organization-leadership: Women-led

Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV)

EIN: 54-1345818

Mission Statement

To promote horticultural volunteerism and community improvement through trained volunteers, by fostering communication, education, and fellowship among those involved in the Arlington/Alexandria Extension Master Gardeners Program and supporting and promoting the program and its volunteer educational activities.

Program Summary

Through Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), Extension Master Gardener volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually to community education programs in Arlington County and the city of Alexandria. We maintain eight demonstration gardens that illustrate the wide variety of plants that grow well in our area as well as overall garden care. We operate plant clinics in farmers’ markets and a public library as well as at special events. We field a wide range of gardening questions through the Extension Master Gardener Help Desk at the Arlington County VCE office. We conduct public workshops in such areas as container gardening, composting, removing invasive plants and insects (such as spotted lanternfly and porcelain berry), and lawn care.  We provide free online classes, including weekly programs with original content focusing on best management gardening practices, sustainable landscaping, and urban agriculture.  We support horticulture therapy and school gardening projects, and we respond to other community needs as they arise.

Impact Statement

What ways can the public get involved?

If you want to be a volunteer educator, love gardening, and want to protect our environment by sharing what you learn with our community, consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener (EMG). Once certified, EMGs teach the community about our best management practices for urban agriculture and sustainable landscaping. EMGs retain their certifications by annually completing 20 volunteer hours and 8 hours of continuing education. For more information about training or becoming an EMG, please contact our Volunteer Training Program Coordinator, Leslie Fillmore, by email at LeslieF7@vt.edu.

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

Donations to MGNV support the following that benefit the public:

A photo of children tending to a garden plot.

Information provided March 2025

Centro de Apoyo Familiar

EIN: 26-0452137

Mission Statement

Transform communities through economic, social and educational empowerment in collaboration with community and faith-based organizations.

Program Summary

The Asset Building Department provides programs that focus on empowering individuals and their families with the knowledge on how to begin, retain, and construct assets. These programs emphasize on the importance of homeownership and the use of sound money management practices to address housing and financial issues to retain housing stability and to plan for long-term financial success and wealth building.

Community transformation Program: CAF partners with community organizations and faith-based organizations that are members of CAF’s Connectors Network to implement the community programs we offer. CAF uses a very successful train the trainer model in which members from the different communities we serve are trained by CAF to become health educators called Promoters. CAF promoters once trained, provide educational workshops to their communities.

Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF) brings you comprehensive virtual English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, tailored to fit your learning journey. Take control of your future with our flexible program designed for beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners.

Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF) empowers you with our comprehensive Digital Literacy Training Program, offered right within your community at our convenient Community Transformation Hubs. This is a comprehensive training program with 10 training modules and built-in practice exercises to help you apply what you learn.

Impact Statement

Through its services and programs, Centro de Apoyo Familiar reached and impacted over 25,000 low to moderate-income families annually. Specifically through the programs and services listed above.

What ways can the public get involved?

We continue to encourage community involvement through offering meaningful careers, volunteer opportunities, exciting events and through the participation of number of community events where CAF can extremely benefit from.  

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

CAF will use your donation to be applied to a number of the programs that CAF currently offers and that is more appealing to you. CAF also benefits from you donation to support our general operation and to build capacity in many areas of the organizations.

CAF-Fact-Sheeto-updated-2023-1Download

Information provided March 2024

Arlington Thrive

EIN: 51-0207684

Mission Statement

Thrive provides integrated support to our neighbors in need so they can develop the capacity to be stable, secure, and thrive in their community. 

Program Summary

Early Childhood Program: These initiatives provide critical support to families with infants and young children. We understand that financial security begins with access to reliable and affordable childcare. That’s why we provide access to affordable childcare, which is crucial for parents to provide for their families and pursue educational opportunities.  We also offer resources such as baby boxes filled with essential supplies for infants’ health and safety. Through our Early Childhood Programs, we also provide safe sleep and car seat trainings to equip families with the tools they need to thrive and succeed. 

Community Navigator & Employment Pathways Program: These programs work together to provide tailored guidance that strengthens each client’s path to long‑term stability. Community Navigators offer short‑term case management, financial counseling, and individualized support, while Employment Pathways expands earning potential through industry‑recognized certifications, skills‑building courses, and targeted career coaching. By combining immediate support with mid‑career workforce development, Thrive empowers individuals and families to increase their income, access new opportunities, and build a more secure future.

