organization-leadership: Women-led

Read Early and Daily (READ)

EIN: 82-3345797

Mission Statement

Ensuring babies and young children have new, quality, culturally relevant books of their own that are mirrors and windows into their everyday lives and communities

Program Summary

FACT: All babies are born with the same number of neurons…BILLIONS. 

FACT: Neurons are pretty much useless unless they make a connection (aka synapse).  

FACT: Connections are made through talking, singing, cuddling, and most importantly, READING books with your baby. 

Every time a book is read to a baby, a connection is made in their brain, that is, a neuron is activated (*lit up*). Isn’t that amazing?! It’s that simple.

BUT without books in the home, reading to babies and young children every day is nearly impossible. 

READ was created to address reading inequities faced by Arlington’s youngest and most economically vulnerable children. We meet expectant, uninsured families at their prenatal appointments and start them off with a baby book bag filled with five board books plus tips for reading. When the baby is born, they are automatically enrolled in our cornerstone program READ With Me and receive a texted order form for a new FREE, quality, culturally relevant book each month for their baby’s first year. In addition, they receive monthly reading texts and tips.

Impact Statement

In 2024, over 400 babies and toddlers from economically vulnerable families were enrolled in our cornerstone program READ With Me, allowing their families to choose and receive a new, quality, age-appropriate, culturally relevant book every month. 

One family’s story

Annie, age 2, has received 28 books from READ: five prenatally and one each month via READ With Me. READ is her family’s only source of books.  These books have helped Annie’s brain develop, and she has gained the following skills:

What ways can the public get involved?

READ with Me Book Fairies (Delivery Drivers)

Email clairemorris@readearlyanddaily.org for more information and to sign up to volunteer.

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

Our model is simple. READ gets free, quality, culturally relevant books to vulnerable babies when they need them the most. You can choose to help one baby or many babies.

When you support READ, YOU are enhancing the literacy and language experiences of economically vulnerable babies and toddlers at their most vital brain development by providing books for them to keep and for parents to read aloud. These early simple acts of reading together sets a baby on the path to future academic success and self-sufficiency. 

Information provided March 2025

Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation

EIN: 47-1374686

Mission Statement

The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation serves economically vulnerable mothers and babies by increasing access to much-needed health care support, conducting research to affect systemic change, and ensuring they have the supplies needed to bring baby home. In honor of Jennifer Lawson, a loving mother of three who tragically lost her life in 2014, we aim to honor her dedication, generosity, and kind heart by fulfilling the vision that she crafted for every mother and baby in need.

Program Summary

We have 3 primary initiatives to accomplish our mission. The first is to ensure families have everything they need to bring baby home safely – from cribs to car seats. The second is to increase access to quality care by funding innovative pilots – such as tele-health – that enable these families to access care that meets their daily needs. The third is to raise awareness of the issues facing this community through thought leader events and social media promotion. 

Impact Statement

Throughout our 9-year history we have served more than 3,000 families, provided more than 350 basics materials, hosted 10 awareness campaigns, and funded more than $250,000 to support Including projects focused on infant care, tele-health, & maternal mental health. In addition to these mission related activities, we strive to be nimble in an ever-changing environment to help these families in other important ways. For example, in 2020 we launched a program to put kitchen staff back to work while delivering home cooked meals to new mothers whose family were affected by the economic shutdowns. 

What ways can the public get involved?

We have two ways of getting involved with the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation. Volunteer throughout the year by helping us collect gently used baby supplies such as car seats, strollers, and portable cribs. In addition, our signature fundraising event, the 5K and Family Fun day is always in need of volunteers. This event is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving at the Knights of Columbus.

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

The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation is giving economically vulnerable mothers and babies renewed hope by increasing access to much-needed health care support, conducting research to affect systemic change, and ensuring they have the supplies needed to bring baby home. Your support changes lives. 

$25 helps provide a breastfeeding starter pack
$50 helps provide a portable crib
$100 helps provide a car seat

Information provided March 2025

Challenging Racism

EIN: 81-2305195

Mission Statement

To empower and inspire people to disrupt racism one compassionate conversation at a time.

