisis, ensuring immigrants have the support they need to build safe, stable lives. 

In 2024, Ayuda provided 3,109 low-income immigrants from 84 countries with immigration legal services, domestic violence, and family law services, comprehensive case management, and/or therapy. 165 language experts contributed to our interpreter bank, accessible to 118 nonprofits, allowing them to break down language barriers as they support clients. Over $228,000 in financial assistance, 21,400 pounds of diapers, and 2,800 pounds of food were distributed to help new immigrant families thrive. 

What ways can the public get involved?

There are different ways to get involved with Ayuda. Visit https://ayuda.com/get-involved/ to learn more and support our mission by: 

Joining our mailing list
Donating to Ayuda 
Fundraising for Ayuda 
Becoming a pro bono partner 
Interning with us 
Attending an Ayuda event 
Joining our growing staff 

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Donations to Ayuda help us provide vital immigration legal services, offer compassionate case management, extend a helping hand through mental health services, and bridge the language gap for low-income immigrant families in the DMV area. 

$10 will provide public transportation for a human trafficking survivor to travel to her new job.  
$50 will provide group therapy support for survivors of domestic violence.  
$100 will provide legal consultation for a low-income individual fleeing violence in their country of origin.  
$200 will cover the legal fees for the immigration case of an immigrant child to remain in the United States safely.  

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Concert Band Association

EIN: 45-5529489

Mission

Arlington Concert Band (ACB), a program of Arlington Community Learning in Arlington, Virginia, is a wind ensemble made up of more than 70 professional music educators and dedicated, talented amateur musicians. We perform regularly throughout the community and play an assortment of music including marches, show tunes, and classical arrangements. ACB’s mission focuses on:

• Bringing a mix of family friendly, professional music to the community for all to enjoy.
• Providing an outlet for members of the Arlington community to make playing music a lifelong activity

Program Summary

We perform regularly throughout the community and play an assortment of music including marches, show tunes, and classical arrangements. We provide free concerts and feature student soloists in some of our concerts.

Impact Statement

We bring a mix of family friendly, professional music to the community for all to enjoy. We provide an outlet for members of the Arlington community to make playing music a lifelong activity.

What ways can the public get involved?

We encourage all Arlingtonians to attend our free concerts and enjoy concert band music at its finest. Adult musicians can also contact the band to see if there is an opening in the band for new musicians.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Charitable funds are spent on purchasing new music, concert marketing and promotions, and concert recordings. 

Information provided March 2026

Computer CORE

EIN: 54-1968428

Mission Statement

Computer CORE’s mission is to prepare underserved adults in Virginia to realize career aspirations with foundational digital and professional skills.

Program Summary

Computer CORE is a 26-year old organization, which has served Arlington residents since a few years after its founding in 1999. Currently, CORE serves 50-100 Arlingtonians each year. CORE provides one-on-one assistance to individuals who lack digital literacy. We carefully guide each student by giving them a refurbished laptop computer to keep and the basic skills to turn it on, understand the keyboard, begin online assessments and get onto Zoom. Once they can take the computer home and join us on Zoom, the door is opened to over 24 highly individualized computer, English conversation, math, and other classes. Classes are taught by skilled and compassionate volunteers, who understand how difficult it can be for adults to find time for class and to set aside their embarrassment at not having the digital skills needed in today’s society. Students can return for as many classes as they need, and many return even after finding a new job or being promoted, because there is always a need for additional digital skills.

Impact Statement

Computer CORE assists adults to find their career and educational path using digital tools, such as a free computer and the basic skills to use it. As students gain confidence, tech vocabulary and knowledge, they can move beyond our beginning level classes and get introduced to coding, security issues, cloud computing, website design and other topics. CORE is a bridge to more advanced education and certification, such as a community college or 4-year college can provide.

What ways can the public get involved?

Computer CORE recruits volunteers to serve as online classroom lead teachers and Zoom administrators. We also need assistance with events, fundraising, marketing, communication and “back office” tasks. We hold quarterly computer donation drives and are happy to set up a donation table at your residence, business or event.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

📚 $250 – Provides a free refurbished computer for a student to keep
👩‍🏫 $500 – Supports five weeks of instruction, mentorship, and technical support for one student.
🎓 $1,000 – Fully funds a student’s 10-week journey, including instruction, mentorship, and a laptop.
🏢 $5,000 – Provides training, mentorship, and laptops for five students, helping them gain job-ready digital skills.
🚀 $10,000 – Expands Computer CORE’s reach, supporting program development and new training resources.
🌟 $20,000 – Funds an entire cohort of 20 adult learners, giving them the tools and support needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Information provided February 2025

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Northern Virginia Chapter

EIN: 54-1366159

Mission Statement

Our mission is to advocate on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.