Community Resilience Program: This program serves as a vital lifeline for individuals and families in Arlington facing severe hardships. We help families overcome immediate financial crises by providing rental, utility, and medical assistance. The Community Resilience Program also provides crucial information and referrals that are accessible to individuals and partner nonprofits.  This program ensures that neighbors in need can quickly connect to the full range of support services available in Arlington, helping them access the right resources at the right time.

Impact Statement

Arlington Thrive provides financial assistance and comprehensive support services that empower families to achieve stability. This includes access to affordable childcare, financial counseling, job training, and one-on-one support to help people set goals, solve problems, and find the resources they need to achieve long-term stability. Leading with a community first approach, Arlington Thrive values meeting our clients, partners, and supporters at various community events, holiday markets, fairs, and other places Arlington neighbors spend time together. By focusing on holistic support, Arlington Thrive aims to break the cycle of poverty and create pathways to prosperity for families in need.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved in Arlington Thrive’s work in several ways. Thrive is always looking for volunteers! Whether you’re a photographer wanting to gain more experience, a tech guru who can lend a hand, or someone who loves to see the day-to-day impact of Thrive’s work, we would love to have you be a part of Thrive! Another way to get involved is to amplify Arlington Thrive’s messages on social media. By sharing our posts, spreading awareness about our programs and services, and encouraging others to get involved, individuals can help increase Arlington Thrive’s reach and impact. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit www.arlingtonthrive.org for more information, sign up for our newsletter, and meet us at the next community event! 

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

Charitable dollars donated to Arlington Thrive are spent on responding nimbly to community needs. These donations ensure that every local family in Arlington can not only call it home but also find a path to stability and prosperity in the community. Your donation goes towards funding urgent rent, utility, and medical needs, as well as providing infant health, safety, and wellness supplies. Additionally, donations support affordable childcare and essential job training programs. By donating to Arlington Thrive, you are directly contributing to the well-being and stability of individuals and families in Arlington, helping them overcome financial crises and build a better future.

Information provided March 2026

Centers for Opportunity

EIN: 45-2910746

Mission Statement

At Centers for Opportunity (CFO), we believe everyone’s story is unique, and that one’s past does not dictate their future. CFO empowers adults to reach their personal and career goals. Our mission is to provide support that helps propel individuals toward those goals. We offer peer mentoring from those who’ve walked comparable roads, demonstrating that success is attainable with every step. At CFO, success waits behind every door of our five centers and via our virtual programs. 

Program Summary

At Centers for Opportunity (CFO), we help individuals overcome barriers to success because we know that a person’s past does not define their future. We happily meet people where they are and walk beside them through their journey to achieve the life of their dreams.

We do this with our five pillars of success:

BASIC NEEDS

Since 2011, CFO has been focused on meeting the needs of those we serve. We connect individuals to safety net services such as food, medical care, and housing to help stabilize their lives.

PEER SUPPORT

Recovery is possible at CFO. Our staff, who are also in recovery, provide essential support to those navigating mental health and substance use issues. Peer support fosters lasting change.

WELLNESS AND RECOVERY

At CFO, we encourage creativity to help individuals navigate what they are facing. We focus on programs such as art-for wellness, daily journaling, and the importance of self-love.

EMPLOYMENT

CFO’s employment program connects individuals with jobs, promoting financial stability, and personal development in a supportive setting. The program is open to anyone who is unemployed or those seeking new opportunities.

VIRTUAL SUPPORT

CFO offers weekly virtual support groups for those who are home-bound or who prefer online services. Individuals connect, share experiences, and make new friends.

We invite you to visit our five centers and join our virtual programming to unlock your potential. At CFO, your future starts now!

Impact Statement

At the Centers for Opportunity, we are dedicated to transforming lives and communities through innovative programs and services. We help adults achieve their personal and professional goals. Over the past year, we have made significant strides in creating opportunities for those in need, fostering a sense of hope and resilience. Following are some of most recent results:

What ways can the public get involved?

At the Centers for Opportunity, we value you. 

Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Volunteer: At CFO, we welcome skills-based and sweat equity volunteerism as we seek to help empower individuals to move toward independence. Whether it’s tutoring, mentoring, helping at our centers, teaching a virtual class, or assisting with events, every bit helps. Reach out to the center near you to get started.

