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

Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium

EIN: 27-2760025

Mission Statement

Promoting and supporting Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium as an accessible community resource for all people to learn, engage, and be inspired by the wonders of science and the universe.


Program Summary

The Friends raise funds to sponsor college scholarships, provide grants for teacher professional development, and support the licensing and creation of programming for the planetarium.  As part of its ongoing public education mission, the organization also hosts a variety of science themed public events and screenings of full-dome video programs.


Impact Statement

Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium (FOAP) provides funding to support education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  We have funded more than $96,000 in scholarships to Arlington Public School Students as well as grants to Arlington Public School teachers to attend classes, major educational conferences, and online learning.  The program is administered jointly with APS and has benefited dozens of our teachers and – most importantly – their students. More than 2,000 people attended planetarium shows or science-based presentations during FOAP sponsored weekend events.  We also host dedicated programs for scout troops in the David M. Brown Planetarium once a month during the school year. FOAP has expanded its community outreach through its portable planetarium dome and virtual equipment.  We participate in multiple events at locations throughout Arlington County in our effort to bring the planetarium to the community.    


What ways can the public get involved?

The public is invited to become a member of the Friends.  Members are part of a community of citizens who are concerned about the planetarium facility and science education.  Members receive Advance notification of ticket availability for FOAP public programs, a subscription to the monthly FOAP digital newsletter, and invitations to special members-only events.

The public can volunteer at planetarium shows or other events, including the Arlington County Fair.  

We welcome all donations.  The public can donate to support general programs, the David M. Brown Memorial Scholarship, or the Alice G. B. Monet Teacher Grant Program.


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

100% of donations designated for the David M. Brown Memorial Scholarship are used to fund student scholarships.  100% of donations designated for the Alice G. B. Monet Teach Grant Program are used to fund teacher grants.  Undesignated donations are used to fund student scholarships, teacher grants, planetarium programs, and enhancements to the planetarium facility.

All Board Members of the Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown planetarium serve as volunteers.

A large rainbow shines over the planetarium during a cloudy sunset.

Information provided March 2026

Boolean Girl

EIN: 82-1408294

Mission Statement

The mission of Boolean Girl is to diversify STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) by teaching and inspiring girls, low-income students, and underrepresented youth in grades three to eight through meaningful, hands-on instruction and sustained exposure to computer science and engineering in a collaborative and welcoming environment.


Program Summary

At Boolean Girl, we work to diversify STEM by teaching and inspiring girls, under-represented groups and low-income kids to code, build, invent and animate. Primarily serving the greater Washington, DC, area, we provide girls-only and co-ed classes, summer camps and after school programs, teaching coding and engineering in an inclusive, welcoming environment. 

With separate curriculum for elementary and middle school students, children learn computer science and engineering fundamentals through a series of unique projects, hands-on challenges, and play. Our students learn coding, robotics, AI, engineering, teamwork, and digital citizenship while making new friends and having fun. With a robust curriculum and hands-on projects, we educate and empower the next generation of technologists. In addition, we hire rockstar instructors, many of whom are high school and college students who complete paid internships or workforce development programs and are excellent mentors for our younger students.

With our micro:bit for All program, Boolean Girl provides micro:bit kits to schools and students to teach coding, along with lesson plans integrated into core curriculum such as math and science, as well as supplemental lessons in computer science or specials.

At Clubhouse, students excited to continue learning coding and engineering join small groups in after-school or weekend sessions to develop their own STEM projects, share their learnings, and get inspired to continue their STEM journey. Our curriculum incorporates programming and engineering including robotics, mechanics, and circuits, along with art and creativity.

At week-long Boolean Girl camps, girls learn computer science and engineering fundamentals from our rockstar instructors through a series of unique projects. Younger students begin with Scratch coding, starting with Storytelling in Scratch and progressing through Building Games and AI. Beginning in sixth grade, we teach more advanced coding with Python, in addition to Web Development and Artificial Intelligence. We also offer two types of engineering classes for students in grades five through eight: traditional robotics (things that move), and wearable machines.


Impact Statement

Women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, but less than one third of the science and engineering workforce. Latinx and African-American women make up less than 3%. Research has shown that a 28 percentage point gap exists between male and female Gen Z members regarding their interest in pursuing careers in engineering or computer/technology fields. Boolean Girl was founded to address this by fostering inclusive, creative, and collaborative environments in which girls can learn and grow confidence in STEM subjects at a pace equal to that of their male peers.

Over ten years ago, we started our journey teaching 49 girls in one elementary school in Arlington, Virginia. We have now reached over 60,000 girls and underrepresented youth throughout the greater Washington, DC area, in addition to online students across the country. 

In 2025, we reached over 10,000 students through Summer Camps, after-school Clubhouses, micro:bit for All, and other online and in-person events. We worked with 75 schools (72% of which were Title 1) to get over 6,000 micro:bit Kits to 5th grade students, training older students as instructors for the younger students. In addition, 45% of our students come from low income households and receive scholarships.


