population-scope: Regional

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

Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to transforming communities through economic, social, and educational empowerment in collaboration with community and faith-based organizations. As a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency, CAF provides free educational workshops and a wide range of housing counseling services, including pre-purchase assistance, foreclosure prevention, and rental guidance. Founded in Massachusetts in 2006 and expanded to Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, CAF’s Community Transformation Model offers comprehensive support through food distribution, environmental health and justice, workforce development, and housing opportunities. Serving over 55,000 low-income and immigrant families each year, CAF is committed to building stronger and more resilient communities.

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 donations.

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 June 2026

VCS Cancer Foundation

EIN: 82-5047980

Mission Statement

A cancer diagnosis affects every part of a person’s life and can bring with it physical, emotional and financial stress. The VCS Cancer Foundation provides supportive services to cancer patients in Northern Virginia. 

Our mission is to reduce cancer patients’ emotional stress and enhance their well-being by providing needed financial assistance and other support so they may focus on their treatment and recovery.

Program Summary

Our Rainy Day Gift program provides financial assistance to Northern Virginia cancer patients who are struggling to pay for their everyday living expenses while in treatment. The goal of this program is to alleviate their financial strain and the emotional stress that accompanies it. We help them pay for non-medical expenses such as rent, utility bills and groceries. Instead of worrying about their mounting expenses, we want them to focus on what’s most important–their health and treatment.

Our Comfort and Companionship program provides support to cancer patients in select infusion centers in Arlington and Fairfax counties. The goal of this program is to brighten what may otherwise be a stressful treatment day. Our volunteers spend time with patients and their caregivers, alleviating their emotional stress and offering hope and encouragement. A warm smile, enthusiastic listening ear and friendly conversation go a long way to raising patients’ spirits. Our volunteers also serve beverages and snacks, providing a connection with patients who delightedly receive them.

Impact Statement

Cancer treatment is expensive; even for those with “good” insurance, co-payments, deductibles, and uncovered expenses can put significant strain on their household’s budget. This can lead to psychological stress for patients at what is already one of the most stressful times of their lives. Through our Rainy Day Gift program, we have helped hundreds of cancer patients pay for their everyday living expenses, providing some stress relief for those feeling overwhelmed. The impact of this program is best illustrated in the words of our Rainy Day Gift recipients:

“I have received the Giant gift cards and I really appreciate it. This gift means I am not alone in this battle with cancer and I am really glad that this gift will help me to provide for my family.”

” Your gift came at a great time and we really needed it. We were able to use it for things we couldn’t afford and pay for necessities. Your Rainy Day fund takes a little pressure off our financial difficulties and gives us peace of mind.”

“Thank you for allowing me to get my cell phone paid. I’m so grateful. This has taken a lot of stress off my mind.”

What ways can the public get involved?

We gratefully welcome monetary donations to support our Rainy Day Gift and Comfort and Companionship programs. 

We have volunteer opportunities with our Comfort and Companionship program. Interested individuals can send an email to: vcsfvolunteer@gmail.com.

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

Donations are primarily used to fund our Rainy Day Gift program, which currently provides each qualified cancer patient with $500 in financial assistance.

A small portion of donations is used to support our Comfort and Companionship program. Funds are used in volunteer screening to pay for criminal background checks in order to ensure the safety of patients interacting with our volunteers. Donations are also used to purchase snacks for patients.

Information provided March 2026

Liberty’s Promise

EIN: 27-0058022

Mission Statement

Liberty’s Promise supports young immigrants in need while encouraging them to be active and conscientious American citizens. Our programs aim to make the immigrant experience an affirmative one for young newcomers while instilling in them a sense of pride and support for American ideals of democracy and freedom. By doing so, Liberty’s Promise seeks to reaffirm our fundamental egalitarian and democratic traditions for future generations.

Program Summary

Liberty’s Promise serves low-income, immigrant youth, ages 11-21, through after-school programs of civic engagement and a summer internship program. Our programs, Civics and Citizenship, and Civic Engagement for Beginning English Language Learners (CE-BELL), are designed around four pivotal themes: civic engagement, community involvement, college access, and career readiness. While both programs share a core curriculum, CE-BELL, conducted in Spanish, incorporates an English-language-learning component tailored for recently arrived youth. Our newest program, Civics and Citizenship Junior (C&C Junior) supports middle school youth in their transition to high school.

