Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA)

EIN: 82-4681676

Mission Statement

CYFA expands educational opportunity, cultivates growth and resilience, and activates youth leadership and community contribution.


Program Summary

The Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA) expands educational opportunity, cultivates growth and resilience, and activates youth leadership and community contribution. Across Arlington, CYFA is building the infrastructure that ensures young people have access to opportunity, support, and pathways to lead.

CYFA’s work reflects a clear progression. Through Guiding Personal Success (GPS), youth access opportunity in safe, engaging environments, including The Zone for elementary students and Guiding Personal Success to Youth Employment Services (GPS2YES) for middle and high school youth. CYFA delivers these programs in Arlington Public Schools and in partnership with Affordable Homes and Communities, providing academic support, social-emotional learning, and opportunities to build healthy minds, healthy bodies, and healthy relationships, along with college and career exploration.

As youth grow, they develop accountability and leadership through the Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI), a community-based alternative to the juvenile justice system where young people take accountability and repair harm through restorative practices, including PEER and Youth Peer Court (YPC), with advanced leadership through Youth Peer Court Ambassadors.

Youth then step into contribution. Through The Next Chapter, CYFA supports youth in the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center and through reentry, connecting them to education, workforce opportunities, and community resources. Through the Justice Leadership Club and CYFA’s Youth Advisory Board, youth lead and create meaningful change.


Impact Statement

CYFA’s work ensures that young people have access to opportunity, develop the skills and resilience to navigate challenges, and step into leadership within their communities. Through consistent, relationship-based support, youth remain engaged in school, strengthen decision-making and accountability, and build pathways toward college, careers, and long-term stability.

In 2025, CYFA served more than 320 youth, reaching hundreds of family members through engagement and connection to resources. In 2026, 100 teens participated in CYFA’s youth-led Listen Learn Lead Summit, demonstrating the power of youth leadership in action. Across afterschool programs, 60 young people are actively engaged in academic support, social-emotional learning, and skill-building.

Through the Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI), CYFA provides a community-based alternative to the legal system, with 99% of youth successfully completing the program and 9 in 10 avoiding deeper system involvement. Every $1 invested in YRDI returns $8 in social value.

Through reentry and leadership pathways, youth not only stay connected to opportunity, but contribute to their schools and communities, strengthening the broader Arlington community.


What ways can the public get involved?

Community members can stay informed through CYFA’s newsletter and Instagram, learning more about our work and the ways we support youth and families across Arlington. Sharing CYFA’s work and using your voice to raise awareness helps expand opportunity for young people.

Financial support is critical to sustaining CYFA’s programs, including educational opportunity through Guiding Personal Success (GPS), restorative diversion through YRDI, and youth leadership initiatives.

There are also opportunities to give your time. Volunteers can support events such as the Listen Learn Lead Summit and other youth engagement activities.

You can also help connect young people to leadership opportunities by sharing pathways to get involved, including the Youth Advisory Board and Youth Peer Court and PEER Ambassador roles.


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

Your donation to CYFA directly supports programs that expand opportunity, strengthen resilience, and build youth leadership across Arlington.

Contributions sustain Guiding Personal Success (GPS), including The Zone and GPS2YES, which provide academic support, social-emotional learning, and opportunities for young people to build healthy minds, healthy bodies, and healthy relationships while exploring college and career pathways.

Your support also powers the Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI), including PEER, Youth Peer Court (YPC), and Youth Peer Court Ambassadors, which provide restorative, community-based alternatives that help young people take accountability, repair harm, and stay connected to school and opportunity.

Donations fund The Next Chapter, supporting youth in the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center and through reentry with education, workforce readiness, and ongoing guidance, as well as leadership opportunities like the Youth Advisory Board, Justice Leadership Club, and youth-led events such as the Listen Learn Lead Summit.

Additional support makes community-based experiences like Unplugged possible, creating safe spaces for connection, well-being, and positive peer engagement.

Together, your investment ensures young people have the support, relationships, and opportunities they need to grow, lead, and contribute.

Information provided March 2026

The Fenwick Foundation

EIN: 27-4879033

Mission Statement

The Fenwick Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on improving quality of life, health and wellbeing in ways that are not addressed or “below the radar.”  We provide a wide range of therapeutic recreational, cultural and educational outings and activities as well as support programs, including economic support, dental care, and vision care to low-resource and vulnerable adults and older adults, veterans and returning military personnel, people with disabilities, caregivers, and immigrant status adults.  