Program Summary

Challenging Racism (CR) is an Arlington-based 501(c)3 and our mission is to empower and inspire people to disrupt racism one compassionate conversation at a time. For more than 20 years, we have trained organizations and individuals using professionally designed and facilitated programs to build awareness and skills to courageously talk about race and equity. We offer introductory programs, topic-specific workshops, book/podcast/movie discussions, and facilitator training.  We also provide DEIBA (diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility) advisory services for organizations to effectively disrupt all “-isms” in the workplace.

Our approach is based on conversations and storytelling, rooted in facts and local history, to create a shared experience that dispels dangerous myths and assumptions. We invest the time and self-reflection needed to build deep knowledge, skills, and practice to normalize conversations on race and othering, and to hold the difficult conversations necessary to advance systems-level change. 

We serve diverse participants from a wide range of local partners including government, schools, non-profits, faith groups, theatre companies, and the private sector.  We build the capacity of the organizations we engage with so that they can assess and lead their own social and racial equity programs, and our alumni go on to act as change agents in the community.

Challenging Racism is a ”small but mighty” non-profit organization, dedicated to advancing intersectional anti-biased and anti-racist work in our diverse but segregated communities across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV).  We are Black-led, staffed majority by women, and benefit from the guidance and wisdom of our talented and diverse Board.

Impact Statement

We center race because racial inequities exist in every system: health, education, criminal justice, employment, and more. We center intersectionality because racial disparities persist across all identities: gender, sexuality, education, ability, age, socioeconomic, citizenship, and more. 

Most Americans lack racial literacy and conversational practice to effectively impact these inequities and disparities. Our workshops move participants from a misconception that discrimination, bias, and racism is simply the work of “bad individuals” to an understanding that racism is systemic. Moreover, it is a system of advantage that all of us participate in whether we intend to or not, and we can work to eliminate their consequences by working for equity.

Our participant surveys reveal behavior change in our participants after they learn about the root causes of inequities and types of bias. Our participants report a greater likelihood of recognizing and interrupting harmful microaggressions which results in a safer, more inclusive community for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) populations. In the workplace, we have observed organizations adopt an equity lens necessary to identify and challenge discriminatory practices, attract increased staff diversity, and successfully foster authentic relationships with BIPOC colleagues and beneficiaries.  These impacts are measurable and necessary for systems-level change.

What ways can the public get involved?

Challenging Racism enthusiastically welcomes the public to join our programs as participants or serve as hosts of a Challenging Racism program in your community or workplace. Every program we facilitate helps build awareness and community power where advocacy and action for racial and economic justice are most needed today.

We also welcome volunteers to join us as we design and implement a range of outreach activities to support racial equity and anti-racism. Our volunteers help plan events, build partnerships, outreach via social media, apply for grants, raise funds, and design programs for organizations needing our conversations. All skills are needed and volunteers can choose to help with discrete activities or lead on racial equity initiatives. Interested volunteers can fill out our Volunteer Form on our website or contact us for more information at info@challengingracism.org.

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

Interest in our racial equity and DEIBA workshops has never been stronger. However, members of our larger community are left out because of tuition costs, which are required to sustain our organization, pay our professionally-trained racial equity facilitators, and fund the highest quality curriculum writing. 

Contributions make our conversations and workshops more available to every member of our community and more affordable to passionate, committed, and diverse participants.  Your donation enables local leaders and community members from diverse backgrounds to strengthen their facilitation and advocacy skills for racial equity and to go on to teach others and disrupt and dismantle systemic racism across our community.

Information provided March 2025

Wesley Housing

EIN: 51-0155779

Mission Statement

At Wesley Housing, we build up the lives of our most vulnerable community members by creating and operating healthy, inclusive, stable, affordable housing communities and providing supportive resident services.

Program Summary

Beyond building/preserving permanent housing options for low- and moderate-income persons across Virginia and Washington, DC, we strive for our housing to be a foundation to thrive. We do this by offering free support services/education to every resident to guide them on their paths to self-sufficiency. As such, our core lines of business are real estate development, asset management, property management, and resident services. 

Through our Housing Stability Initiative (HSI), the basis of our resident services programming, Wesley Housing provides supportive services to all 4,700+ residents on-site in their communities, including 380 households in Arlington. The Initiative operates on the basis that housing is the foundation vulnerable families need to thrive, and once stabilized, families can build up other aspects of their lives. As such, in addition to eviction prevention support, the HSI also provides workforce development opportunities, health/wellness offerings, and material assistance. 

