organization-leadership: Women-led

Little Beginnings Child Development Center

EIN: 52-1306992

Mission Statement

Established in 1986, Little Beginnings Child Development Center℠ is a non-profit, year-round, full-day childcare center based in Arlington, Virginia.

At Little Beginnings we believe that each child is entitled to responsive and respectful care, attuned to his or her developmental abilities, individual temperament, and interests. Through a collaborative framework, parents and teachers work together to create an inclusive, safe and nurturing environment where all children will grow and thrive.   

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

As a non-profit organization, we welcome children and families from all backgrounds. Donations assist us with providing high-quality education to low-income children at our center. 

Information provided March 2026

Project Knitwell

EIN: 27-2316864

Mission Statement

Project Knitwell helps people facing challenges by providing knitting instruction and shared community opportunities that promote wellness and resilience.

Program Summary

Project Knitwell will develop and deliver programs, resources, and research that demonstrate the benefits of knitting as a tool for achieving wellness, comfort, and community.  Project Knitwell has programs that serves people at Virginia Hospital Center and the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, as well as other local medical facilities that serve Arlington residents.  We also have several volunteers that are Arlington residents and we conduct many of our volunteer meetings at the Arlington Central Library.

Impact Statement

Project Knitwell has active programs at 12 sites throughout the Washington, DC area.  Sites include programs for patients and staff at local hospitals, as well as at community sites such as the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Hopelink and N Street Village.  Over 20 volunteers spent approximately 1500 hours annually teaching 1800+ people how to knit.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved by volunteering to teach knitting onsite, helping Project Knitwell do public events to spread the word, as well as support the organization with other publicity or fundraising activities.

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

Donations to Project Knitwell help provide quality instructional materials for participants, including yarn, needles and reference guides.  Donations also support our volunteer program to recruit, train and retain great volunteers.

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

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

Latinas Leading Tomorrow

EIN: 27-5119847

Mission Statement

Our mission is to connect and expose Latinas to opportunities that enrich their future through education, mentoring and leadership development

Program Summary

We are dedicated to empowering Latina middle and high school students through our free programming initiatives. These programs, specifically designed for Latinas leading tomorrow, encompass a range of opportunities. From our CORE (Creating Opportunities to Reach Excellence) program, which lays the groundwork for future success, to our ELITE Leadership Academy, where leadership skills are honed within a supportive team environment, we strive to provide avenues for personal and academic growth. Additionally, our LLT STEMpower Camps serves as a platform for Latinas to excel in these critical fields, equipping them with the skills and confidence to become leaders in STEM and beyond. Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of Latina leaders to reach their full potential and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Impact Statement

Our organization’s efforts have yielded significant outcomes for the population we serve. Latinas Leading Tomorrow has positively impacted a diverse demographic, with 65% coming from low-income backgrounds, 60% being first-generation students, and 50% raised in single-parent households. Remarkably, 90% of our participants have successfully transitioned to college, showcasing the profound effect of our work.

What ways can the public get involved?

Ways the Public Can Get Involved with Latinas Leading Tomorrow

There are many meaningful ways individuals, organizations, and businesses can support the mission of Latinas Leading Tomorrow and help empower the next generation of young women leaders.

Volunteer with Our Programs and Events
Community members can volunteer their time by supporting student workshops, mentoring sessions, STEM activities, or helping at community events such as our Noche de Impacto celebrations, STEM Boot Camps, and college exposure trips.

Become a Speaker or Mentor
Professionals are invited to share their career journeys and expertise with our students through guest speaking opportunities, career panels, and mentorship sessions that inspire young women to explore new possibilities.

Partner with Us
Organizations, universities, and businesses can partner with LLT to create internships, host educational experiences, sponsor programs, or collaborate on initiatives that expand opportunities for our students.

Make a Donation or Provide In-Kind Support
Financial contributions and in-kind donations such as school supplies, technology, transportation support, or event sponsorships help ensure that our programs remain accessible to the students and families we serve.

Host or Support a Fundraiser
Community members can help raise awareness and resources by organizing fundraising events, sponsoring program activities, or participating in events like our Reach for the Stars 5K or Noche de Impacto celebrations.