Program Summary

Enriching Lives — Social, & educational opportunities to attend theater, museums, sporting events, “out-to-eat” group lunches/dinners, zoo visits, parks, river cruises, bowling, movies, etc.  Program addresses mental and physical health needs of  Seniors/Elderly, Veterans, and other special needs individuals living in skilled nursing, assisted living, & group residence facilities to get groups “out-of-the-house” for physical/mental stimulation and activities.  Program encourages more active lifestyle and social interaction.

Dental Care Project ADAPT provides needed dental care to low-income older adults, immigrant-status low-income adults and people with disabilities not receiving adequate or any dental care.  We provide a full range of  dental procedures/ treatments as well as a dental home for our patients in Northern Virginia.  Far too many do not have financial or logistical access to this basic health care need.  We are determined to change this condition. 


Impact Statement

Enriching Lives has had an impact on those combating mental health and physical health issues.  Our program gets people “out of the house” and into the community to help address the issues of loneliness and isolation.

Our Project ADAPT Dental program has had a major impact on the oral health of those we served.  Pain has been lessened, smiles have been returned, and folks have been able to more easily chew and eat food. Oral health impacts heart and physical health, so our patients have been impacted in these areas as well.


What ways can the public get involved?

Our programs require funding to operate.  Your donations will help us to continue and expand/improve these vital programs.


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

Your donation goes to help fund our programs and keep them running.  Over 90% of donations go directly to fund the organization’s programs.  

Your donations help us to obtain tickets to the activities we sponsor.  And your donations go to directly fund needed dental treatments and procedure for those who otherwise can not afford the cost of dental treatments.

Information provided March 2025

Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium

EIN: 27-2760025

Mission Statement

Promoting and supporting Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium as an accessible community resource for all people to learn, engage, and be inspired by the wonders of science and the universe.


Program Summary

The Friends raise funds to sponsor college scholarships, provide grants for teacher professional development, and support the licensing and creation of programming for the planetarium.  As part of its ongoing public education mission, the organization also hosts a variety of science themed public events and screenings of full-dome video programs.


Impact Statement

Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium (FOAP) provides funding to support education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  We have funded more than $96,000 in scholarships to Arlington Public School Students as well as grants to Arlington Public School teachers to attend classes, major educational conferences, and online learning.  The program is administered jointly with APS and has benefited dozens of our teachers and – most importantly – their students. More than 2,000 people attended planetarium shows or science-based presentations during FOAP sponsored weekend events.  We also host dedicated programs for scout troops in the David M. Brown Planetarium once a month during the school year. FOAP has expanded its community outreach through its portable planetarium dome and virtual equipment.  We participate in multiple events at locations throughout Arlington County in our effort to bring the planetarium to the community.    


What ways can the public get involved?

The public is invited to become a member of the Friends.  Members are part of a community of citizens who are concerned about the planetarium facility and science education.  Members receive Advance notification of ticket availability for FOAP public programs, a subscription to the monthly FOAP digital newsletter, and invitations to special members-only events.

The public can volunteer at planetarium shows or other events, including the Arlington County Fair.  

We welcome all donations.  The public can donate to support general programs, the David M. Brown Memorial Scholarship, or the Alice G. B. Monet Teacher Grant Program.


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

100% of donations designated for the David M. Brown Memorial Scholarship are used to fund student scholarships.  100% of donations designated for the Alice G. B. Monet Teach Grant Program are used to fund teacher grants.  Undesignated donations are used to fund student scholarships, teacher grants, planetarium programs, and enhancements to the planetarium facility.

All Board Members of the Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown planetarium serve as volunteers.

A large rainbow shines over the planetarium during a cloudy sunset.

Information provided March 2026

OutLaw

EIN: 99-2386327

Mission Statement

OutLaw’s mission is to advocate for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community, engage in meaningful dialogue and activities that promote unity and understanding, and educate the public and our members about pertinent issues. We believe in the power of diversity, the importance of visibility, and the necessity of action in pursuit of equality and justice. Together, we are OutLaw, and we stand strong in our commitment to create a world where everyone can live authentically and love freely.


Program Summary

OutLaw is a dynamic and inclusive LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organization that is dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all individuals. Our programs are designed to promote advocacy, community engagement, education, and outreach within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.

