Population: BIPOC

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

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Northern Virginia Chapter

EIN: 54-1366159

Mission Statement

Our mission is to advocate on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.

Program Summary

The Northern Virginia Chapter, chartered with 35 members on January 22, 1984, in Arlington, VA, under the leadership of the late Mrs. Evelyn Reid Syphax, is committed to improving the quality of life of Black women and girls in the Northern Virginia area. The chapter is a 501(c) 3 advocacy organization dedicated to leadership development, political awareness, and enhancing career opportunities through networking and local programming. NCBW-NOVA addresses critical education, health, economic empowerment, and public policy dimensions.

Education:  NCBW delivers support services that help youth achieve their educational goals. By supporting positive experiences, fostering a positive self-perception and self-respect, encouraging excellence in education, and promoting the pursuit of positive lifelong goals, NCBW is creating future leaders.

Health: Health is a vital component of a thriving community. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. is concerned about the well-being of the whole community and the whole person physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our primary focuses for health advocacy are Family and childhood Obesity, Cancer/Health Disparities, and Metabolic Disease. 

Economic Empowerment: The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. views economic empowerment as critical for a just society. We define economic empowerment as the ability to self-determine dreams, pursue and realize them by establishing the mechanisms to sustain generational wealth. NCBW’s programmatic initiative “Sisters-Nomic$” promotes economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy, family wealth building, and entrepreneurship.

Public Policy: As the premier advocacy organization in Northern Virginia for Black women and girls, we have hosted the Annual Luncheon Advocacy Forum for nearly forty years to bring critical issues to our community. Through moderated discussions with thought leaders and trailblazers across various fields, the Northern Virginia Chapter has generated a dialogue amongst our attendees so that they leave the event with ways to impact their local communities. Chapter members serve on local boards, and we meet with local officials, the League of Women Voters, and Housing Authorities to address local policies that impact Black women and girls, their families, and local communities.

Impact Statement

NCBW NOVA Chapter serves the Northern Virginia communities of Arlington County, VA, City of Alexandria, VA, and Fairfax County, VA. As our impact continues to affect the population served, each of our initiatives makes focused impact:

Educational impacts are to: Eliminate disparities Improved outcomes and graduation rates Provide vocational/college preparation courses Provide S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Education Support HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) Access Affordability.

Health impacts are Childhood and Family Obesity Initiative NCBW Cancer Health Disparities Program NCBW Metabolic Syndrome Initiative Prevention/Decrease Mortality Improve Health Outcomes Access to Affordable Healthcare Culturally Competent Research Quality of Life – Public Safety and Crime.

Economic Empowerment impacts are: Pay Equity African American Woman-Owned Business Growth Livable Wage Employment Opportunities.

Public Policy impacts are Voter Education/Rights Civic Engagement Increase Women Candidates Running for Political Office, Issue Timely Policy Alerts, and Issue Position Papers on Public Policy Platform Issues.    

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved in our programmatic areas by attending listening sessions, responding to call to action alerts, e.g. voter registration, civic engagement and community organizing.

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

All monetary and in-kind donations matter and help to support our ongoing programmatic initiatives.  Charitable dollars are spent as the NCBW NOVA Chapter hosts more than twenty various activities and events each program year. Those activities include workshops on financial literacy, wealth building, leadership training and Board member development, Town Halls, webinars, and leading our robust young girls mentoring program.   

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

Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA)

EIN: 82-4681676

Mission Statement

CYFA uses collective impact, restorative practices, education, and advocacy to transform system and create sustainable community conditions for children, youth, and families to thrive in safe and healthy communities.  

Program Summary

At CYFA, we work to bring to life the words of Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.” Through collective impact, restorative practices, education, and advocacy, we empower youth and families, breaking down barriers and creating sustainable, community-based systems that provide the resources and opportunities necessary for individuals to achieve their goals and realize their potential.

At the core of our mission is the BuildStrong Initiative, a dynamic framework addressing the needs of youth and families at all stages of engagement with community support. This initiative connects programs focused on prevention, early intervention, and systemic transformation, ensuring that lasting change is achieved at both the individual and community level.