What ways can the public get involved?

The public can help through donations, sponsorships, volunteering at our events, or even teaching. 

Our partners and sponsors help us fund and run our programs through financial support, providing space for events, volunteers, technical support and other resources, and through offering guidance.


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

We run revenue generating summer camps that are open to all youth. This revenue covers our overhead costs which have been less than 10% of our overall costs for 10 years. This means that 100% of your donations go to programs that impact the community. 

Information provided March 2026

HopeLink Behavioral Health

EIN: 54-0880899

Mission Statement

HopeLink inspires hope and provides support for individuals and families experiencing crisis and behavioral health challenges. Through innovative services and a collaborative approach, we strengthen our community one life at a time.


Impact Statement

At HopeLink, we envision a society where hope is universal. Through access to quality behavioral health, crisis intervention, and suicide intervention services, we foster an inclusive community in which everyone can attain wellness and a genuine sense of belonging.


What ways can the public get involved?

HopeLink relies on the support of our community to provide our mental health and crisis services. We offer volunteer opportunities for adults, youth, and groups including corporate groups. Gifts to support the organization help HopeLink to serve the thousands of adults, youth and families in our community. 


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

Your dollars are critical in supporting HopeLink’s behavioral health, crisis and suicide intervention services. The demand for mental health services in our community is on the rise, and support from our community allows us to be able to offer services to our community members in need, despite financial, language, or other barriers that our community members may face to accessing care. 

Information provided March 2026

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

ECDC African Community Center

EIN: 52-1308986

Mission Statement

Enable and empower refugees on their path toward building safe, sustainable lives. 


Program Summary

Reception & Placement Program

The Reception & Placement program at ACC-DC-VA provides a robust suite of initial support services for newly arrived refugees and SIV holders. Over the first 90 days, clients receive essential aid including airport pickup, temporary housing, food assistance, enrollment in benefit programs, health screenings, and cultural orientation. These services are critical in helping clients stabilize and begin to navigate their new environment, setting a foundation for successful integration into the community.

Employment Support Services

Our Employment Support Services are designed to help refugees and immigrants overcome barriers to employment and advance their careers. We provide comprehensive support, including job training, skills development, resume building, and career counseling. Additionally, we facilitate job fairs to connect clients directly with potential employers, offering both immediate hiring opportunities and long-term career advancement.

Health Education and Support

ACC-DC-VA addresses health disparities by advocating for equitable healthcare and organizing health workshops in collaboration with local health departments. Our services include organizing pop-up vaccination sites and providing education on preventive care and wellness. This proactive approach ensures that our clients not only understand their health care options but also have access to necessary services to maintain good health.

Youth Mentorship and Family Enrichment

Our youth mentorship program pairs young immigrants and refugees with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement as they navigate their new lives. This program is part of our broader family enrichment services that aim to strengthen family ties and support through community-building activities and educational workshops, ensuring families have the resources to thrive together.

Intensive Case Management

For clients facing complex challenges, our intensive case management program offers personalized, in-depth support. Case managers work closely with individuals and families to address a range of needs including legal, health, and social services, ensuring that each client receives comprehensive and tailored assistance.

Immigration Aid

We offer legal immigration assistance to navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, helping with visa applications, green card renewals, citizenship paperwork, and family reunification petitions. Our legal team’s expertise is crucial in guiding clients through legal hurdles and providing necessary representation.

Women’s Empowerment Program

Our Women’s Empowerment Program is dedicated to supporting female clients through educational resources, empowerment workshops, and community integration activities. It focuses on building resilience and autonomy, helping women gain the skills and confidence needed to participate fully in their new community.

Victim Advocacy

The Victim Advocacy program supports clients affected by crime, trafficking, or domestic violence. We provide counseling, mental health services, and legal advocacy to help them navigate various systems and recover from their experiences. This program is crucial in ensuring that victims receive compassionate and effective support. These programs are all aimed at empowering our clients and guiding them towards self-sufficiency, ensuring they have the support needed to overcome barriers and integrate successfully into their new communities


Impact Statement

At ACC-DC Metro, we focus on fostering self-sufficiency among newly arrived refugees and immigrants. In Fiscal Year 23, we resettled over 1,700 individuals, providing comprehensive services including resettlement assistance, legal support, youth casework, language training, employment support, and health and mental well-being programs.

Our efforts ensure smooth transitions for clients into new communities, while also addressing the complexities of immigration legal processes. Dedicated caseworkers connect youth with educational resources and mentorship for better cultural and social integration. For adults, we offer employment training to enhance job prospects and financial independence. Our health services tackle both physical and psychological needs, ensuring clients start their new lives in optimal health.

Community integration is also key; for example, our post-COVID-19 Refugees’ First Thanksgiving event brought together over 450 refugees with 200 volunteers, celebrating new beginnings and cultural exchange. Another community event attracted 500 members, including new arrivals, highlighting local support from over 100 individuals and businesses.

These initiatives help our clients become contributing, integrated members of society, reflecting our commitment to their long-term success and well-being in their new homeland.