  1. Advocacy: We work tirelessly to champion the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community at local, state, and national levels. Our advocacy efforts include policy reform, legal support, and public campaigns to combat discrimination and promote equality.
  2. Community Engagement: We believe in the power of community. Through various events, workshops, and social gatherings, we aim to create a space where individuals can connect, share their experiences, and support each other.
  3. Education: Knowledge is power. We strive to educate the public and our members about the issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes hosting educational seminars, distributing informational materials, and providing resources for further learning.
  4. Outreach: Our outreach efforts are focused on connecting with the community to spread the word about our gender marker and name change clinics. We understand the importance of these services in the lives of many in the LGBTQIA+ community, and we strive to make them as accessible as possible. We utilize a variety of communication channels, including social media, community events, and partnerships with other organizations to reach those who can benefit from these clinics. Additionally, we offer guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring that individuals are not alone in their journey towards living their most authentic lives.

Impact Statement

Since its inception, OutLaw has made a significant impact in the lives of countless individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. Our advocacy efforts have led to increased awareness about the rights and needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Our community engagement initiatives have fostered a sense of belonging and support, creating a safe space for individuals to express themselves and connect with others.

Our educational programs have empowered both the LGBTQIA+ community and the general public with knowledge, promoting understanding and acceptance. Most notably, our outreach efforts have made a profound difference. By spreading the word about our gender marker and name change clinics, we have helped many individuals take crucial steps towards living their most authentic lives.

The impact of OutLaw extends beyond these tangible achievements. Every conversation sparked, every mind opened, and every life touched contributes to a more inclusive and accepting world. While there is still much work to be done, we are proud of the progress we have made and are committed to continuing our mission.


What ways can the public get involved?

  1. Participate in Events:
    • Keep an eye out for our events, workshops, and gatherings. Attend these to learn, connect, and contribute.
    • Events may include gender marker and name change clinics,  panel discussions, workshops on LGBTQIA+ rights, and community-building activities.
  2. Volunteer:
    • We rely on volunteers to organize and run our programs. Consider volunteering your time and skills.
    • You could assist with event planning, outreach efforts, or administrative tasks.
  3. Spread Awareness:
    • Use your voice and social media platforms to raise awareness about our mission and initiatives.
    • Share our content, stories, and educational materials to reach a wider audience.
  4. Donate:
    • Nonprofits like ours depend on donations to sustain our work. If you’re able, consider making a financial contribution.
    • Sponsor one of OutLaw’s events or clinics. We are always welcoming new sponsors and donors. Sponsorship opportunities exist for a wide variety of items, events, clinics, and more. Please reach out to OutLaw President, Mack Freilich (he/him/his) outlaw@gmu.edu for more information. We are eager to have your support!
    • Even small donations can make a difference.
  5. Collaborate:
    • If you’re part of another organization or group, explore collaboration opportunities with us.
    • Joint events, partnerships, and shared resources can amplify impact.

Remember that your involvement matters, and together, we contribute to a more inclusive and empowered LGBTQIA+ community!


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

Donations go directly back to the community, mission, and initiatives of OutLaw, including its fundraising efforts, events, clinics, and resources. 

Information provided June 2024

Boolean Girl

EIN: 82-1408294

Mission Statement

The mission of Boolean Girl is to diversify STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) by teaching and inspiring girls, low-income students, and underrepresented youth in grades three to eight through meaningful, hands-on instruction and sustained exposure to computer science and engineering in a collaborative and welcoming environment.


Program Summary

At Boolean Girl, we work to diversify STEM by teaching and inspiring girls, under-represented groups and low-income kids to code, build, invent and animate. Primarily serving the greater Washington, DC, area, we provide girls-only and co-ed classes, summer camps and after school programs, teaching coding and engineering in an inclusive, welcoming environment. 

With separate curriculum for elementary and middle school students, children learn computer science and engineering fundamentals through a series of unique projects, hands-on challenges, and play. Our students learn coding, robotics, AI, engineering, teamwork, and digital citizenship while making new friends and having fun. With a robust curriculum and hands-on projects, we educate and empower the next generation of technologists. In addition, we hire rockstar instructors, many of whom are high school and college students who complete paid internships or workforce development programs and are excellent mentors for our younger students.

With our micro:bit for All program, Boolean Girl provides micro:bit kits to schools and students to teach coding, along with lesson plans integrated into core curriculum such as math and science, as well as supplemental lessons in computer science or specials.

At Clubhouse, students excited to continue learning coding and engineering join small groups in after-school or weekend sessions to develop their own STEM projects, share their learnings, and get inspired to continue their STEM journey. Our curriculum incorporates programming and engineering including robotics, mechanics, and circuits, along with art and creativity.

