organization-leadership: BIPOC-led

Latin American Society of Chagas (LASOCHA)

EIN: 46-4579310

Mission Statement

LASOCHA is dedicated to raising awareness of Chagas disease, a potentially deadly parasitic heart disease that is common in the LATAM immigrant community in Northern Virginia.  We provide free screening tests along with free cardiac testing for individuals with this disease, and provide treatment to those who are eligible.  

Program Summary

Impact Statement

We have tested over 3000 individuals, and have seen over 200 in our follow up clinic.  We have published results of our work in medical settings to advocate for similar testing/treatment programs.  We have established major clinical initiatives at several local hospitals that serve the at risk population.

What ways can the public get involved?

Partnering with us to raise awareness and to provide opportunities for testing events.

Donations to support our mission.

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

To supplies for testing, for lab testing that is required during treatment, educational materials for the community.

Information Provided March 2026

Youth Democracy Institute

Fiscally sponsored by Social Good Fund

EIN of fiscal sponsor: 46-1323531

Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate, empower, and equip young people (ages 10-24) with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead civic change in their communities and beyond.

Program Summary

Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) Overview
Founded in 2025 and fiscally sponsored by the Social Good Fund, Youth Democracy Institute is dedicated to developing a pipeline of civic leaders across Arlington County, and the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Our three core programs help young people build leadership, confidence, and teamwork through real-world civic learning experiences. Our programs are non-partisan, hands-on, and grounded in Virginia education standards.

NextGen Leadership Academy (Grades 4–8)
This program offers two formats to engage students in civic learning and leadership development. Our summer and break camps provide an intensive, hands-on experience where students explore civic engagement through mock town halls, student elections, and community-based projects. During the school year, the afterschool enrichment program continues this learning, with weekly sessions focused on leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. Both formats culminate in a field trip to local civi or historical sites. Our goal is to foster early civic identity and prepare youth for future leadership roles.

Emerging Leaders Academy (Grades 9–12)
The Emerging Leaders Academy equips high school students with skills in advocacy, public speaking, and community organizing. Students work on real-world projects addressing local issues, focusing on peer leadership and public service. The program empowers youth to engage meaningfully in their communities and prepares them for future leadership roles.

YDI Policy Academy (Ages 18–24)
The YDI Policy Academy provides intensive training in policy analysis and community organizing. Fellows participate in research, advocacy campaigns, and grassroots mobilization, while also mentoring younger students in YDI programs. This dual role prepares fellows for leadership in public policy and civic engagement.

Impact Statement

Since our founding in 2025, Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) has hosted two leadership camps, serving over 20 students from nearly 10 schools across Arlington County. We have secured two program sites for the fall and will pilot a Black-Jewish Cultural Leadership Academy for Arlington County, sponsored by our first major donor. Students are reporting that they enjoy the experience while developing essential leadership skills, and parents are enrolling their children to become more confident, vocal leaders both in the classroom and beyond. YDI’s leadership academies are subsidized through generous donations and summer camp program fees, ensuring accessibility for all students.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

  1. Program Costs
    Donations help fund our leadership camps, afterschool enrichment programs, and academies, ensuring that they remain either free or low-cost for families. This includes covering materials, field trips, and resources to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students.
  2. Scholarships
    Your contribution provides scholarships for students from underserved communities, allowing them to participate in our programs at no cost or a reduced fee, ensuring equal access to leadership development opportunities.
  3. Staff and Volunteer Support
    Donations support the recruitment, training, and compensation of our dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver high-quality mentorship, facilitate programs, and help students thrive in a supportive learning environment.
  4. Operational Expenses
    Contributions also help cover essential operational costs, including facility rentals, technology, and outreach efforts, ensuring that YDI’s programs are sustainable and impactful in the long term.

Your support helps ensure that more youth have access to life-changing opportunities, preparing them to become future leaders and change-makers.

Learn more here.

Information provided August 2025

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: 

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. 

Information provided March 2026

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

Food Pantry at St. George’s

Mission Statement

The mission of our Food Pantry, Arlington’s longest running, active food pantry: to serve as a vital source of food and fellowship for Arlingtonians who are in great need. Our goals and commitment – to provide equitable access to resources and opportunities needed for EVERY COMMUNITY MEMBER to be healthy, safe, and economically secure.

Program Summary

The Food Pantry at Saint George’s Episcopal Church, the oldest in Arlington, was established in 1989. Our mission is to serve as a vital source of food and fellowship for people in need in the Arlington community. By partnering with parishioners, local organizations, and individuals in the area, we help create a community solution to a community challenge.  It is a fully-volunteer, unpaid Church ministry.

We provide one bag of food items that will last a client for 2 days, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Typical items include bottled water, boxed milk, canned vegetables, canned and microwavable pasta, canned and instant soup, instant oatmeal, applesauce cups, snacks, and fresh fruit.  Basic personal care staples, baby wipes and diapers are also handed out.

Impact Statement

Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we serve approximately an average of 70 Arlingtonian’s daily.  During the first quarter of 2026, the highest number of guests we served in one day topped 108.  Visiting us each day we are open provides clients’ food to last six days.  

No one is denied food.  Clients are welcome to a wide variety of food offerings.  Baby wipes and diapers are handed out for mothers with infants.

Our number of Food Pantry clients is steadily increasing.  The number of clients served doubled from 2024 to 2025 and the start of 2026 shows a similar trend.

