Population: Disabled

Wesley Housing

EIN: 51-0155779

Mission Statement

At Wesley Housing, we build up the lives of our most vulnerable community members by creating and operating healthy, inclusive, stable, affordable housing communities and providing supportive resident services.

Program Summary

Beyond building/preserving permanent housing options for low- and moderate-income persons across Virginia and Washington, DC, we strive for our housing to be a foundation to thrive. We do this by offering free support services/education to every resident to guide them on their paths to self-sufficiency. As such, our core lines of business are real estate development, asset management, property management, and resident services. 

Through our Housing Stability Initiative (HSI), the basis of our resident services programming, Wesley Housing provides supportive services to all 4,700+ residents on-site in their communities, including 380 households in Arlington. The Initiative operates on the basis that housing is the foundation vulnerable families need to thrive, and once stabilized, families can build up other aspects of their lives. As such, in addition to eviction prevention support, the HSI also provides workforce development opportunities, health/wellness offerings, and material assistance. 

Impact Statement

For more than 50 years, Wesley Housing has provided permanent, affordable housing to over 35,000 households experiencing financial insecurity. 

Today, we own 42 communities, including multi-family apartments and communities for older adults/individuals with disabilities/chronic disease. Five of these communities are located in Arlington County and are home to 840 residents, 87% of which are BIPOC and earn $41,470/ year on average for a household of two. 

At the same time, we are still rapidly expanding. Our Real Estate team has over 850 affordable units in its development pipeline, including new construction and renovations, such as the Melwood-Wesley Inclusive Community in Arlington.  

The impact we make each year is measured by the success of our residents. In 2024, 1,351 households accessed linkage and referral services. Through the work of our resident services team, 286 evictions were prevented, 18 residents received new/more gainful employment, 346 residents participated in health/wellness offerings, and 1,884 residents received material assistance (i.e. food/hygiene items). This summer, we served 85 youth through Quest summer camp, and launched Odyssey for older adults, engaging 180 participants. In addition, 455 K-12 students received new backpacks and supplies through Supplies for Success, and over 600 residents received holiday assistance through Holiday Help.

What ways can the public get involved?

Wesley Housing welcomes support of our major giving campaigns throughout the year including the Housing Stability Initiative (year-round), QUEST Summer Youth Enrichment Program (April/May), Supplies for Success (July/Aug), and Holiday Help (Nov-Dec). 

In addition, volunteers serve in many capacities including youth and adult education assistants and tutors; translators; holiday helpers (gift wrappers, sorters, delivery drivers); school supplies donation sorters and delivery drivers; food pantry assistants; youth summer camp chaperones; and more.

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

Donations help strengthen our award-winning Housing Stability Initiative (HSI) by allowing us to adequately scale our resident services to our growing portfolio. Following a recent merger with Virginia United Methodist Development Corporation, Wesley is well-positioned to serve over 4,700 individuals with low income across 42 communities this year. Funding will help ensure each of these community members have access to the support they need to thrive. 

Information provided March 2025

Meals on Wheels of Arlington

EIN: 52-1344727

Mission Statement

At Meals on Wheels Arlington, our mission is to nourish and empower homebound individuals in Arlington by providing wholesome, prepared meals with compassion and care. We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food and the comfort of connection. Through our dedicated volunteers and community partnerships, we strive to enhance the well-being and dignity of those we serve, fostering a sense of belonging and support for all. Together, we are creating a healthier, more inclusive community where no one faces hunger alone.

Program Summary

Potential clients are referred to the Arlington County Agency on Aging for eligibility intake. For accepted clients, meals are prepared by a commercial caterer and delivered to our staging area at First Presbyterian Church on Vermont Avenue in the Ballston neighborhood. Volunteer drivers pick up the meals and deliver them to homebound residents in North and South Arlington. Most clients receive 10 meals delivered once a week, along with beverages. A small group who cannot accommodate a bulk delivery receive two meals, five days a week, plus beverages. We currently serve about 180 clients each week. First Presbyterian Church allows us to use their facility for staging and storage, but we do not have a permanent physical address.

Impact Statement

In 2024, volunteers from our 139 person roster devoted 7000 hours delivering 93,000 meals to 290 individual client. Meals are delivered either weekly or daily, depending on need. Meals on Wheels Arlington addresses food insecurity for Arlington residents who are over 60 and unable to manage food preparation on their own.  Meals on Wheels Arlington also serves Arlington residents under age 60, who, because of their age cannot be funded through the Arlington Agency on Aging.  MOW uses its own funds to support these individuals.  These are Arlington residents who are homebound and unable to provide food for themselves. These are Arlington residents who are homebound and unable to provide food for themselves who would otherwise fall through the cracks of Arlington’s excellent programs.


An added benefit to our program is that because MOW drivers have regular contact with our clients, they can be our eyes on the ground.  In the event they see something that would affect a client’s health or safety, MOW will communicate these concerns to Arlington County, for follow up by a social worker.

What ways can the public get involved?

Of course, members of the public are welcome to donate to our organization with funds as well as volunteering.   Members of the public can help us out by volunteering to drive meals to our clients or load the driver’s vehicles.  