At week-long Boolean Girl camps, girls learn computer science and engineering fundamentals from our rockstar instructors through a series of unique projects. Younger students begin with Scratch coding, starting with Storytelling in Scratch and progressing through Building Games and AI. Beginning in sixth grade, we teach more advanced coding with Python, in addition to Web Development and Artificial Intelligence. We also offer two types of engineering classes for students in grades five through eight: traditional robotics (things that move), and wearable machines.


Impact Statement

Women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, but less than one third of the science and engineering workforce. Latinx and African-American women make up less than 3%. Research has shown that a 28 percentage point gap exists between male and female Gen Z members regarding their interest in pursuing careers in engineering or computer/technology fields. Boolean Girl was founded to address this by fostering inclusive, creative, and collaborative environments in which girls can learn and grow confidence in STEM subjects at a pace equal to that of their male peers.

Over ten years ago, we started our journey teaching 49 girls in one elementary school in Arlington, Virginia. We have now reached over 60,000 girls and underrepresented youth throughout the greater Washington, DC area, in addition to online students across the country. 

In 2025, we reached over 10,000 students through Summer Camps, after-school Clubhouses, micro:bit for All, and other online and in-person events. We worked with 75 schools (72% of which were Title 1) to get over 6,000 micro:bit Kits to 5th grade students, training older students as instructors for the younger students. In addition, 45% of our students come from low income households and receive scholarships.


What ways can the public get involved?

The public can help through donations, sponsorships, volunteering at our events, or even teaching. 

Our partners and sponsors help us fund and run our programs through financial support, providing space for events, volunteers, technical support and other resources, and through offering guidance.


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

We run revenue generating summer camps that are open to all youth. This revenue covers our overhead costs which have been less than 10% of our overall costs for 10 years. This means that 100% of your donations go to programs that impact the community. 

Information provided March 2026

HopeLink Behavioral Health

EIN: 54-0880899

Mission Statement

HopeLink inspires hope and provides support for individuals and families experiencing crisis and behavioral health challenges. Through innovative services and a collaborative approach, we strengthen our community one life at a time.


Impact Statement

At HopeLink, we envision a society where hope is universal. Through access to quality behavioral health, crisis intervention, and suicide intervention services, we foster an inclusive community in which everyone can attain wellness and a genuine sense of belonging.


What ways can the public get involved?

HopeLink relies on the support of our community to provide our mental health and crisis services. We offer volunteer opportunities for adults, youth, and groups including corporate groups. Gifts to support the organization help HopeLink to serve the thousands of adults, youth and families in our community. 


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

Your dollars are critical in supporting HopeLink’s behavioral health, crisis and suicide intervention services. The demand for mental health services in our community is on the rise, and support from our community allows us to be able to offer services to our community members in need, despite financial, language, or other barriers that our community members may face to accessing care. 

Information provided March 2026

Bridges to Independence

EIN: 54-1368484

Mission Statement

Bridges to Independence leads individuals and families out of poverty and into stable, independent futures.

Since 1985, Bridges to Independence has empowered 16,000 homeless children and families in Arlington. What began as a small shelter has grown into a multifaceted children and family services agency.


Program Summary

Bridges provides the following programs for children and families experiencing homelessness in Arlington:


Impact Statement


What ways can the public get involved?


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

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Historical Society

EIN: 54-0920730

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve our community by building knowledge of our diverse history.

The Arlington Historical Society, founded in 1956, is a nonprofit educational organization incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Arlington Historical Society conducts research to preserve and disseminate knowledge relating to the history, archaeology, material culture, geography,  and socio-economic development of Arlington County, Virginia.


Program Summary

The society fulfills its mission by providing historic resources for the community, including two historic properties (the Arlington Historical Museum and the Ball-Sellers House) and its artifact collection; original historical research (such as the Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington project) and publications (including an annual scholarly magazine); the discovery, collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts; and the presentation and dissemination of knowledge on the local history of Arlington County (through both recurring monthly events as well as individual community events), and all of this is free to the public.


Impact Statement

AHS builds community by spreading awareness and appreciation of our shared history. 

Our museums reach life-long residents, newcomers who want to learn about their new community and out of town guests who learn about Arlington’s role in just about every aspect of US history. 

