population-scope: Regional

He She Ze and We

EIN: 37-1964125

Mission Statement

He She Ze and We (HSZ&W) supports transgender and nonbinary people of all ages and empowers their families and allies to create the life-saving, inclusive environments we all deserve.

Education, Support, Advocacy, and Community are at the core of our work.

Program Summary

He She Ze and We is based out of Richmond and is deepening our work statewide across Virginia. HSZ&W offers virtual and in-person options for learning, sharing resources, and strengthening our community. 

In Northern Virginia, He She Ze and We provides a monthly in-person educational support meeting in Arlington. This meeting also offers a youth hangout social space for ages 5-13. 

Ally & Community Education is a fee-based professional training program tailored to the needs and goals of businesses, schools, agencies, and community groups looking to learn more about gender diversity and how to create or expand inclusive practices.

The HSZ&W Trans Wellness Fund supports access to gender-affirming care across Virginia. This fund has a quarterly application and distribution process to reduce or eliminate financial, practical, and support barriers to GAC for Virginians, as well as transgender and nonbinary people living in banned states who are traveling to Virginia for their care. We are accepting donations year round to sustain this grant. For more information, please visit https://heshezewe.org/twf. 

Our Family Connections program serves families with school-age gender-expansive children. This crucial program provides a break from the challenges our youth face at school or in their communities and offers a safe, inclusive environment where families, including parents and siblings, gather to connect and have fun together.

HSZ&W’s Trans Adult Social Club (TASC) has started in the Richmond area. This program is for trans and nonbinary adults looking to make meaningful connections, share resources, and have fun in a free and sober space to build community. HSZ&W is looking for collaborative partners to be able to bring TASC to Northern VA in the future, if desired and needed.

Impact Statement

He She Ze and We works to improve the lives of transgender and nonbinary people of all ages by supporting them directly as well as educating and supporting families, allies, and community members to create inclusive, affirming environments. Through personalized support services for families and trans & nonbinary adults, we meet people where they are and help them with the resources and education needed for lasting acceptance and belonging.

Family and community support is the #1 protective factor when it comes to keeping our loved ones safe from self-harm and suicide. Just one supportive adult can reduce the risk of suicide by nearly 50%. Imagine the impact when entire families are informed, accepting, and affirming – this is the transformative work of He She Ze and We.

In 14 years of grassroots work, HSZ&W has helped thousands of transgender and nonbinary people. Our organization is continuing to build a strong allied community with our education, support, and advocacy efforts to ensure they can live their lives fully and authentically in Virginia.

What ways can the public get involved?

Donate to help us increase our capacity to be a sustainable organization: https://heshezewe.org/donate/

Contribute to HSZ&W Trans Wellness Fund, which supports access to gender-affirming care across Virginia: https://heshezewe.org/twf 

Bring our Ally & Community Education Program to your workplace or community:

Fill out this form – https://heshezewe.org/forms-education 

Volunteer to help us spread awareness about He She Ze and We and expand our reach: https://heshezewe.org/forms-volunteer 

Consider being a fiscal sponsor for one of our annual events: Fundraiser & Dance Party and/or Back to School Youth Empowerment Event:

https://heshezewe.org/events/

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

Information provided March 2026

Arm & Arm Inc.

EIN: 47-4617475

Mission Statement

The Arm & Arm Mission is to change the paradigm of how the transition process is addressed. Using our empathetic-based approach, we empower individuals during critical transition periods with tools that enable them to make rational evaluations of themselves and their situations.

Program Summary

Arm & Arm is redefining mental health and recovery by utilizing cutting-edge Cognitive and Somatic Recovery Techniques—proven methods that help individuals  process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop self-sustaining coping strategies. Unlike traditional clinical programs, our model is peer-driven, allowing individuals  with shared life experiences to mentor and guide others through their recovery. 

Impact Statement

Arm & Arm is redefining mental health and recovery support by utilizing cutting-edge Cognitive and Somatic Recovery Techniques—proven methods that help individuals  process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop self-sustaining coping strategies. Unlike traditional clinical programs, our model is  peer-driven, allowing individuals  with shared life experiences to mentor and guide others through their recovery. By providing peer-to-peer mentoring (a system of accountability) and educating the community on the signs and possible interventions to substance use and de-escalation strategies prior to police involvement, Arm & Arm is normalizing prevention as a lifestyle for our targeted population and their families.

What ways can the public get involved?

Arm & Arm is always looking for empathetic volunteers willing to help those in the community living with stigma. Anyone who is willing to donate their time and/or money to assist our efforts in building whole & healthy communities are always welcome.

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

To provide support for training, community outreach services and support.