2. Donate: Your contributions enable us to sustain and expand our programs. Every donation, big or small, can help change lives. You can donate directly or can provide an in-kind donation, such as canned goods or warm winter/cool summer clothing for those we serve without a home. You can even host a crowdfunding event and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to support our work in Arlington. Visit our website to do so.

3. Advocate and Awareness Building: Spread the word about our mission and the work we do. Your voice can inspire others to get involved. If you see someone who can benefit from our services, please let them know we are here to help them. Word-of-mouth advertising is invaluable to us as many we serve may not use social media. Questions: Email info@CentersForOpportunity for more information.

4. Partner: Collaborate with us to create new opportunities. Businesses, organizations, and individuals can all play a role in our mission. Questions: Email info@CentersForOpportunity for more information.

5. Attend Events: Join us at our fundraising events, workshops, and community gatherings. It’s a great way to connect and show support. Watch our website to learn about upcoming activities: CentersForOpportunity for more information.

6. Join our newsletter email list: Keep up with what is happening at CFO to read success stories of those we have served and about ways to engage. Email info@centersforopportunity.org to do so.

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

One hundred percent of your donation will go toward helping an adult in your community gain their independence. Below are some examples of where your money goes.

Every donation makes a difference! Thank you for helping us transform lives.

Information provided March 2025

Signature Theatre

EIN: 62-1417785

Mission Statement

Signature Theatre broadens and brightens the region’s cultural landscape with bold productions of challenging new and established works and engaging education and outreach programs.

Program Summary

The Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre is widely recognized as the premiere venue in the Washington region to see musical theater, especially new musicals, and is renowned for producing large-scale musical productions, often with full orchestras, in its intimate theaters, giving audiences a unique experience that they can’t have anywhere else. 

The Theatre serves as a cultural anchor of its northern Virginia neighborhood, and is a major source of employment and revenue generation for the local community, providing more than 600 jobs and presenting more than 800 performances annually, including a full season of musicals and plays, Cabaret series, new work programming, bi-monthly YouTube series, complementary discussion nights, artist Q&A events, seminars, and classes.  

As producers of high-quality art, Signature provides access to its artists through its arts education and training programs. Serving approximately 7,000 middle and high school students annually from two-dozen schools across the region, the Theatre offers a wide range of free and tuition-based programs, including its flagship Signature in the Schools program, Education Residencies in local schools, and its artist training programs, such as Overtures and Stage One musical theater training, and Signature Conservatory for serious teen actors. 

Impact Statement

Signature’s programming impacts more than 100,000 patrons annually, including more than 7,000 students and young people. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Signature Theatre has a dedicated group of nearly 400 volunteers. They perform some of the most integral jobs in the Theatre on a show-by-show basis including greeting patrons, collecting tickets, and directing patrons to their seats. For more information, please visit https://www.sigtheatre.org/about/work/volunteer/.

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

Your gift supports Signature’s productions and arts education programs, including our more than 600 artists, musicians, and craftspeople, and our more than 800 events annually. 

A photo from Signature's recent production of Ragtime.
Photo Credit: Daniel Rader

Information provided March 2025

EcoAction Arlington

EIN: 54-1094546

Mission Statement

EcoAction Arlington educates, advocates, and acts to create a sustainable community by improving our natural environment, encouraging environmentally-friendly behaviors, ensuring environmental justice, and addressing the climate crisis.

Program Summary

EcoAction Arlington engages an annual average of 735 volunteers in a range of service activities as well as 2,711 students and 300 adults in educational programs.

We provide regular opportunities for local residents to participate in stream cleanups, invasive plant removals, and storm drain markings designed to protect and restore the local environment. Our signature volunteer program, Energy Masters, trains volunteers in service to the community through outreach and in providing energy efficiency and water conservation improvements in affordable housing apartment buildings.

We engage residents in making tangible behavior changes for personal sustainability goals. Arlington County Tree Planting Program and the Tree Canopy Equity Program, offers free trees to private-property owners. In the last year, we planted 661 trees and shrubs throughout the county. This includes 430 trees and shrubs planted in our target TreeCanopy Equity Program neighborhoods which addresses the inequity in tree canopy coverage. 

Impact Statement

Vision: Everyone in Arlington is collectively engaged in creating a sustainable community.

Values

What ways can the public get involved?