Our current project, Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington involves original research of the enslaved in Arlington, including their names (where available from the historic record), their occupations and place of enslavement. This information is available on our website, and it is made accessible to the public through community events and through “stumbling stones” which are markers that will be placed throughout the community to commerate the lives of the enslaved. We are working with Arlington County Public Schools to produce the stumbling stones and the County to place the stumbling stones. The first 18 of an estimated 2750 have been produced and placed as a pilot program, and more will be regularly produced and placed.

Additionally, AHS is actively involved in community outreach and many people gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of our county’s history through our monthly events, special events at our museums and our involvement with numerous civic and other community events.


What ways can the public get involved?


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

AHS has very little overhead, and virtually all money raised goes directly into our program. Our significant expenditures include operating and maintaining our two historic properties, the oldest extant school building in the county and the oldest extant structure in the county, maintaining our artifact collection, holding our events and educating the public through our digital and physical content.

We have recently completed preservation work on the Arlington Historical Museum, housed in the historic 1891 Hume School. We have updated all the exhibits and transformed space previously used for storage into community space that will be used as a center for history education, presentations, co-curated exhibits that highlight our rich diversity, and for general community use. We are raising money for a part time Museum Director, part time Executive director to expand our reach in the community, as well as raising money for preserving the Ball-Sellers House. We are also raising money for the stumbling stones for the Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington program.

A photo of the Arlington historical society building.

Information provided March 2026

Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia

EIN: 52-1589700

Mission Statement

Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia’s (Habitat DC-NOVA) mission is to reduce poverty and housing instability in the national capital area by creating and preserving decenter, affordable, and energy-efficient homes for Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia residents with low to moderate incomes. 


Program Summary

Habitat DC-NOVA believes that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live. We work to break down barriers to homeownership and help families create stability and intergenerational wealth through permanent housing. 

Homeownership: Habitat provides unique opportunities for families with low to moderate incomes to buy their first home. We build quality homes and partner with DC & NOVA families to sell them below market value with affordable financing, reduced down payments, and mortgage payments proportional to income. We serve families earning 30-80% of the Area Medium Income (AMI) and who live in Arlington County, Fairfax County, The Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and the District of Columbia. 

Home Repair: We partner with seniors with lower incomes and adults with disabilities to help them make critical repairs and accessibility modifications to their homes. By helping families who cannot afford these repairs, we’re helping to make their homes safe, healthy, and supportive of aging in place. With modifications and support, they can continue to live—and thrive- in their own homes and communities. 


Impact Statement

For the last 35 years, Habitat DC-NOVA has partnered with families to help them build stronger foundations for their future. Currently, 1/3 of households in our region pay more than 30% of their monthly income towards housing. With many spending a large portion of their income on housing, they have to make difficult decisions between spending on housing, healthcare, food, and transportation. 

We have built over 300 homes, completed over 235 home repairs, and served almost 2,000 individuals. In 2018, we found that 52% of homeowners pursued higher education, and 92% of children in Habitat homes had graduated high school.  

We have set an ambitious goal to serve 1,000 people by 2030 through our homeownership and home repair program. Active construction is going on in Arlington at Reeves Farmhouse, in DC at 55th Street, and in Fairfax at Fairfax Presbyterian Church.


What ways can the public get involved?

Habitat DC-NOVA brings people with all different backgrounds together to eliminate poverty housing and build community alongside our neighbors needing a decent place to live. We believe everyone can make a difference with their unique skills and talents, and we offer a variety of opportunities to support our affordable housing mission. 

Whether you want to swing a hammer, help bring in donations at the ReStore, hold a fundraiser to support our builds, plan an event to raise awareness of housing needs or advocate for housing policies,  we have an opportunity that will fit your needs. 

Volunteering: We have volunteer opportunities on our construction site, our ReStores, and in our office. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Donate home goods, furniture, or construction materials to the ReStore. We have three ReStores (Alexandria and Chantilly) open to the public Monday-Saturday. Shop the store that helps build homes! We accept donations at the store and may be able to pick up larger items at your home. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/restore/
Donate your vehicle, motorcycle, or RV to the Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes program. Your vehicle can help support local families in building strength, stability, and shelter. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/support-us/donate-your-car/


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

Habitat DC-NOVA provides decent, affordable homes to families needing a safe place to call home. Each donation is used responsibly to support programs, serve families, and build more equitable and accessible communities in our region. We are currently ranked as a 4-star charity on Charity Navigator, with a 94% ranking. 

With the continually increasing cost of building materials and land, we work hard to build partnerships to reduce these expenses. However, significant costs for materials, site preparation, and other services are still needed to serve families in our area.

Information provided March 2026