Our Integrated Model of Partnership to Achieve Community-Based Transformation (IMPACT) brings together public and private stakeholders to design and implement sustainable, community-driven solutions. One example is the Children & Youth Master Plan in Danville, Virginia, which prioritizes systemic change over isolated interventions. Additionally, our Addressing Root Causes (ARC) Initiative works to tackle systemic inequities, influence public policy, and create frameworks for equitable funding, such as Arlington County’s efforts to build an equitable allocation model for discretionary funding.

Central to CYFA’s work is the Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI), which includes transformative programs like Promoting Empathy through Equitable Resolution (PEER) and Youth Peer Court (YPC). YRDI helps to divert youth from entering the juvenile justice system by empowering them to take accountability for their actions in a supportive, restorative environment. Through PEER, youth resolve harm through community-led circles, and YPC provides a peer-driven alternative to the traditional court system. Over the past 18 months, YRDI in Arlington has received 102 referrals from law enforcement, juvenile court, Arlington Public Schools, and the community, with a 100% completion rate.

CYFA also fosters community healing through programs like Relax, Relate, Restore (RRR), which creates safe spaces for dialogue and connection, and Real Experiences Assisting Community Healing (REACH), which trains “credible messengers” within communities to guide at-risk youth toward healing. Through REACH, we have trained 45 gang-connected youth in Danville as peer leaders through the Youth Peer Court Ambassador Academy©, empowering them to lead transformative change in their communities.Through education and advocacy, CYFA addresses legal and systemic obstacles that limit access to opportunity. Our Legal Advocacy Workshops (LAW) have equipped over 100 youth with the tools to protect their rights, including a juvenile expungement initiative in partnership with the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center. The Guiding Personal Success (GPS) program provides social-emotional learning opportunities to youth connected to Affordable Homes and Communities, with our current cohort of 15 elementary school students receiving bi-monthly afterschool programming focused on promoting mental health, physical well-being, resilience, and positive life choices. Additionally, CYFA’s Campaign to Amplify Racial Equity (CARE) offers community members the chance to deepen their understanding of how racism impacts our systems and daily lives. Through community outreach, educational workshops, and open dialogues, this campaign encourages individuals to actively engage in dismantling systemic racism, fostering a more equitable society for all.

CYFA is committed to creating lasting change through community-driven solutions that empower youth, families, and communities to thrive.

Impact Statement

The Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI) is a critical public-private safety initiative that provides young people restorative pathways to avoid formal legal system involvement, and the negative psychological, academic, and health outcomes associated with system involvement, through community-based programming. The YRDI not only helps youth succeed but also improves public safety and enhances the effective and efficient use of public resources.

The more contact a young person has with the juvenile legal system, the higher their risk of negative outcomes. “Pre-arrest diversion,” also known as “deflection,” removes the primary entry point into the legal system by proactively positioning law enforcement officers in a continuum of care focused on connecting young people with community-based resources to address the harms resulting from their actions in lieu of arrest.

Deflection has been found to be more effective at reducing recidivism (or future harmful conduct) than conventional judicial interventions. 

The YRDI is Arlington’s only deflection program for youth, and it is a success. On September 17, 2024, CYFA shared the YRDI’s Year 1 data to the ACB: https://tinyurl.com/bdf5ramu

Additional data can be found on our website at: https://cyfadvocacy.org/arlington-county/

What ways can the public get involved?

Each person’s individual power to lead, lend support, and take action drive real and sustained change in the community, particularly in advancing CYFA’s mission. There are a number of ways you can join our Civic Circle:

  1. Stay informed and connected on the ways to support young people and families thrive through CYFA’s community-based programming.
  2. Financially support CYFA, the Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI), and our prevention, intervention, and community-building programs.
  3. Use your voice and influence to raise awareness on the YRDI and its impact on youth and families.
  4. Share your time and talents by volunteering at our events, including the Listen Learn Lead Summit.
  5. Share the opportunity to serve on our Youth Advisory Board with middle and high school students.  
  6. Share the opportunity with high school students to serve as PEER and YPC Ambassadors and administer restorative justice on matters involving local peers. 

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

Your donation to CYFA directly supports transformative programs that empower youth and families. It funds initiatives such as the PEER, YPC, and YPC Ambassador Academy© programs, which provide restorative justice opportunities to help young people take accountability and grow. These programs are designed to equip youth with the skills to implement restorative practices in their daily lives, building leadership and reimagining public safety in their communities. Your support also sustains our Guiding Personal Success programs, which offer youth vital social-emotional learning and personal development, while the Listen Learn Lead Summit empowers middle and high school students to embrace leadership.