Program Summary

The Northern Virginia Chapter, chartered with 35 members on January 22, 1984, in Arlington, VA, under the leadership of the late Mrs. Evelyn Reid Syphax, is committed to improving the quality of life of Black women and girls in the Northern Virginia area. The chapter is a 501(c) 3 advocacy organization dedicated to leadership development, political awareness, and enhancing career opportunities through networking and local programming. NCBW-NOVA addresses critical education, health, economic empowerment, and public policy dimensions.

Education:  NCBW delivers support services that help youth achieve their educational goals. By supporting positive experiences, fostering a positive self-perception and self-respect, encouraging excellence in education, and promoting the pursuit of positive lifelong goals, NCBW is creating future leaders.

Health: Health is a vital component of a thriving community. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. is concerned about the well-being of the whole community and the whole person physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our primary focuses for health advocacy are Family and childhood Obesity, Cancer/Health Disparities, and Metabolic Disease. 

Economic Empowerment: The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. views economic empowerment as critical for a just society. We define economic empowerment as the ability to self-determine dreams, pursue and realize them by establishing the mechanisms to sustain generational wealth. NCBW’s programmatic initiative “Sisters-Nomic$” promotes economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy, family wealth building, and entrepreneurship.

Public Policy: As the premier advocacy organization in Northern Virginia for Black women and girls, we have hosted the Annual Luncheon Advocacy Forum for nearly forty years to bring critical issues to our community. Through moderated discussions with thought leaders and trailblazers across various fields, the Northern Virginia Chapter has generated a dialogue amongst our attendees so that they leave the event with ways to impact their local communities. Chapter members serve on local boards, and we meet with local officials, the League of Women Voters, and Housing Authorities to address local policies that impact Black women and girls, their families, and local communities.

Impact Statement

NCBW NOVA Chapter serves the Northern Virginia communities of Arlington County, VA, City of Alexandria, VA, and Fairfax County, VA. As our impact continues to affect the population served, each of our initiatives makes focused impact:

Educational impacts are to: Eliminate disparities Improved outcomes and graduation rates Provide vocational/college preparation courses Provide S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Education Support HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) Access Affordability.

Health impacts are Childhood and Family Obesity Initiative NCBW Cancer Health Disparities Program NCBW Metabolic Syndrome Initiative Prevention/Decrease Mortality Improve Health Outcomes Access to Affordable Healthcare Culturally Competent Research Quality of Life – Public Safety and Crime.

Economic Empowerment impacts are: Pay Equity African American Woman-Owned Business Growth Livable Wage Employment Opportunities.

Public Policy impacts are Voter Education/Rights Civic Engagement Increase Women Candidates Running for Political Office, Issue Timely Policy Alerts, and Issue Position Papers on Public Policy Platform Issues.    

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved in our programmatic areas by attending listening sessions, responding to call to action alerts, e.g. voter registration, civic engagement and community organizing.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

All monetary and in-kind donations matter and help to support our ongoing programmatic initiatives.  Charitable dollars are spent as the NCBW NOVA Chapter hosts more than twenty various activities and events each program year. Those activities include workshops on financial literacy, wealth building, leadership training and Board member development, Town Halls, webinars, and leading our robust young girls mentoring program.   

Information provided January 2025

Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC)

EIN: 54-0884513

Mission Statement

LAJC partners with communities and clients to dismantle systems that create and perpetuate poverty. We achieve this by integrating individual legal representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, know your rights education, and organizing strategies. We work in and with communities to identify and address root causes of poverty while taking individual cases to mitigate acute impacts. We believe that the individual legal problems of our clients are inextricably linked to overarching systems of injustice and oppression, and that legal and organizing strategies can effectively dismantle the social, racial and economic systems that marginalize communities and keep people in poverty.

Program Summary

The changes to long-standing immigration policies and the mass deportations promised by the Trump administration are an existential threat to low-income immigrants; they threaten their family unity, their safety, and their ability to remain in the country. Additionally, low-income immigrants in Arlington County routinely contend with low-paying jobs and workplace abuses, substandard housing conditions, and threat of eviction.  LAJC’s attorneys, community organizers, and service navigators provide outreach, Know Your Rights education, appropriate referrals, linkages to safety-net services, and legal assistance to low-income immigrants who are facing immigration, housing, health, consumer and education related legal problems.