We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities including, community clean-ups, training with our Energy Masters program, volunteering with APS students, advocacy work, and being a steward of the Arlington County environment. Our public facing events can be found: https://www.ecoactionarlington.org/get-involved/events/

Volunteers are also utilized for other projects that address the needs of the organization as well as their personal interests, like writing thank you notes to donors, or attending county meetings on behalf of EcoAction Arlington. If you want to help your local environment, EcoAction Arlington has an avenue for you to grow and thrive. 

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

Donations to EcoAction Arlington support our mission to educate, act, and advocate for a sustainable community. Your donation supports programing, outreach, and implementation.  

Information provided March 2025

Healwell

EIN: 27-0743419

Mission Statement

Touch. Teach. Advocate.

We touch people affected by illness. We teach massage therapists how to provide care safely and effectively. We advocate for access to that care and for a broader role for massage therapists in healthcare.

Program Summary

Service – Our team of specially trained massage therapists provide care for people affected by serious illness in hospitals, clinics, infusion centers and patient’s homes. 

Education – Our courses are offered live and in-person as well as asynchronous and synchronous online offerings. Our educational content addresses the skills of massage therapy for serious illness as well as skills (like trauma-informed care, cultural humility, collaborative communication, etc) necessary to provide effective, sustainable care for all healthcare providers. 

Research – Our team participated in and published research in two major peer-reviewed medical journals in 2023, making a measurable and unique contribution to the body of research about the value of massage therapists in serious illness care. We received Phase II funding from the National Cancer Institute to create the final instructional video segments for an app-based caregiver education program to address the pervasive and painful effects of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy so our partners at Mayo Clinic in Florida can conduct a randomized controlled trial of the massage protocol taught in the app in 2025. We also trained massage therapists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and developed the research protocol to support a multi-site pediatric oncology massage study that will launch in 2025. 

Impact Statement

In 2024, our therapists provided more than 10,500 massage therapy sessions to people affected by serious illness (which includes patients, lay caregivers and healthcare workers). We had more than 1,500 enrollments in our courses for massage therapists and other healthcare providers. We accepted 11 massage therapists from all over the United States into the very first cohort of Healwell’s brand new, nine-month Massage Palliative Advanced Training for Healthcare (MPATH) certificate program. This is the first and only palliative care certificate program for massage therapists in the United States.

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

Donations help us expand our programs and provide scholarships for those who might not otherwise be able to afford our trainings. They also allow us to maintain memberships in national palliative care organizations like C-TAC (Coalition to Transform Advanced Care) and NHPCO (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization). Donations fund the cost of attendance and presentation at national healthcare conferences and supports our research efforts.

Information provided March 2025

Arlington Neighborhood Village

Mission Statement

Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) provides services and social connections that enable seniors to age in their own homes with safety, independence, and an enhanced quality of life.

Program Summary

Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) helps older adults age in place vibrantly and safely in their own homes by providing practical assistance and social connection. ANV’s Financial Aid Fund ensures seniors of all backgrounds and means have access to its services and programs.

Direct Services: ANV vets, trains, and deploys a corps of volunteers to assist ANV members with the routine tasks that can challenge independence – rides to medical appointments or the grocery store, errands, foodbank deliveries, and assistance with at-home maintenance and technology.

Social Support: ANV also offers a range of opportunities to help its members stay connected to a community, avoiding the social isolation that can accompany aging. Our volunteers make friendly visits and check-in calls, while a full calendar of activities—such as a weekly speaker series, games, lunches, hobby groups, and fitness classes—fosters meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging.

ANV currently has 500 members, ranging in age from 58 to 102. Many of our members live alone (68%), 44% are 80+ years old, and many have challenges with mobility, hearing, or sight (31%). 20% identify as being Black, Asian, LatinX, or mixed race. Almost half (46%) of our members are lower-income seniors.

Impact Statement

ANV’s membership continues to grow and diversify, helping meet the needs of Arlington’s expanding population of older adults. In 2025, ANV served 500 members and is on track to grow to 550 in 2026, including 230 lower-income seniors. We activated 320 vetted and trained volunteers to meet our members’ needs and expect to onboard 20 more this year. ANV’s work helped contribute to Arlington County’s recognition by AARP as the #1 “Top Place to Live for Older Adults” for 2025!

Transportation is one of ANV’s most-used services: in 2025, volunteers provided 2,563 rides for seniors, 62% of which were for medical appointments, underscoring the essential nature of our work. Volunteers also provided a variety of other service calls: running errands (754), making friendly visits (581), providing tech support (259), and various other assistance, such as check-in calls and household chores (695). 