Impact Statement

For more than 50 years, Wesley Housing has provided permanent, affordable housing to over 35,000 households experiencing financial insecurity. 

Today, we own 42 communities, including multi-family apartments and communities for older adults/individuals with disabilities/chronic disease. Five of these communities are located in Arlington County and are home to 840 residents, 87% of which are BIPOC and earn $41,470/ year on average for a household of two. 

At the same time, we are still rapidly expanding. Our Real Estate team has over 850 affordable units in its development pipeline, including new construction and renovations, such as the Melwood-Wesley Inclusive Community in Arlington.  

The impact we make each year is measured by the success of our residents. In 2024, 1,351 households accessed linkage and referral services. Through the work of our resident services team, 286 evictions were prevented, 18 residents received new/more gainful employment, 346 residents participated in health/wellness offerings, and 1,884 residents received material assistance (i.e. food/hygiene items). This summer, we served 85 youth through Quest summer camp, and launched Odyssey for older adults, engaging 180 participants. In addition, 455 K-12 students received new backpacks and supplies through Supplies for Success, and over 600 residents received holiday assistance through Holiday Help.

What ways can the public get involved?

Wesley Housing welcomes support of our major giving campaigns throughout the year including the Housing Stability Initiative (year-round), QUEST Summer Youth Enrichment Program (April/May), Supplies for Success (July/Aug), and Holiday Help (Nov-Dec). 

In addition, volunteers serve in many capacities including youth and adult education assistants and tutors; translators; holiday helpers (gift wrappers, sorters, delivery drivers); school supplies donation sorters and delivery drivers; food pantry assistants; youth summer camp chaperones; and more.

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

Donations help strengthen our award-winning Housing Stability Initiative (HSI) by allowing us to adequately scale our resident services to our growing portfolio. Following a recent merger with Virginia United Methodist Development Corporation, Wesley is well-positioned to serve over 4,700 individuals with low income across 42 communities this year. Funding will help ensure each of these community members have access to the support they need to thrive. 

Information provided March 2025

Meals on Wheels of Arlington

EIN: 52-1344727

Mission Statement

At Meals on Wheels Arlington, our mission is to nourish and empower homebound individuals in Arlington by providing wholesome, prepared meals with compassion and care. We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food and the comfort of connection. Through our dedicated volunteers and community partnerships, we strive to enhance the well-being and dignity of those we serve, fostering a sense of belonging and support for all. Together, we are creating a healthier, more inclusive community where no one faces hunger alone.

Program Summary

Potential clients are referred to the Arlington County Agency on Aging for eligibility intake. For accepted clients, meals are prepared by a commercial caterer and delivered to our staging area at First Presbyterian Church on Vermont Avenue in the Ballston neighborhood. Volunteer drivers pick up the meals and deliver them to homebound residents in North and South Arlington. Most clients receive 10 meals delivered once a week, along with beverages. A small group who cannot accommodate a bulk delivery receive two meals, five days a week, plus beverages. We currently serve about 180 clients each week. First Presbyterian Church allows us to use their facility for staging and storage, but we do not have a permanent physical address.

Impact Statement

In 2024, volunteers from our 139 person roster devoted 7000 hours delivering 93,000 meals to 290 individual client. Meals are delivered either weekly or daily, depending on need. Meals on Wheels Arlington addresses food insecurity for Arlington residents who are over 60 and unable to manage food preparation on their own.  Meals on Wheels Arlington also serves Arlington residents under age 60, who, because of their age cannot be funded through the Arlington Agency on Aging.  MOW uses its own funds to support these individuals.  These are Arlington residents who are homebound and unable to provide food for themselves. These are Arlington residents who are homebound and unable to provide food for themselves who would otherwise fall through the cracks of Arlington’s excellent programs.


An added benefit to our program is that because MOW drivers have regular contact with our clients, they can be our eyes on the ground.  In the event they see something that would affect a client’s health or safety, MOW will communicate these concerns to Arlington County, for follow up by a social worker.

What ways can the public get involved?

Of course, members of the public are welcome to donate to our organization with funds as well as volunteering.   Members of the public can help us out by volunteering to drive meals to our clients or load the driver’s vehicles.  

Volunteer drivers are the engines that move us!  In a month, we deliver over 7,700 meals through approximately 35 routes averaging 5-8 clients per route.  The majority of our delivery activity occurs on Wednesdays.  We do not deliver evenings or weekends. We ask our drivers to be available at least once a month.  The time commitment to drive a route is about 2.5 hours and requires use of the driver’s own vehicle.