Our programs, conducted twice a year from October to December and March to May, engage participants in 90-minute sessions twice a week over ten weeks. In addition to the 20 in-class sessions, participants attend two field trips each semester to community sites of civic interest (fire stations, the police department, county government offices, etc.).

Our internship program, Opportunities Plus, matches participants with a host site for an eight-week internship during the summer. During internships, youth acquire professional skills that will be beneficial to them as they integrate themselves into the U.S. workplace. Participants are placed in internships in Arlington County with nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and government offices.

Our programs are designed to help newcomers learn about the civic life of Arlington so that they feel at home in the county.

Impact Statement

Liberty’s Promise operates 27 out-of-school-time programs across the Washington DC and Baltimore metro areas and a professional internship program that has given more than 800 youth a first-hand introduction to the American workplace. Our civics programs serve more than 800 youth annually, and we have worked with more than 8,500 youth since we began in 2005.

To measure the short-term impact of programs, we administer an evaluation to youth upon completion of each semester. On these evaluations, we expect at least 75 percent of our high school respondents to report feeling: a) more involved in their community, b) better prepared for college, and c) more prepared for a career. We routinely exceed these expectations every semester.

Ultimately, the history of Liberty’s Promise is best expressed by the amazing things we have helped our youth accomplish. More than 97 percent of our program participants have finished high school, and 51 percent has some college education, far above the national average for low-income, immigrant youth. In Arlington County, our alumni from Wakefield High School have gone on to become educators, financial advisors, accountants, business entrepreneurs, and more.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can actively engage with our work by becoming guest speakers at our programs, where they can share valuable resources, insights into various career paths, and personal stories with our youth. Many of our guest speakers come from an immigrant background themselves and can provide a valuable perspective and encouragement for our youth since they were once in their shoes. 

During the spring, we also host small groups of volunteers to work with our youth in Job Skills Workshops. In preparation for summer internships, volunteers work with our youth to craft a resume and cover letter, and also offer tips and advice and even engage in interview practice. 

Volunteers can further contribute by hosting high school summer interns at their workplaces. Our summer internship program offers participants hands-on work experience and opportunities to gain practical skills in a desired field. This not only enhances their resumes but also empowers them for future success.

On average, we engage with more than 100 volunteers annually across all our program locations. Joining us as a guest speaker, workshop facilitator, or internship host provides a direct and impactful way for the public to support our mission.

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

The charitable dollars we receive are strategically allocated to maximize impact. For the 2025 budget, we earmark 87 percent of all revenue for program costs, encompassing staff time, program facilitators, food, transportation, internships, materials for activities, and enriching field trips. This allocation underscores our commitment to directing the majority of funds towards the core elements that directly benefit and uplift the individuals we serve. By prioritizing program-related expenditures, we ensure that our charitable dollars are utilized efficiently to make a meaningful and positive impact on the community we support.

In Arlington County, all charitable contributions are used for direct program costs.

A photo showing a group of Wakefield students posing in front of a firetruck with members of the Arlington County fire department.

Information provided March 2025

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

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

Rock Recovery

EIN: 26-3931272

Mission Statement

Rock Recovery is an eating disorder therapy nonprofit that was founded in 2009 to make life-saving eating disorder treatment and support accessible 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, community is the foundation for freedom. We also offer nationwide, virtual support groups for individuals seeking ongoing community support. 

Our current support groups 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 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 100% 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 414 program inquiries, and served a record 266 unique individuals with life-saving therapy throughout FY26 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), 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

Encore Stage & Studio

EIN: 23-7311352

Mission Statement

For almost 60 years, Encore Stage & Studio has provided hundreds of thousands of young people the opportunity to grow and discover themselves through theatre: onstage, backstage, in the classroom, and in the audience. Our mission is to inspire young people to develop the creativity, empathy and confidence they need to create meaningful connections with peers and positively impact their communities.

Program Summary

Encore’s story is rich with successes on the stage as we serve over 20,000 children and their families each season. We are Northern Virginia’s premier children’s theatre and have been recognized nationally and locally as a leader in the non-profit field. Since our founding in 1967, we have produced more than 260 plays and musicals with newly commissioned works in each of the past nine seasons. Importantly, there are no fees to participate in a production as a cast or crew member.  