Volunteer drivers are the engines that move us!  In a month, we deliver over 7,700 meals through approximately 35 routes averaging 5-8 clients per route.  The majority of our delivery activity occurs on Wednesdays.  We do not deliver evenings or weekends. We ask our drivers to be available at least once a month.  The time commitment to drive a route is about 2.5 hours and requires use of the driver’s own vehicle.

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

As a volunteer-driven organization with an overhead rate of less than 1%, donations directly fund mission-related needs. Most of our donation dollars are directed toward funding meals for homebound clients who do not meet Arlington County’s age requirement of 60 and who cannot afford to pay for meals on their own. $62 funds meals for a week for a homebound Arlington resident.  Donations allow us to add clients to our roles.

Though we are affiliated with Meals on Wheels America, we receive no funding from the national organization.  Meals on Wheels Arlington is fully locally funded and managed.

Information provided March 2025

The Sycamore School

EIN: 47-4551914

Mission Statement

To provide a dynamic, nurturing and personalized education that inspires a passion for learning, self-discovery and connection to the community. 

Program Summary

TSS follows a mastery-based learning model that integrates academic development, social and emotional growth, and civic engagement.  We create a meaningful learning process, whereby teachers personalize instruction according to students’ interests, needs, and aptitudes. Teaching focuses on cultivating transferable skills in students that apply to various jobs or tasks across settings, such as effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. We don’t give grades or tests; our core learning tools include feedback and reflection.  We’re intentionally small, maintaining a 1:6 teacher to student ratio for middle school and 1:7 for high school. We can accommodate students who have a specific learning disability, anxiety, ADHD, high functioning autism, and/or social skills deficits. However, we are not a school specifically for students with learning struggles. We want to attract a cross section of students who reflect the diversity that is present in our larger population. Our target student is curious, wants to learn, and is looking for a more progressive learning environment. 

Impact Statement

TSS provides personalized, inquiry-based experiential learning, helping students make connections across content areas and to the real world. Many of our students learn differently and may require a more flexible learning environment that explicitly teaches executive functioning skills and social emotional skills alongside academic skills. Our accommodations are specific to the student and we provide both remediation and acceleration depending on the student and their unique needs. Many of our students are twice exceptional (2E), meaning that they are gifted in one area but struggle in another area. Our students cultivate the skills necessary to  be independent life-long learners, such as effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, cognitive flexibility, perspective taking, and teamwork. In middle school, our focus is on skill development. In high school, we want our students to apply the skills they’ve learned to new situations, effectively advocate for themselves, and take ownership of their learning. Our students graduate TSS with a mastery-transcript that is similar to a digital portfolio, showcasing their areas of study, strengths, and interests. It includes the skills they have mastered and exemplar pieces of work, such as a capstone project.

What ways can the public get involved?

We partner with other nonprofits, local businesses, and professionals in our community to provide community service, a speaker series, internships, career day, and volunteer opportunities. Fridays are TSS’s community-based learning days, where our students go into the community on field trips and community service outings. Sometimes, the community comes to us. We regularly host guest speakers  and have school demonstrations and activities. Individuals can volunteer to be a guest speaker, capstone project mentor, and/or a community partner. 

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

TSS is a small independent nonprofit school that does not receive any federal or state funding. As such, our revenue comes from tuition and fundraising. We raise funds to offer need-based financial aid and reach underserved students. We are always striving to increase the diversity in our community. We try to keep our tuition affordable to attract a wide range learners. Many of our students are neurodivergent and require small classes and individualized instruction to access the curriculum. Other students have felt unsafe in larger school settings and seek an inclusive safe space to be their authentic selves. We are proud to have a large LGBTQIA+ community at our school, reflected in our students and staff. 

Information provided April 2025

NAMI Northern Virginia

EIN: 51-0241920

Mission Statement

Our mission is to serve Northern Virginia individuals, family members, and friends affected by mental health challenges through awareness, education, support, advocacy, and collaboration with community partners.

Program Summary

NAMI Northern Virginia educates, advocates, and provides support to those impacted by mental health concerns. All our programs are free to the public, and we like to get people, the public, knowledgeable about mental health so that they don’t face a crisis. We don’t focus only on the peers, those living with mental illness. We are also concerned about helping and advocating for the families and loved ones that support them.

Supporting mental health is about more than just connecting to treatment. NAMI Northern Virginia provides the services needed to support wellness in our community, from lending a listening ear to a concerned family member, to working with individuals long-term connecting to resources for legal and housing assistance. Finding support in groups provides those in need a sense of community, a place where they know they are not alone, a place to share their experiences and gain support from others who understand. 

Some of our no cost programs include:

Education

NAMI Northern Virginia’s training and education team work to give best-in-class information on de-escalation, mental health signs and symptoms, and mental wellness – in the home, the workplace, and with loved ones. Our training is trusted to provide honest and open conversations that not only educate but shift perspective around mental health support and community, breaking stigmas associated with mental illness.  These training sessions leave participants feeling empowered to invest in mental wellness and supported on their mental health journey. 