What ways can the public get involved?

We would be most grateful for cash donations that will allow us to replenish our weekly food supplies.  We appreciate food donations that include bottled water, canned and boxed food goods.  We welcome volunteers who can help prepare our bagged items and feed those who come to our Food Pantry.   

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

Information provided March 2026

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

Arlington for Justice

EIN: 85-2202716

Mission Statement

Arlington for Justice is a community-driven organization bringing a new era of public safety to our neighborhoods. We center and serve Black people in Arlington, Va. through advocacy, criminal legal system reform, legislation and partnerships to end systemic anti-Black racism. We recognize the many ways that white supremacy affects a wide range of communities, including people with disabilities, immigrants and other people of color and we commit ourselves to systemic change that breaks down barriers for all impacted communities.

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer for Court Watch Arlington: email courtwatcharlington@gmail.com

Information provided May 2024

ECDC African Community Center

EIN: 52-1308986

Mission Statement

Enable and empower refugees on their path toward building safe, sustainable lives. 

Program Summary

Reception & Placement Program

The Reception & Placement program at ACC-DC-VA provides a robust suite of initial support services for newly arrived refugees and SIV holders. Over the first 90 days, clients receive essential aid including airport pickup, temporary housing, food assistance, enrollment in benefit programs, health screenings, and cultural orientation. These services are critical in helping clients stabilize and begin to navigate their new environment, setting a foundation for successful integration into the community.

Employment Support Services

Our Employment Support Services are designed to help refugees and immigrants overcome barriers to employment and advance their careers. We provide comprehensive support, including job training, skills development, resume building, and career counseling. Additionally, we facilitate job fairs to connect clients directly with potential employers, offering both immediate hiring opportunities and long-term career advancement.

Health Education and Support

ACC-DC-VA addresses health disparities by advocating for equitable healthcare and organizing health workshops in collaboration with local health departments. Our services include organizing pop-up vaccination sites and providing education on preventive care and wellness. This proactive approach ensures that our clients not only understand their health care options but also have access to necessary services to maintain good health.

Youth Mentorship and Family Enrichment

Our youth mentorship program pairs young immigrants and refugees with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement as they navigate their new lives. This program is part of our broader family enrichment services that aim to strengthen family ties and support through community-building activities and educational workshops, ensuring families have the resources to thrive together.

Intensive Case Management

For clients facing complex challenges, our intensive case management program offers personalized, in-depth support. Case managers work closely with individuals and families to address a range of needs including legal, health, and social services, ensuring that each client receives comprehensive and tailored assistance.

Immigration Aid

We offer legal immigration assistance to navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, helping with visa applications, green card renewals, citizenship paperwork, and family reunification petitions. Our legal team’s expertise is crucial in guiding clients through legal hurdles and providing necessary representation.

Women’s Empowerment Program

Our Women’s Empowerment Program is dedicated to supporting female clients through educational resources, empowerment workshops, and community integration activities. It focuses on building resilience and autonomy, helping women gain the skills and confidence needed to participate fully in their new community.

Victim Advocacy

The Victim Advocacy program supports clients affected by crime, trafficking, or domestic violence. We provide counseling, mental health services, and legal advocacy to help them navigate various systems and recover from their experiences. This program is crucial in ensuring that victims receive compassionate and effective support. These programs are all aimed at empowering our clients and guiding them towards self-sufficiency, ensuring they have the support needed to overcome barriers and integrate successfully into their new communities

Impact Statement

At ACC-DC Metro, we focus on fostering self-sufficiency among newly arrived refugees and immigrants. In Fiscal Year 23, we resettled over 1,700 individuals, providing comprehensive services including resettlement assistance, legal support, youth casework, language training, employment support, and health and mental well-being programs.

Our efforts ensure smooth transitions for clients into new communities, while also addressing the complexities of immigration legal processes. Dedicated caseworkers connect youth with educational resources and mentorship for better cultural and social integration. For adults, we offer employment training to enhance job prospects and financial independence. Our health services tackle both physical and psychological needs, ensuring clients start their new lives in optimal health.

Community integration is also key; for example, our post-COVID-19 Refugees’ First Thanksgiving event brought together over 450 refugees with 200 volunteers, celebrating new beginnings and cultural exchange. Another community event attracted 500 members, including new arrivals, highlighting local support from over 100 individuals and businesses.

These initiatives help our clients become contributing, integrated members of society, reflecting our commitment to their long-term success and well-being in their new homeland.

What ways can the public get involved?

At ACC-DC Metro, you can get involved and make a meaningful impact on the lives of refugees through a variety of opportunities:

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

Donations to ACC-DC Metro play a vital role in enhancing the lives of refugees and immigrants by supporting essential services that meet their needs. Contributions help furnish homes for new arrivals, provide Welcome Kits with crucial items for resettlement, and fund employment programs such as job training and interview preparation. Additionally, your donations support youth educational programs, legal assistance for navigating immigration processes, and critical health services including healthcare access and surgeries. Emergency assistance funds cover immediate needs like rental support during crises. Donations also enable community integration events that foster a sense of belonging. Your generosity ensures ACC-DC Metro can continue to offer these vital services, directly impacting the lives of those we serve and aiding their successful integration and empowerment in their new communities.

A large group of new arrivals pose for a photo in front of the washington monument.

Information provided April 2024