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

As a volunteer-driven organization with an overhead rate of less than 1%, donations directly fund mission-related needs. Most of our donation dollars are directed toward funding meals for homebound clients who do not meet Arlington County’s age requirement of 60 and who cannot afford to pay for meals on their own. $62 funds meals for a week for a homebound Arlington resident.  Donations allow us to add clients to our roles.

Though we are affiliated with Meals on Wheels America, we receive no funding from the national organization.  Meals on Wheels Arlington is fully locally funded and managed.

Information provided March 2025

MoCA Arlington

EIN: 23-7382322

Mission Statement

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington enriches community life by connecting the public with contemporary art and artists through exhibitions, education programs, and artist residencies.

Program Summary

Exhibitions

MoCA Arlington presents work by emerging and mid-career professional contemporary artists, ranging from painting and sculpture to installation, performance art, video, and new media. The exhibitions range from group thematic shows to solo presentations, showcasing artwork from local, regional, national, and international artists. 

The museum offers free admission for its exhibitions and hosts free programs such as artist talks and panel discussions, offering opportunities for enrichment and dialogue. MoCA Arlington also boasts an expansive front lawn that regularly hosts large-scale installations and sculptures. 

Education

MoCA Arlington offers exciting, creative art classes year-round for diverse audiences of children, teens, and adults. Classes range from single-session workshops to courses that meet weekly for up to 8 weeks. MoCA Arlington also organizes a popular summer camp, as well as educational outreach programs, in partnership with local schools and non-profit organizations.

MoCA Arlington’s classes are taught by professional artists and seasoned art educators who are adept at working with varying skill levels. 

Public Programs

MoCA Arlington presents hundreds of free to low-cost public programs each year, designed to inspire new audiences, bring together communities, and encourage creativity. Programming includes the museum’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration, family PRIDE day, Made in Arlington pop-ups, wellness programs like yoga in the galleries, and MoCA on the Move, the museum’s signature outreach program that offers free art-making at Met Park.

Additionally, the museum operates an Innovation Studio + Store at Amazon’s HQ2 in National Landing. The Innovation Studio + Store offers free drop-in art-making activities for all ages, special programs, and a 6-week artist residency where the public can interact directly with an artist working in the studio, and the museum’s retail store featuring books, artwork, and other museum-themed merchandise.

Resident Artist Program

MoCA Arlington’s Resident Artist Program offers subsidized studio space for twelve professional artists, providing affordable space in an environment that encourages interaction, dialogue, and exploration. Residents enjoy private studios with 24-hour access to the building, the opportunity for solo exhibitions, professional development support via group critiques, guest visitors, and a museum curator. Resident artists open their studio doors to the public during select events throughout the year. Residencies are competitive and selection criteria include artistic merit, potential for collaborative outreach to the community, and diversity of artist representation.

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

We need support to create more partnerships and programs that connect artists and communities, to showcase more artists and exhibitions, and to inspire audiences of all ages by providing engaging, memorable experiences in Arlington’s only art museum.

Information provided March 2025

The Sycamore School

EIN: 47-4551914

Mission Statement

To provide a dynamic, nurturing and personalized education that inspires a passion for learning, self-discovery and connection to the community. 

Program Summary

TSS follows a mastery-based learning model that integrates academic development, social and emotional growth, and civic engagement.  We create a meaningful learning process, whereby teachers personalize instruction according to students’ interests, needs, and aptitudes. Teaching focuses on cultivating transferable skills in students that apply to various jobs or tasks across settings, such as effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. We don’t give grades or tests; our core learning tools include feedback and reflection.  We’re intentionally small, maintaining a 1:6 teacher to student ratio for middle school and 1:7 for high school. We can accommodate students who have a specific learning disability, anxiety, ADHD, high functioning autism, and/or social skills deficits. However, we are not a school specifically for students with learning struggles. We want to attract a cross section of students who reflect the diversity that is present in our larger population. Our target student is curious, wants to learn, and is looking for a more progressive learning environment. 