Information provided March 2025

Ayuda

EIN: 52-0971440

Mission Statement

Ayuda advocates for low-income immigrants through direct legal, social and language services, training and outreach in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.  

Program Summary

Ayuda provides legal, social, and language services for low-income immigrants including individuals and families affected by immigration challenges, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and family separation, ensuring access to justice and support for vulnerable communities. 

Impact Statement

For over 50 years, Ayuda’s expert team has helped over 150,000 immigrants navigate complex legal systems and access vital services. With offices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, we offer both in-person and virtual services to reduce barriers. We also provide emergency financial, food, and material assistance to those in crisis, ensuring immigrants have the support they need to build safe, stable lives. 

In 2024, Ayuda provided 3,109 low-income immigrants from 84 countries with immigration legal services, domestic violence, and family law services, comprehensive case management, and/or therapy. 165 language experts contributed to our interpreter bank, accessible to 118 nonprofits, allowing them to break down language barriers as they support clients. Over $228,000 in financial assistance, 21,400 pounds of diapers, and 2,800 pounds of food were distributed to help new immigrant families thrive. 

What ways can the public get involved?

There are different ways to get involved with Ayuda. Visit https://ayuda.com/get-involved/ to learn more and support our mission by: 

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

Donations to Ayuda help us provide vital immigration legal services, offer compassionate case management, extend a helping hand through mental health services, and bridge the language gap for low-income immigrant families in the DMV area. 

Information provided March 2026

Computer CORE

EIN: 54-1968428

Mission Statement

Computer CORE’s mission is to prepare underserved adults in Virginia to realize career aspirations with foundational digital and professional skills.

Program Summary

Computer CORE is a 26-year old organization, which has served Arlington residents since a few years after its founding in 1999. Currently, CORE serves 50-100 Arlingtonians each year. CORE provides one-on-one assistance to individuals who lack digital literacy. We carefully guide each student by giving them a refurbished laptop computer to keep and the basic skills to turn it on, understand the keyboard, begin online assessments and get onto Zoom. Once they can take the computer home and join us on Zoom, the door is opened to over 24 highly individualized computer, English conversation, math, and other classes. Classes are taught by skilled and compassionate volunteers, who understand how difficult it can be for adults to find time for class and to set aside their embarrassment at not having the digital skills needed in today’s society. Students can return for as many classes as they need, and many return even after finding a new job or being promoted, because there is always a need for additional digital skills.

Impact Statement

Computer CORE assists adults to find their career and educational path using digital tools, such as a free computer and the basic skills to use it. As students gain confidence, tech vocabulary and knowledge, they can move beyond our beginning level classes and get introduced to coding, security issues, cloud computing, website design and other topics. CORE is a bridge to more advanced education and certification, such as a community college or 4-year college can provide.

What ways can the public get involved?

Computer CORE recruits volunteers to serve as online classroom lead teachers and Zoom administrators. We also need assistance with events, fundraising, marketing, communication and “back office” tasks. We hold quarterly computer donation drives and are happy to set up a donation table at your residence, business or event.

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

📚 $250 – Provides a free refurbished computer for a student to keep
👩‍🏫 $500 – Supports five weeks of instruction, mentorship, and technical support for one student.
🎓 $1,000 – Fully funds a student’s 10-week journey, including instruction, mentorship, and a laptop.
🏢 $5,000 – Provides training, mentorship, and laptops for five students, helping them gain job-ready digital skills.
🚀 $10,000 – Expands Computer CORE’s reach, supporting program development and new training resources.
🌟 $20,000 – Funds an entire cohort of 20 adult learners, giving them the tools and support needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Information provided February 2025

Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC)

EIN: 54-0884513

Mission Statement

LAJC partners with communities and clients to dismantle systems that create and perpetuate poverty. We achieve this by integrating individual legal representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, know your rights education, and organizing strategies. We work in and with communities to identify and address root causes of poverty while taking individual cases to mitigate acute impacts. We believe that the individual legal problems of our clients are inextricably linked to overarching systems of injustice and oppression, and that legal and organizing strategies can effectively dismantle the social, racial and economic systems that marginalize communities and keep people in poverty.

Program Summary

The changes to long-standing immigration policies and the mass deportations promised by the Trump administration are an existential threat to low-income immigrants; they threaten their family unity, their safety, and their ability to remain in the country. Additionally, low-income immigrants in Arlington County routinely contend with low-paying jobs and workplace abuses, substandard housing conditions, and threat of eviction.  LAJC’s attorneys, community organizers, and service navigators provide outreach, Know Your Rights education, appropriate referrals, linkages to safety-net services, and legal assistance to low-income immigrants who are facing immigration, housing, health, consumer and education related legal problems.