Our services help low-income immigrants overcome legal problems that threaten:

• 1) their right to remain in the U.S., family safety and unity (defense against immigration detention, affirmative immigration status adjustments, family emergency preparedness, Know Your Rights education on immigration policies and enforcement);  
• 2) their housing stability (e.g., evictions and substandard housing conditions);
• 3) financial stability (e.g., wage theft, predatory lending, debt collection, and access to public benefits and safety-net services).
• 4) their access to education (e.g. enrollment, IEPs, special education and mental health services), and
• 5) their access to affordable medical care (e.g., Charity Care applications, insurance enrollment and appeals, ACA subsidies).

Impact Statement

LAJC’s Know Your Rights presentations in Arlington are tailored to address expressed community needs, topics include: changes in immigration policy, safety in the face of aggressive immigration enforcement, emergency family preparedness, housing conditions and eviction, and how to access safety-net services. These KYRs have made the difference between families remaining safe during an ICE raid and family members being detained.

Our Community Clinics provide an opportunity for community members to receive one-on-one advice and services around immigration issues, including assistance creating family emergency plans and preparing power of attorney documents. We also have service navigators, housing and consumer attorneys present at these events to help address the many challenges low-oncome households face. These clinics provide a one-stop shop for legal services and education that is specific to low-income immigrants in Arlington. 

Brief through extended legal services to low-income immigrants facing an immigration, housing, employment, consumer, health or education related legal problem. These services are crucial to household stability and financial security. Additionally, LAJC’s Immigrant Justice Program is committed to providing immigration consultations to any Arlington resident who is detained in an ICE raid.

What ways can the public get involved?

We are currently looking for people (particularly attorneys) who can help with the preparation of power of attorney documents and guiding families with the collection of information that may be needed if a family member is detained by ICE or other emergencies.  

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Donations help us employ the attorneys and community organizers that we need in order to provide the legal services, education, and service navigation that low- income immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented or live in mixed-status households, in Arlington need to protect themselves and their families. 

Information provided January 2025

Legal Services of Northern Virginia

EIN: 54-1137931

Mission Statement

To provide access to justice for disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Program Summary

LSNV provides free legal help to Arlingtonians who cannot afford a lawyer by providing services in a variety of substantive civil legal areas, including: family law/domestic violence, housing law/eviction prevention, consumer protection, elder law, public benefits claims, access to health care, child advocacy, and AIDS/HIV issues. Staff and volunteers provide legal advice, brief service, and representation in administrative hearings and in court, as well as community legal education, and advocacy before local and state governmental entities, all without charge to our clients. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer.  Every year we work with hundreds of volunteer lawyers and paralegal who help us extend our reach and serve more clients.

Financial support.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Donations go to direct services; helping a survivor of domestic violence obtain a protective order and escape the cycle of abuse; helping a low-income family avoid eviction and stay in their home; helping a low-income veteran obtain the benefits that he is entitled to after decades of services; and many other types of cases which impact basic needs.  

Information provided March 2026

Youth To Society Sports League (Y2S Sports)

EIN: 99-3901026

Mission

Youth suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people, and mental health issues have reached epidemic levels. Our mission brings a proactive approach and introduces a ‘new concept’ to the youth sports industry, combining sports and community service to empower and equip youth with essential social and emotional life skills to create positive change for the betterment of humanity

Program Summary

Y2S Sports brings a new concept and combines sports and community service to develop positive mental health skills. Our program is run like an organized sport, with ten-week seasons in the fall, winter, and spring, with camps in the summer. Each season, coaches are trained in the curriculum to deliver weekly practices that build character and socio-emotional skills in a fun, non-competitive, ‘sports’ environment designed around one community service project.

Impact Statement

Our program is designed to reach and impact all youth, regardless of socioeconomic status. Through equipping the minds of the next generation, we bring a proactive approach to the decline in youth mental health that impacts the future of the world by raising a changed generation for society.   

What ways can the public get involved?

We offer various ways to get involved, including leadership roles for high school athletes and through our community and corporate partnerships. We are always looking for local nonprofits within our community to collaborate with to provide players with volunteer opportunities to positively impact and support local initiatives and cultivate a sense of altruism and empathy in future generations.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Measuring Our Impact: To truly demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we need robust software to track and measure outcomes. We can show how our program positively shapes young athletes by analyzing metrics like skill development, self-confidence, and team cohesion. This data will help us improve and share our success stories with partners, communities, and funders.

Supporting Our “Every Kid Plays” Policy: At Y2S Sports, we believe no child should be excluded from participating due to financial barriers. Your grant would directly support our efforts to provide scholarships and cover essential costs, ensuring that every child—regardless of their background—has access to a safe, inclusive, and transformative sports experience.

Supporting our community service projects. To allow kids to have more hands-on experience, we don’t want to have our players raise the funds to fund the project. We partner with other nonprofit missions to help support their cause and donate whatever is needed to fulfill the project

Information provided March 2025