Impact Statement

TSS provides personalized, inquiry-based experiential learning, helping students make connections across content areas and to the real world. Many of our students learn differently and may require a more flexible learning environment that explicitly teaches executive functioning skills and social emotional skills alongside academic skills. Our accommodations are specific to the student and we provide both remediation and acceleration depending on the student and their unique needs. Many of our students are twice exceptional (2E), meaning that they are gifted in one area but struggle in another area. Our students cultivate the skills necessary to  be independent life-long learners, such as effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, cognitive flexibility, perspective taking, and teamwork. In middle school, our focus is on skill development. In high school, we want our students to apply the skills they’ve learned to new situations, effectively advocate for themselves, and take ownership of their learning. Our students graduate TSS with a mastery-transcript that is similar to a digital portfolio, showcasing their areas of study, strengths, and interests. It includes the skills they have mastered and exemplar pieces of work, such as a capstone project.

What ways can the public get involved?

We partner with other nonprofits, local businesses, and professionals in our community to provide community service, a speaker series, internships, career day, and volunteer opportunities. Fridays are TSS’s community-based learning days, where our students go into the community on field trips and community service outings. Sometimes, the community comes to us. We regularly host guest speakers  and have school demonstrations and activities. Individuals can volunteer to be a guest speaker, capstone project mentor, and/or a community partner. 

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

TSS is a small independent nonprofit school that does not receive any federal or state funding. As such, our revenue comes from tuition and fundraising. We raise funds to offer need-based financial aid and reach underserved students. We are always striving to increase the diversity in our community. We try to keep our tuition affordable to attract a wide range learners. Many of our students are neurodivergent and require small classes and individualized instruction to access the curriculum. Other students have felt unsafe in larger school settings and seek an inclusive safe space to be their authentic selves. We are proud to have a large LGBTQIA+ community at our school, reflected in our students and staff. 

Information provided April 2025

NAMI Northern Virginia

EIN: 51-0241920

Mission Statement

Our mission is to serve Northern Virginia individuals, family members, and friends affected by mental health challenges through awareness, education, support, advocacy, and collaboration with community partners.

Program Summary

NAMI Northern Virginia educates, advocates, and provides support to those impacted by mental health concerns. All our programs are free to the public, and we like to get people, the public, knowledgeable about mental health so that they don’t face a crisis. We don’t focus only on the peers, those living with mental illness. We are also concerned about helping and advocating for the families and loved ones that support them.

Supporting mental health is about more than just connecting to treatment. NAMI Northern Virginia provides the services needed to support wellness in our community, from lending a listening ear to a concerned family member, to working with individuals long-term connecting to resources for legal and housing assistance. Finding support in groups provides those in need a sense of community, a place where they know they are not alone, a place to share their experiences and gain support from others who understand. 

Some of our no cost programs include:

Education

NAMI Northern Virginia’s training and education team work to give best-in-class information on de-escalation, mental health signs and symptoms, and mental wellness – in the home, the workplace, and with loved ones. Our training is trusted to provide honest and open conversations that not only educate but shift perspective around mental health support and community, breaking stigmas associated with mental illness.  These training sessions leave participants feeling empowered to invest in mental wellness and supported on their mental health journey. 

Support Groups

NAMI Northern Virginia holds support groups for people with mental health conditions, and for family members, and loved ones of people with mental health conditions . Led by trained leaders who’ve been there and faced similar experiences, participants gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others.

Classes

Our classes provide information and strategies for taking care of yourself and the person you love, while understanding that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope. The group setting of NAMI’s SAMSHA evidence-based classes provide mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Our classes are safe, confidential spaces. Courses provide an opportunity for mutual support and growth. 

Impact Statement

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides free advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI Northern Virginia is a NAMI affiliate serving the over 2.4 million people of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church. NAMI’s programs can help you to better understand your or a loved one’s mental health condition. You will learn from connecting with others who have similar experiences. All of our support programs are free, confidential, and peer-led. Simply put, NAMI Northern Virginia is an organization of peers and families. They understand because they’ve been there too.

In 2023, NAMI Northern Virginia provided over 10,000 touchpoints of service to people in the Northern Virginia area. They include individuals living with mental health conditions, their family members and friends, mental health professionals, law enforcement and first responders, and our neighbors.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities available

Information provided March 2026

Girls on the Run of NOVA

EIN: 54-2026885

Mission Statement

Girls on the Run of NOVA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing our 3rd-8th grade participants’ social, emotional and physical skills to navigate life’s challenges. Our fun, interactive lessons meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds. We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Program Summary

Though the name “Girls on the Run” invokes images of girls running around a track, that’s not us – our program is foremost about addressing the social + emotional health of our participants with interactive lessons.