Our services help low-income immigrants overcome legal problems that threaten:

Impact Statement

LAJC’s Know Your Rights presentations in Arlington are tailored to address expressed community needs, topics include: changes in immigration policy, safety in the face of aggressive immigration enforcement, emergency family preparedness, housing conditions and eviction, and how to access safety-net services. These KYRs have made the difference between families remaining safe during an ICE raid and family members being detained.

Our Community Clinics provide an opportunity for community members to receive one-on-one advice and services around immigration issues, including assistance creating family emergency plans and preparing power of attorney documents. We also have service navigators, housing and consumer attorneys present at these events to help address the many challenges low-oncome households face. These clinics provide a one-stop shop for legal services and education that is specific to low-income immigrants in Arlington. 

Brief through extended legal services to low-income immigrants facing an immigration, housing, employment, consumer, health or education related legal problem. These services are crucial to household stability and financial security. Additionally, LAJC’s Immigrant Justice Program is committed to providing immigration consultations to any Arlington resident who is detained in an ICE raid.

What ways can the public get involved?

We are currently looking for people (particularly attorneys) who can help with the preparation of power of attorney documents and guiding families with the collection of information that may be needed if a family member is detained by ICE or other emergencies.  

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

Donations help us employ the attorneys and community organizers that we need in order to provide the legal services, education, and service navigation that low- income immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented or live in mixed-status households, in Arlington need to protect themselves and their families. 

A group of protesters marching, many carrying American flags and signs displaying messages in support of essential workers.

Information provided January 2025

Legal Services of Northern Virginia

EIN: 54-1137931

Mission Statement

To provide access to justice for disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Program Summary

LSNV provides free legal help to Arlingtonians who cannot afford a lawyer by providing services in a variety of substantive civil legal areas, including: family law/domestic violence, housing law/eviction prevention, consumer protection, elder law, public benefits claims, access to health care, child advocacy, and AIDS/HIV issues. Staff and volunteers provide legal advice, brief service, and representation in administrative hearings and in court, as well as community legal education, and advocacy before local and state governmental entities, all without charge to our clients. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer.  Every year we work with hundreds of volunteer lawyers and paralegal who help us extend our reach and serve more clients.

Financial support.

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

Donations go to direct services; helping a survivor of domestic violence obtain a protective order and escape the cycle of abuse; helping a low-income family avoid eviction and stay in their home; helping a low-income veteran obtain the benefits that he is entitled to after decades of services; and many other types of cases which impact basic needs.  

Information provided March 2026

Junior League of Northern Virginia

EIN: 54-0651635

Mission Statement

The Junior League of Northern Virginia is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

Program Summary

Throughout our robust history, the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) has been at the forefront of making a lasting impact in our community. We support several signature programs, with the collective goal of advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Each program also aligns with our focus area, Women Helping Women, and continued commitment to improving the lives of women and families in Northern Virginia through access to essential services and professional development opportunities.

Impact Statement

Since 1958, the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) has provided tens of thousands of service hours, thousands of hours in leadership training, and millions in financial support to local nonprofits across Northern Virginia. Throughout its history, the JLNV has been a founder for the Children’s Science Center, created the Family Resource Center with Shelter House, and built multipurpose rooms at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter. Most recently, the JLNV is addressing period poverty in our communities and improving access to menstrual products for women in Northern Virginia through the establishment of our period pantries.

Each year, the JLNV partners with a diverse range of community agencies that reflect our mission, vision and values by providing much-needed volunteer resources and funding. This year, through our Community Grants program alone, the JLNV will contribute more than 330 volunteer hours, valued at more than $11,051, along with awarding $10,000 in grant funding to our community partners.

What ways can the public get involved?

There are several ways that the public can get involved with the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV). First, whether through individual giving, sponsorship, or in-kind donations, your support of the JLNV helps to expand our community programs and build future leaders. Approximately 94% of our community service programs and activities are funded through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.

The JLNV also provides volunteers in response to requests from community organizations that reflect our mission and community focus. Community organizations can request volunteer support for short-term projects or events throughout the year.

Additionally, the JLNV welcomes all women across the Northern Virginia area who value our mission and share a common desire to drive positive change in the community to consider joining our League as members. We accept new members twice a year to be a part of our Spring and Fall New Member Classes. The JLNV is committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities and we embrace the diverse representation of the women reflected in our communities and their wide range of backgrounds, opinions, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions and lived experiences. We recognize that diversity among our members and our community outreach is critical to accomplishing our mission.

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

Donations help the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. As a donor, you are empowering the JLNV to continue our community work by:

A collage of photos of Junior League Northern Virginia members volunteering at several events. Text on the image says "Developing women to do a world of good."

Information provided March 2025

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