Additionally, your contribution helps fund quarterly Teen Timeout programs that focus on youth mental and physical well-being, as well as our Law Day event, which ensures youth have the knowledge to protect their rights. CYFA also fosters community healing through Relax, Relate, Restore (RRR) circles, addressing critical issues and building connections. Your donation supports end-of-summer and back-to-school events, equipping children and families with the tools they need to succeed. These programs promote healthy minds, healthy bodies, and healthy relationships, creating a foundation for young people to thrive. Your generosity drives lasting change and strengthens the resilience of our communities.

Information provided March 2025

Bridges to Independence

EIN: 54-1368484

Mission Statement

The mission at Bridges is to guide children and families out of homelessness and into stability and self-sufficiency. 

Since 1985, Bridges to Independence has empowered 16,000 homeless children and families in Arlington. What began as a small shelter has grown into a multifaceted family and children services agency.

Program Summary

Bridges provides the following programs for children and families experiencing homelessness in Arlington:

Impact Statement

What ways can the public get involved?

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

Information provided April 2025

Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia

EIN: 52-1589700

Mission Statement

Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia’s (Habitat DC-NOVA) mission is to reduce poverty and housing instability in the national capital area by creating and preserving decenter, affordable, and energy-efficient homes for Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia residents with low to moderate incomes. 

Program Summary

Habitat DC-NOVA believes that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live. We work to break down barriers to homeownership and help families create stability and intergenerational wealth through permanent housing. 

Homeownership: Habitat provides unique opportunities for families with low to moderate incomes to buy their first home. We build quality homes and partner with DC & NOVA families to sell them below market value with affordable financing, reduced down payments, and mortgage payments proportional to income. We serve families earning 30-80% of the Area Medium Income (AMI) and who live in Arlington County, Fairfax County, The Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and the District of Columbia. 

Home Repair: We partner with seniors with lower incomes and adults with disabilities to help them make critical repairs and accessibility modifications to their homes. By helping families who cannot afford these repairs, we’re helping to make their homes safe, healthy, and supportive of aging in place. With modifications and support, they can continue to live—and thrive- in their own homes and communities. 

Impact Statement

For the last 35 years, Habitat DC-NOVA has partnered with families to help them build stronger foundations for their future. Currently, 1/3 of households in our region pay more than 30% of their monthly income towards housing. With many spending a large portion of their income on housing, they have to make difficult decisions between spending on housing, healthcare, food, and transportation. 

We have built over 300 homes, completed over 235 home repairs, and served almost 2,000 individuals. In 2018, we found that 52% of homeowners pursued higher education, and 92% of children in Habitat homes had graduated high school.  

We have set an ambitious goal to serve 1,000 people by 2030 through our homeownership and home repair program. Active construction is going on in Arlington at Reeves Farmhouse, in DC at 55th Street, and in Fairfax at Fairfax Presbyterian Church.

What ways can the public get involved?

Habitat DC-NOVA brings people with all different backgrounds together to eliminate poverty housing and build community alongside our neighbors needing a decent place to live. We believe everyone can make a difference with their unique skills and talents, and we offer a variety of opportunities to support our affordable housing mission. 

Whether you want to swing a hammer, help bring in donations at the ReStore, hold a fundraiser to support our builds, plan an event to raise awareness of housing needs or advocate for housing policies,  we have an opportunity that will fit your needs. 

Volunteering: We have volunteer opportunities on our construction site, our ReStores, and in our office. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Donate home goods, furniture, or construction materials to the ReStore. We have three ReStores (Alexandria and Chantilly) open to the public Monday-Saturday. Shop the store that helps build homes! We accept donations at the store and may be able to pick up larger items at your home. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/restore/
Donate your vehicle, motorcycle, or RV to the Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes program. Your vehicle can help support local families in building strength, stability, and shelter. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/support-us/donate-your-car/

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

Habitat DC-NOVA provides decent, affordable homes to families needing a safe place to call home. Each donation is used responsibly to support programs, serve families, and build more equitable and accessible communities in our region. We are currently ranked as a 4-star charity on Charity Navigator, with a 94% ranking. 

With the continually increasing cost of building materials and land, we work hard to build partnerships to reduce these expenses. However, significant costs for materials, site preparation, and other services are still needed to serve families in our area.