Together, we can create more opportunities for young women to grow as confident leaders, pursue higher education, and shape the future of our communities.

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

Latinas Leading Tomorrow allocates $0.89 to $1 of each dollar towards programming, directly supporting mission-related activities and services. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Programming Expenses: This part of the budget covers essential activities and services that fulfill the organization’s mission. For instance, it includes expenses for program materials like T-shirts and educational materials, as well as provisions for meals/snacks and transportation for field trips. Additionally, it covers costs for a program coordinator to oversee operations.

Administrative Costs: Administrative expenses pertain to the overall running of the organization and include expenditures like rent for storage space and dues & subscription expenses.

Fundraising Expenses: Funds dedicated to fundraising cover various costs associated with generating additional financial support for the organization’s mission. This encompasses expenses related to events like 5K Run/Walk, marketing and advertising efforts, donor outreach, and engaging a race timer.

Information provided March 2026

Culpepper Garden

EIN: 54-1681671

Mission Statement

Serving Northern Virginia since 1975, Culpepper Garden nonprofit retirement community provides affordable housing and a range of supportive services that enable older adults on very low, fixed incomes to age with independence, dignity, wellness, connection, and peace of mind. This award-winning community provides a vital lifeline for 400 vulnerable seniors per year who in no other instance can afford a home in this costly area or the services that meet their basic needs as they grow older. In many cases, Culpepper Garden is their last, best home.

Program Summary

Owned by the nonprofit Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation, Culpepper Garden provides 346 units of federally subsidized Independent Living. Our services begin with immediate housing stabilization in our well-maintained apartments, but our work does not end there. We are the only affordable retirement community in Arlington that offers a dining plan and provides free transportation to medical appointments and shopping destinations to ensure our residents have food security and access to healthcare services. A full calendar of daily activities fosters social engagement and enriches our residents’ lives. An array of free and low-cost wellness services provided by two dozen community partners help to maintain residents’ physical, dental, visual, and mental health. Through responsible stewardship and a commitment to equity, we strive to ensure older adults with limited resources have a stable home, meaningful support in a vibrant community, and the opportunity to thrive.

This affordable, service-enriched housing model has helped to reduce homelessness among older adults in Arlington County by 15% over the past several years. Culpepper Garden’s services provided in collaboration with our partners’ wellness programs consistently improve health outcomes for our residents, resulting in a 20% decrease in hospital admissions. We remain committed to providing a safety net for Arlington’s most vulnerable older adults and meeting their needs for generations to come.

Impact Statement

Our impact is reflected in the ability of older adults to age in place with stability, dignity, and appropriate support. At Culpepper Garden, residents secure not only affordable housing, but also access to essential services that enable them to maintain independence and quality of life.

While we serve individuals aged 62 and older who meet federal income eligibility requirements, our resident population is significantly older and more vulnerable than these criteria suggest. Sixty-five percent of residents are age 75 or older, and nearly one-third are over age 82, with many living into their 90s and beyond.

Residents live on extremely limited financial resources, with an average annual income of $18,069. The majority rely on Social Security, and many require additional assistance to meet basic needs, including food security. A growing number of residents enter our communities following periods of housing instability or homelessness.

Through stable housing and coordinated support, Culpepper Garden enables older adults with the greatest needs to live safely, maintain independence, and experience improved well-being.

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer. Our organization could not do this important work without the dedicated, passionate volunteers who serve Culpepper Garden. Volunteers assist with maintaining our gardens and grounds, assisting with special events, leading resident activities, and more. By volunteering here, you will be joining others in our community who are making a positive difference.

Donate. Almost all of the funding we receive from donors goes toward delivery of affordable service-enriched housing that enhances the lives of at-risk older adults. We are extremely efficient in how we use the money we have.

Collaborate. We regularly seek out opportunities to partner with local organizations and supporters who compliment and advance the impact we are able to make in our community. We’ve been able to sustain our work for more than 50 years because of our lasting partnerships

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

Financial support plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding our mission to provide affordable housing, services, and compassionate support for older adults with limited financial meals. Every contribution directly helps create a safe and supportive living environment while also funding programs that promote health, social connection, and overall well-being.