Our Flip the Script program premiered in 2019 as a major artistic and community-building endeavor, highlighting African-American voices with The Day Nothing Happened, a student-devised production project about the integration of the first school in Virginia. Students conducted first-person interviews and archival research before writing the full-length play. In 2022, we filmed an adaptation for younger students and the program continued with a new script focused on the Green Valley neighborhood in South Arlington in the spring of 2023. We were awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant to produce our third original play in this series, Jamila’s Table, which premiered in February 2025. Our Flip the Script plays now tour to local elementary and middle schools. 

Additionally, we offer a vibrant array of theatre arts educational opportunities for artistic expression and growth in a safe and nurturing environment. In 2025/2026, more than two thousand students participated in classes, summer camps and after-school programs, including partnerships with affordable housing nonprofits and Title I schools.

Our Board of Directors launched a new strategic plan in 2026 that builds on successes, connecting us to more youth and deepening our commitment to our community. We are proud that we successfully navigated the many challenges of the past few years and have seen significant growth and new opportunities. 

Impact Statement

Children are at the heart of our mission and we believe they have a vital role to play in the larger artistic community. We desire to provide our students with challenging, creative experiences. Our productions are affordable and wholesome. We provide the first theatre experience for thousands of kids who see peers onstage and envision themselves there. Our multi-age structure encourages mentoring and role modeling with participants not available in most schools. Our work is essential to the social, emotional, and mental well-being of children.

What ways can the public get involved?

We hope the community will support Encore by attending performances, participating in our educational programming and connecting us to potential partners. We are actively seeking volunteers with skills in the following areas: human resources, development, finance and non-profit management. 

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

Information provided March 2026

Kitchen of Purpose (La Cocina VA)

EIN: 46-2037695

Mission Statement

Kitchen of Purpose uses the power of food to change lives. An agent for socio-economic change, the Kitchen of Purpose generates workforce and entrepreneurship development and provides healthy food assistance in the D.C. metro area. Together, the Kitchen of Purpose community–staff, students, entrepreneurs, partners, supporters– create employment, launch new food businesses, and work to end hunger. 

Program Summary

Workforce Development Program

Culinary Training
n our state-of-the-art training kitchen, community members seeking jobs with family-sustaining salaries learn the skills they need to work as qualified cooks and chefs. After the 8 weeks of training, our students begin a four-week paid internship with one of our employer partners. Our job placement leads to permanent job offers, and our graduates earn an average of $19 hour after they have completed our program that includes:

  1. Connection to our Small Business Incubator: We’re the only organization around that equips community members with culinary training and comprehensive entrepreneurship support.
  2. Bilingual training in English and Spanish, plus English classes 
  3. Wrap-around social services
  4. Financial literacy 

Barista & Bartending Program
Barista & Bartending Training is training for careers in the restaurant industry, focusing on barista and bartending skills. The 8-week training includes TIPS certification and job placement.


The Food Lab

With the right support, a small business can be a way to earn a family-sustaining income. Kitchen of Purpose provides the training and resources low-to-moderate income community members seek in order to launch successful businesses. Our Food Lab small business incubator offers:

Food Assistance

Meals to At-Risk Kids
This is where Kitchen of Purpose steps in. We provide after-school enrichment programs and after-school meals. The meals are fresh and balanced, meeting childhood nutrition needs.

Family Meal
In 2025, Family Meal took shape and launched as a gathering for vulnerable neighbors to enjoy a 3-course meal prepared by local guest chefs and served with care by volunteers. It is an evening where we serve “Meals with Dignity.”

Impact Statement

In 2025, Kitchen of Purpose achieved a 90% job placement rate, placing students in positions with $19hr average wage.

By the Numbers:

Each year, we train 90+ community members in

In our food assistance programs, we serve

Join us in using the power of food to change lives!

What ways can the public get involved?

We invite the community to change lives through the power of food! Opportunities to get involved include:

Mentorship and Coaching: Business professionals with financial expertise and small business experience provide essential support to our entrepreneurs. Volunteers share their experience with clients in our Small Business Incubator as they start or expand their small food businesses.

Skill Share: Kitchen of Purpose invites those with expertise in technology, social media, marketing, and communications to share their skills with Kitchen of Purpose and help us advance our mission.

Preparing Healthy Meals: We invite corporate and community groups to a team building activity that also transforms food into healthy meals as part of Kitchen of Purpose’s Food Assistance Program.

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

Information provided March 2026