Information provided March 2026

Spread The Vote + Project ID

EIN: 81-5308494

Mission Statement

A real democracy cannot flourish unless all of its citizens have full access to the rights and privilege of their citizenship. By helping the citizens and residents of the United States obtain the IDs they need to attain jobs, housing, health care, voting, and more, we build a society in which every human has an equal opportunity to achieve.

Program Summary

We help people obtain state IDs and all documents required to obtain those IDs, including birth certificates, marriage records, etc. We provide the funds for the documents and IDs, transportation to the DMV, and anything else needed to get an ID in the hands of our clients. 

Impact Statement

To date we have helped more than 1500 people obtain IDs in Virginia, more than 800 of those in Arlington. We have been working consistently in Arlington since 2017 and are deeply committed to the community and our clients. 

What ways can the public get involved?

We always welcome volunteers! All of our volunteers who work in Arlington live in Arlington and always welcome new members of the team. We also accept donations of funds as well as goods for our clients and partners.

If you are interested, email volunteers@spreadthevote.org.

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

IDs cost an average of $40 each, donations go mainly to IDs and the documents required to obtain IDs (ex. birth certificate costs start at $20 and increase significantly depending on the state). The average ID cost in Virginia is $28.

Photo of Spread the vote volunteers tabling.

Information provided April 2024

Neighborhood Health

EIN: 54-1849891

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve health and advance health equity in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax by providing high quality primary care regardless of ability to pay.

Program Summary

Neighborhood Health provides accessible, high quality, and patient-centered primary care to patients in Arlington, the City of
Alexandria, and Fairfax County. Our comprehensive model of primary care includes family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics as well as dental care, behavioral health, laboratory services, medication assistance, pediatric vision services, HIV care, diabetes education, and medical and non-medical case management. We are accredited by the Joint Commission and a certified Primary Care Medical Home, coordinating care across the health care continuum. Our mission is to improve health and advance health equity in our service area by providing high quality primary care regardless of ability to pay. Our vision is that everyone in our community has the highest quality healthcare and the opportunity to attain their highest level of health.

Neighborhood Health operates two clinics in Arlington; one at the Sequoia complex that serves adults and the Arlington
Pediatric Center which joined Neighborhood Health in January 2024. Many Arlington residents receive care at Neighborhood Health clinics in other jurisdictions.

Impact Statement

Neighborhood Health provides care for low-income, underinsured and uninsured individuals in Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and Fairfax County. We ensure access to high quality, comprehensive primary healthcare regardless of ability to pay.

In 2024, we served 42,703 pediatric and adult patients. Most of our patients are either uninsured (37%) or on Medicaid (48%). 98% of patients report income of 200% FPL or lower. Over 90% identify as a racial or ethnic minority. We are the largest safety net health provider in Northern Virginia. Our patients have few other options to receive care.

In 2024, Neighborhood Health provided care to over 6,500 Arlington residents.

Neighborhood Health was recognized by HRSA with these 2024 Community Health Quality Recognition awards: Silver Health Center Quality Leader (top 11-20%), Health Disparities Reducer, Access Enhancer, Addressing Social Risk Factors, and Advancing HIT for Quality.

What ways can the public get involved?

The best way to support Neighborhood Health is through a financial contribution.

Neighborhood Health has limited volunteer opportunities. Email nhojvat@nhnva.org with questions.

Neighborhood Health has limited capacity for accepting donated goods. Email nhojvat@nhnva.org with inquiries.

If your organization is interested in partnering with Neighborhood Health, email jknops@nhnva.org.

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

Given Neighborhood Health’s high percentage of uninsured patients – about 37%, we welcome the financial support of individuals, corporations, and foundations to help cover the costs of serving our uninsured neighbors. Donations are used to pay for the care of these uninsured patients.

Examples of What Your Donation Will Cover:

Call (571) 457-9146 or email development@nhnva.org with questions about donations.

Donations to Neighborhood Health can be designated for General Operations or for a specific purpose or project within our scope of work. Donations can also be made in memorium or in honor of an individual chosen by the donor. Please email development@nhnva.org for more details.

Donations to Neighborhood Health are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Information provided March 2025

Britepaths

EIN: 52-1596259

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

Impact Statement

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

Information provided March 2026