Through careful and responsible stewardship of every dollar, we ensure that resources are used efficiently and transparently to maximize their impact. 

By investing in this work, donors help empower older adults to live with dignity and purpose—ensuring they have a stable home and the opportunity to truly thrive.

Information provided March 2026

Britepaths

EIN: 52-1596259

Mission Statement

Britepaths provides short-term safety-net services to our neighbors in need while empowering them to work toward long-term self-sufficiency. We deliver our services with respect, compassion, and equity, always preserving the dignity and self-esteem of our clients.

Program Summary

Britepaths brings personal finance classes and career building skills to partners in Arlington: Bridges to Independence, ACH Inc., Arlington Agency on Aging, Catholic Charities, ECDC African Community Center, Enterprise Development Group, and Melwood. Clients participate in a series of classes that vary with the needs of each partner and have options for further one-one-one financial empowerment and/or career building services. Arlington residents who have low or middle incomes are welcome to sign up for any of the free services offered through the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). The FEC assists over 2,000 individuals annually, providing most services virtually which are offered in English, Spanish, and other languages as needed. Services include personal finance workshops, classes, financial coaching and mentoring, small business and tax consulting, tax assistance, and some legal services. Workforce development programs  include workshops, coaching, leadership skills and soft skills training, mentoring, and culinary skills training. The best place for the most recent options is to go directly to the website at https://soco.financialempowermentcenters.org

Impact Statement

Britepaths offers services that actually help improve the lives of families in financial crisis. The services we provide to clients through our Arlington partners, help them to develop tools to organize, understand, and manage their finances. Using these tools, they can start to pay down debt, become banked, and/or start saving.  We also help them with job skills to help them find a job or move a better paying one. Any of these skills can help improve their current situation. We encourage clients to explore our other, more long-term services that have proven effectiveness. For clients who attended classes or workshops, 71% of respondents have improved their financial situation, and for clients who participate in financial mentoring for 6-9 months, 81% improve their situation based on survey score. We serve more than 2,000 clients annually through the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) receiving personal finance and/or workforce development services. We continue to add workforce training and certification classes. 

What ways can the public get involved?

The Financial Empowerment Center uses many volunteers. Anyone with a financial background can be trained to be a financial coach, mentor, or instructor.  Workforce development needs volunteers to mentor clients in their own field to help them learn more about the field and develop a professional network.  We also need volunteers to do practice interviewing and review resumes. We are particularly seeking bilingual volunteers in any language but have a need for Dari and Pashto speakers. We also need office volunteers to help with data entry and calling clients to remind them of scheduled coaching sessions. The best way to find out about volunteering is https://soco.financialempowermentcenters.org/get-involved/ or https://britepaths.org/get-involved/volunteer/   

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

Donated dollars go to support the staff time, materials needed for classes and workshops, translation services, and other community needs. The services provided at the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) are mostly provided by volunteer financial professionals. Staff coordinate classes, coaching sessions, mentor matches, develop curricula for workshops and classes, data entry, and reporting. Workforce Development staff provide coaching, some classes, curricula develop and use professional volunteers for classes and mentoring. Training classes are taught by professional instructors.  We provide training materials and in the case of culinary skills training, provide a kitchen and food to prepare. We engage in as many partnerships as possible to stretch donated dollars for maximum impact.

Information provided March 2026

Nature Forward

EIN: 53-0233715

Mission Statement

Nature Forward’s mission is to inspire residents of the greater Washington, DC region to appreciate, understand and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education and advocacy. We seek to create a larger and more diverse community of people who treasure the natural world and work to preserve it.

Program Summary

Impact Statement

FY2026 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: OVER 35,000 PEOPLE SERVED

What ways can the public get involved?

Founded and run by volunteers for many years, Nature Forward continues to rely on their help in all areas of our mission. Nature Forward offers a range of volunteer opportunities to fit a variety of schedules, interests and abilities.

For more information about how to become a volunteer, please email Volunteer Coordinator Peihan Orestes at peihan.orestes@natureforward.org. To fill out an application, click here.

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

DONATIONS CAN SUPPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

Information provided March 2026