Last year, ANV offered an average of 12 social events each month, including activities such as “Coffee & Conversations,” which features guest speakers on a range of topics; seasonal walks; bocce ball; a book club; a low-vision cohort group; and dine-around lunches. Event participation ranged from 7 to almost 200 participants each.  

What ways can the public get involved?

Donate! Your contributions help us keep up the good work and expand to meet the growing population of seniors in Arlington County. You can choose to help fund our operations or support our Financial Aid Fund to help cover the participation costs for lower-income seniors.

Volunteer!  Our volunteers have a range of options to suit their preferences and availability, such as providing rides, running errands, being a friendly visitor or walking buddy, helping with household chores, offering tech help, and more. Volunteers also work behind the scenes, helping manage the ANV Office, fundraise, oversee finances, plan events, recruit volunteers, and plan health and wellness programs. Finally, volunteers serve on ANV’s Board of Directors. Contact our office to learn how.

Spread the Word! ANV is always looking for help to inform others about the organization and the services it provides to older adults in Arlington. Tell a neighbor about us!

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

General donations fund ANV operations – we have 4 full- or part-time employees and cover operational expenses such as office rent, insurance coverage, financial management services, and background checks for volunteers. 

ANV maintains a Financial Aid Fund that pays 80-100% of the membership fee for seniors with incomes below $65,000. As we serve more and more lower-income seniors each year, we seek donations to the Fund to ensure we can support all Arlington seniors who need our help. 

Information provided March 2026

Rock Recovery

EIN: 26-3931272

Mission Statement

Rock Recovery is a mental health nonprofit that strives to make life-saving outpatient eating disorder therapy and support more accessible and affordable for all.

Program Summary


Rock Recovery offers a variety of eating disorder therapy services for teens and adults (ages 10+) across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With unique offerings like our meal support and body image therapy groups, as well as traditional individual therapy, our team of experts is here to support those who struggle and their loved ones. We are in-network with Aetna, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Optum/UHC, and Virginia Medicaid, and all of our programs are offered at sliding scale rates! 

In-Person Services:

Virtual Services:

Rock Recovery believes that complete freedom from eating disorders is possible, and that for many, faith is the foundation for freedom. We also offer nationwide, virtual faith-based support groups for deep healing and restoration. Our faith-based support groups are led from a Christian perspective, but we welcome people from all spiritual backgrounds and beliefs to join these groups. 

Our current faith recovery services include: 

In addition to direct therapy and support services, Rock Recovery provides educational workshops and trainings to decrease mental health stigma across the community, connect those in need to life-saving resources, and educate community members on how to get help for themselves or loved ones. 

Impact Statement

Rock Recovery is currently committed to improving mental health equity, and providing affordable outpatient treatment and supportive community resources to a minimum of 100 clients and their families across the DMV each week through our varying clinical recovery programs and therapy services. Additionally, Rock Recovery is committed to serving a minimum of 2,000 additional individuals and families annually in the Greater DC region and beyond through our community empowerment programs and support groups. 

Of recent graduates amongst all Rock Recovery programs from the last two years, 100% stated they were likely to refer someone who struggles to one of Rock’s programs, and 98% reported their quality of life improved as a result of Rock’s programs.

Our programs uniquely provide direct therapy services and allow clients and families to access a supportive of community of others who understand what they are going through. One of our teen program graduates shared this, “Rock Recovery allowed me to relate to other people. I felt acknowledged and heard and [Rock Recovery’s group] brought me one step closer to freedom and myself.”

What ways can the public get involved?

At Rock Recovery, we depend on an amazing team of committed volunteers to keep our programs running, and to maintain an active presence in the community. Whether you are a clinician in the field, or recovered and looking to give back, we have a role for you. Check out some of our unique volunteer roles below! 

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

At Rock Recovery, we believe that freedom from eating disorders is possible. We work to bridge gaps that keep people from the treatment they need and deserve, such as cost. Thanks to our generous community, Rock received 358 program inquiries, and served a record 196 unique individuals with life-saving therapy throughout 2025, with thousands more receiving educational mental health resources to help them care for themselves and their loved ones. 

By donating, you can come alongside our incredible clients and be a lifeline to the hundreds of people who need life-saving treatment and to connect with others who get what they are going through. The majority of funding Rock Recovery receives goes directly towards treatment scholarships that aid individuals who otherwise could not afford clinical treatment in accessing our care at significantly reduced rates.

Information provided March 2026