What ways can the public get involved?

At ACC-DC Metro, you can get involved and make a meaningful impact on the lives of refugees through a variety of opportunities:


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

Donations to ACC-DC Metro play a vital role in enhancing the lives of refugees and immigrants by supporting essential services that meet their needs. Contributions help furnish homes for new arrivals, provide Welcome Kits with crucial items for resettlement, and fund employment programs such as job training and interview preparation. Additionally, your donations support youth educational programs, legal assistance for navigating immigration processes, and critical health services including healthcare access and surgeries. Emergency assistance funds cover immediate needs like rental support during crises. Donations also enable community integration events that foster a sense of belonging. Your generosity ensures ACC-DC Metro can continue to offer these vital services, directly impacting the lives of those we serve and aiding their successful integration and empowerment in their new communities.

A large group of new arrivals pose for a photo in front of the washington monument.

Information provided April 2024

Arlington Soccer Association

EIN: 23-7284150

Mission Statement

Provide quality soccer programs and experiences for youth of all abilities, backgrounds and financial means to encourage personal growth, promote a love for the game, and advance soccer in Arlington and surrounding communities.


Program Summary

Arlington Soccer Association offers recreational, developmental and travel soccer, as well as a number of camps, clinics and other programs throughout the year.  Over 9,000 children take advantage of Arlington Soccer programs each year!


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

For the Arlington Soccer Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, charitable donations are vital to supporting its mission and operations. Generally donations go towards financial aid, unless they are specifically earmarked for other causes.  Here is how financial aid funds are typically utilized:

Financial Aid for Players: Donations designated for financial aid are used to subsidize the costs for players who may not otherwise be able to afford to participate in the soccer programs. This can include covering part or all of the fees associated with:

Information provided March 2026

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

Latinas Leading Tomorrow

EIN: 27-5119847

Mission Statement

Our mission is to connect and expose Latinas to opportunities that enrich their future through education, mentoring and leadership development


Program Summary

We are dedicated to empowering Latina middle and high school students through our free programming initiatives. These programs, specifically designed for Latinas leading tomorrow, encompass a range of opportunities. From our CORE (Creating Opportunities to Reach Excellence) program, which lays the groundwork for future success, to our ELITE Leadership Academy, where leadership skills are honed within a supportive team environment, we strive to provide avenues for personal and academic growth. Additionally, our LLT STEMpower Camps serves as a platform for Latinas to excel in these critical fields, equipping them with the skills and confidence to become leaders in STEM and beyond. Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of Latina leaders to reach their full potential and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.


Impact Statement

Our organization’s efforts have yielded significant outcomes for the population we serve. Latinas Leading Tomorrow has positively impacted a diverse demographic, with 65% coming from low-income backgrounds, 60% being first-generation students, and 50% raised in single-parent households. Remarkably, 90% of our participants have successfully transitioned to college, showcasing the profound effect of our work.


What ways can the public get involved?

Ways the Public Can Get Involved with Latinas Leading Tomorrow

There are many meaningful ways individuals, organizations, and businesses can support the mission of Latinas Leading Tomorrow and help empower the next generation of young women leaders.

Volunteer with Our Programs and Events
Community members can volunteer their time by supporting student workshops, mentoring sessions, STEM activities, or helping at community events such as our Noche de Impacto celebrations, STEM Boot Camps, and college exposure trips.

Become a Speaker or Mentor
Professionals are invited to share their career journeys and expertise with our students through guest speaking opportunities, career panels, and mentorship sessions that inspire young women to explore new possibilities.

Partner with Us
Organizations, universities, and businesses can partner with LLT to create internships, host educational experiences, sponsor programs, or collaborate on initiatives that expand opportunities for our students.

Make a Donation or Provide In-Kind Support
Financial contributions and in-kind donations such as school supplies, technology, transportation support, or event sponsorships help ensure that our programs remain accessible to the students and families we serve.

Host or Support a Fundraiser
Community members can help raise awareness and resources by organizing fundraising events, sponsoring program activities, or participating in events like our Reach for the Stars 5K or Noche de Impacto celebrations.

Together, we can create more opportunities for young women to grow as confident leaders, pursue higher education, and shape the future of our communities.


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

Latinas Leading Tomorrow allocates $0.89 to $1 of each dollar towards programming, directly supporting mission-related activities and services. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Programming Expenses: This part of the budget covers essential activities and services that fulfill the organization’s mission. For instance, it includes expenses for program materials like T-shirts and educational materials, as well as provisions for meals/snacks and transportation for field trips. Additionally, it covers costs for a program coordinator to oversee operations.

Administrative Costs: Administrative expenses pertain to the overall running of the organization and include expenditures like rent for storage space and dues & subscription expenses.

Fundraising Expenses: Funds dedicated to fundraising cover various costs associated with generating additional financial support for the organization’s mission. This encompasses expenses related to events like 5K Run/Walk, marketing and advertising efforts, donor outreach, and engaging a race timer.

Information provided March 2026