Our youth development programming has two tiers of enrichment: Girls on the Run for 3rd-5th grade girls and Heart & Sole for 6th-8th grade girls. Each age-specific program creates a positive, structured space for participants to learn about themselves, explore new ideas, cultivate empathy, strengthen connections and develop life skills that will help them as they move through adolescence and beyond. The curriculum is rich with themes they can relate to, addressing the whole girl—body, brain, heart, spirit and social connection—and important life skills such as team building, developing a support system, boundary setting, decision making, asking for/ providing help, being a good friend, and more.

This program is accessible to all girls regardless of athletic ability or fitness level and considers the range of ages and varied experiences of the participants. Physical activity includes strength and conditioning appropriate for each age group. Each season culminates with the Girls on the Run 5K, which is the celebratory event that underscores the confidence, competence, connection, character and caring they’ve been developing in the program and gives them a tangible sense of goal-setting and achievement.Girls on the Run of NOVA proudly serves Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties, as well as Alexandria City, Falls Church City, Manassas City and Manassas Park. Since our council’s inception, we have unlocked the power and potential of more than 85,000 participants and made a lasting impact on our community through participant-led service projects. 

Impact Statement

When asked in a recent survey, “what is the most important thing you learned about yourself at Girls on the Run?” our participants responded:

Caregivers of the participants supported these statements:

A 2016 study of GOTR found that the program makes a stronger impact than organized sports and physical education programs in teaching life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions. GOTR is also recognized by Harvard University & Wallace Foundation as a top research-based program and only one of three SEL programs with an integral emphasis on equitable and inclusive education.

What ways can the public get involved?

Girls on the Run of NOVA welcomes volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds!

Becoming a GOTR NOVA Coach

Coaches are truly asset builders for our participants. GOTR NOVA coaches may be of all physical abilities, gender identities, and backgrounds and do not need to be runners. All that is needed to be a GOTR NOVA coach is the desire to invest in the future of our local youth. Coaches must be over the age of 18 years old. The time commitment to be a coach for one 10-week season is approximately 50 hours. This includes around 6-8 hours of training (a mix of in-person and online), 40 hours of coaching (around 4 hours per week), and attendance at GOTR NOVA’s end-of-season 5K celebration for participants. The timing of practices will vary depending on the host site, but typically, practices take place between 2:30-5:30pm.

Junior Coaches support the work of GOTR NOVA coaches and may be between 16-18 years old. Becoming a junior coach is a great opportunity for high school-aged youth to practice being a role model for younger kids and to strengthen their leadership skills. Junior coaches complete approximately 5-6 hours of training and commit to attending at least one practice per week. For a 10-week season, this overall time commitment will range from 20-45 hours.

Substitute Coaches also complete approximately 5-6 hours of training. Time commitment will vary based on the need for substitute coaches and the coach’s availability.

Interested coaches may visit: www.gotrnova.org/coach 

Volunteering at GOTR NOVA Site Visits (Team Adelaide)

Acting as eyes and ears out in the field, our Team Adelaide volunteers visit teams during their practice times. During your time with the team you’ll gather feedback from the coaches on how we can improve the program and better support our teams. You will then submit this feedback in a survey to GOTR NOVA. This is a great opportunity if you would like to see our program in action, but are unable to commit to coaching at this time.

Supporting the End-of-Season 5K Celebration

Our end-of-season 5K provides a tangible sense of accomplishment to participants. To celebrate and make the experience one to remember, there are many opportunities to get involved on a one-time basis. Roles include:

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

Donations to Girls on the Run of NOVA support core costs so that participants who do not have the means to pay a registration fee can still access this positive, structured, afterschool program and build the strength, health, and confidence they need to succeed.

Examples of these expenses include curriculum books, journals for participants, volunteer recruitment, coach training, CPR/first aid training, coach background checks, program shirts and water bottles, 5K shirts, 5K event materials (medals, bibs, etc.), costs associated with establishing new GOTR sites at schools and community centers, and more. These costs all play a critical role in delivering a season and end-of-season event that instill confidence and accomplishment in local girls!

Two girls lift their hands in joy with smiles on their face while finishing the Girls on the Run 5k.

Information provided March 2026