Support Groups

NAMI Northern Virginia holds support groups for people with mental health conditions, and for family members, and loved ones of people with mental health conditions . Led by trained leaders who’ve been there and faced similar experiences, participants gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others.

Classes

Our classes provide information and strategies for taking care of yourself and the person you love, while understanding that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope. The group setting of NAMI’s SAMSHA evidence-based classes provide mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Our classes are safe, confidential spaces. Courses provide an opportunity for mutual support and growth. 

Impact Statement

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides free advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI Northern Virginia is a NAMI affiliate serving the over 2.4 million people of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church. NAMI’s programs can help you to better understand your or a loved one’s mental health condition. You will learn from connecting with others who have similar experiences. All of our support programs are free, confidential, and peer-led. Simply put, NAMI Northern Virginia is an organization of peers and families. They understand because they’ve been there too.

In 2023, NAMI Northern Virginia provided over 10,000 touchpoints of service to people in the Northern Virginia area. They include individuals living with mental health conditions, their family members and friends, mental health professionals, law enforcement and first responders, and our neighbors.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities available

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Thrive

EIN: 51-0207684

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

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

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

Impact Statement

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Boathouse Foundation

EIN: 54-1618550

Mission Statement

The Arlington Boathouse Foundation’s mission is to provide access for Arlington residents to the Potomac River. Community members and students will greatly benefit from the ability to not only see but interact with the river that is a vital part of our county and the surrounding region.

Program Summary

From the beginning the vision has been to provide opportunities for both the rowing and paddling community in Arlington. The county boasts a long history of offering rowing to high school programs as far back as 75 years. For generations this rich history has intermixed with the area’s paddling community to give county residents additional outlets, both recreational and competitive, to the river. To connect with the world around us, the boathouse would offer an outlet for school and community-based educational opportunities. Additionally, by connecting residents and visitors to the Potomac River and its shorelines, the Arlington Community Boathouse will inspire an interest in protecting the river from pollution for all who enjoy access. Finally, early plans for the operation of the facility propose using it to provide access for watershed and river protection organizations. 

Impact Statement

The Arlington Boathouse Foundation is advocating for the new community facility to be an innovative model of environmental sensitivity and sustainability to serve a broad spectrum of resident and visitor users with access to the Potomac River. Not only will non-motorized water sports, such as rowing and paddling, be supported but the boathouse facility will serve as a unique classroom for nature study and stewardship. Envisioned as well are passive exhibits related to the site’s historic and cultural connections, such as the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. From the upper site near Rosslyn Circle, visitors can enjoy unsurpassed vistas of Georgetown, Foggy Bottom and the upper Potomac River.

What ways can the public get involved?

Here are three ways you can help build the Arlington Community Boathouse: 

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

Charitable dollars are spent to do all things necessary for financing, designing, permitting, constructing, organizing, and operating a boathouse. 

A photo of Washington-Lee Women's crew team practicing on the Potomac river.

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

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

L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C.

EIN: 52-1233065

Mission Statement

Make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships.

Foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, while being faithful to the core values of our founding story.

Engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.

Program Summary

The heart of our work is providing holistic, person-centered belonging and community in inclusive L’Arche GWDC homes for people with disabilities. L’Arche is unique among residential service providers in that core members (adults with intellectual disabilities) and assistants (people without intellectual disabilities who support core members, working as Direct Support Professionals) choose to live life together like a family.

Two of our homes are located in South Arlington.

Lifelong care and relationships are foundational.

We believe it’s possible to shape a world that welcomes every person as a fully valued and meaningfully contributing member of society.  We do this by providing holistic, individualized care for core members (adults with intellectual disabilities) rooted in mutual relationships.

Education and Advocacy are essential.

Our way of life has the power to remove barriers between people with and without disabilities. Through formal and informal educational moments, we promote the understanding that all people are valuable and integral to mutual thriving. We advocate for each other and for laws that promote inclusion to create more human communities.

Mission of Transformation is the result.

We nurture each other’s leadership potential and spiritual formation to discover who we

are and how we can contribute to the greater good.  Investing in our model of belonging and community supports opportunities for transformative relationships across difference and makes a more human society possible for all.

Impact Statement

Core Members – adult with disabilities who live in our homes – have specifically reported the following benefits of our model:

What ways can the public get involved?

Join our Community Connections Program  for adults with and without intellectual disabilities, held one Saturday each month in Arlington.

Join an online prayer night. Prayer nights happen on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm Eastern Time. Click here for the Zoom link and to learn more.

Invite us to come to your community (workplace, faith community, etc) to talk about L’Arche.

Contact us (info@larche-gwdc.org) for more opportunities, including volunteering.

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

The impact of your donation to L’Arche GWDC can be seen in our daily lives – in the cozy, safe homes we live in, in the vans that get us where we need to go, and in the loving relationships between core members and Assistants/DSPs.  Medicaid funding covers basic needs like shelter and food. Donations allow us to thrive and truly participate in our community. With donations, we maintain our homes and yards, go on vacations together, ensure that our Assistants/DSPs receive meaningful wages, go out to eat with friends, buy groceries and utilities, do outreach, and so much more.

Information provided March 2026