Population: Elderly

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

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

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

Arlington Neighborhood Village

Mission Statement

Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) provides services and social connections that enable seniors to age in their own homes with safety, independence, and an enhanced quality of life.

Program Summary

Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) helps older adults age in place vibrantly and safely in their own homes by providing practical assistance and social connection. ANV’s Financial Aid Fund ensures seniors of all backgrounds and means have access to its services and programs.

Direct Services: ANV vets, trains, and deploys a corps of volunteers to assist ANV members with the routine tasks that can challenge independence – rides to medical appointments or the grocery store, errands, foodbank deliveries, and assistance with at-home maintenance and technology.

Social Support: ANV also offers a range of opportunities to help its members stay connected to a community, avoiding the social isolation that can accompany aging. Our volunteers make friendly visits and check-in calls, while a full calendar of activities—such as a weekly speaker series, games, lunches, hobby groups, and fitness classes—fosters meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging.

ANV currently has 500 members, ranging in age from 58 to 102. Many of our members live alone (68%), 44% are 80+ years old, and many have challenges with mobility, hearing, or sight (31%). 20% identify as being Black, Asian, LatinX, or mixed race. Almost half (46%) of our members are lower-income seniors.

Impact Statement

ANV’s membership continues to grow and diversify, helping meet the needs of Arlington’s expanding population of older adults. In 2025, ANV served 500 members and is on track to grow to 550 in 2026, including 230 lower-income seniors. We activated 320 vetted and trained volunteers to meet our members’ needs and expect to onboard 20 more this year. ANV’s work helped contribute to Arlington County’s recognition by AARP as the #1 “Top Place to Live for Older Adults” for 2025!

Transportation is one of ANV’s most-used services: in 2025, volunteers provided 2,563 rides for seniors, 62% of which were for medical appointments, underscoring the essential nature of our work. Volunteers also provided a variety of other service calls: running errands (754), making friendly visits (581), providing tech support (259), and various other assistance, such as check-in calls and household chores (695). 

Last year, ANV offered an average of 12 social events each month, including activities such as “Coffee & Conversations,” which features guest speakers on a range of topics; seasonal walks; bocce ball; a book club; a low-vision cohort group; and dine-around lunches. Event participation ranged from 7 to almost 200 participants each.  

What ways can the public get involved?

Donate! Your contributions help us keep up the good work and expand to meet the growing population of seniors in Arlington County. You can choose to help fund our operations or support our Financial Aid Fund to help cover the participation costs for lower-income seniors.

Volunteer!  Our volunteers have a range of options to suit their preferences and availability, such as providing rides, running errands, being a friendly visitor or walking buddy, helping with household chores, offering tech help, and more. Volunteers also work behind the scenes, helping manage the ANV Office, fundraise, oversee finances, plan events, recruit volunteers, and plan health and wellness programs. Finally, volunteers serve on ANV’s Board of Directors. Contact our office to learn how.

Spread the Word! ANV is always looking for help to inform others about the organization and the services it provides to older adults in Arlington. Tell a neighbor about us!

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

General donations fund ANV operations – we have 4 full- or part-time employees and cover operational expenses such as office rent, insurance coverage, financial management services, and background checks for volunteers. 

ANV maintains a Financial Aid Fund that pays 80-100% of the membership fee for seniors with incomes below $65,000. As we serve more and more lower-income seniors each year, we seek donations to the Fund to ensure we can support all Arlington seniors who need our help. 

Information provided March 2026

Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS)

EIN: 31-1767394

Mission Statement

Northern Virginia Senior Softball provides recreational slow-pitch softball for adult men and women, 50 years and older, to keep members active and engaged socially. Given the broad range of ages served, with members ranging in age from 50 to 80+, all members are assessed and assigned to one of three conferences based on their skills and abilities. The intent is for members to play with and against others of comparable capabilities. Every effort is made to keep the games safe and fun.

Program Summary

Our spring/summer season starts in early April and goes through the end of July. We play doubleheaders every Tuesday and Thursday morning with the first game starting at 9am.  Our two-month Fall season starts in September.  In August, there are no league games, but there are pickup games for those members who have no left town on vacation. Batting practice is provided on non-play dates. 

Impact Statement

Staying active keeps our members young and healthy. The twice-a-week doubleheaders gives them a reason to get out of the house.  Teams are reassembled every year to avoid cliques and dynasties, and to speed up the process of getting to know each other. During the off season, conditioning programs are available to keep members active and in softball shape. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Join!  NVSS is an all-volunteer organization.  Member volunteers create schedules, apply for permits, act as umpires, order equipment and t-shirts and so on. If you liked softball as a kid, you’ll love it as an adult.

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

Donations help pay for field permits, sports equipment, and uniforms.  NVSS has no paid employees.  We are an all-volunteer, small nonprofit organization serving more than 500 men and women throughout Northern Virginia.

A photo of woman at bat at a NVSS game is prepared to swing

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Philharmonic

EIN: 75-3215581

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arlington Philharmonic is to make classical music accessible to every Arlington citizen, to promote the value of classical music in our civic life, and to build strong, creative partnerships with schools, local government, businesses and other organizations.

We affirm that racial equity – an understanding and acknowledgement of historical and ongoing racial inequities and a commitment to actions challenging those inequities – is a core tenet of our beliefs as an organization and will be embedded in our structure, operations, and artistic endeavors.

Program Summary

The Arlington Philharmonic (AP) is the only professional symphony orchestra in Arlington, performing at least three classical concerts annually. AP musicians also perform small ensemble performances. The AP is unique among regional professional orchestras because it does not charge admission, with the exception of fundraising events. The AP also sponsors a fee-based Crescendo Chamber Music Program for middle and high school string players and, new in FY2025, wind players. The AP strives to reach out to the many and diverse population groups in the region including Spanish and Mongolian community organizations, as well as to all age groups. As an artistic anchor in the Arlington community, the AP meets a specific need in Arlington County by reaching a large number of residents who may not otherwise be exposed to classical music.

Impact Statement

The AP impacts the community primarily through community enhancement, partnerships, and youth education. The AP’s partnership with the Arlington Central Library, comprising free small ensemble performances open to the public, and its partnership with Encore Learning have raised awareness of the AP’s existence and opportunities to experience orchestral performances free of charge. In the current 2025-26 season, the AP is undertaking a “Communities of Arlington Chamber Music Festival,” a strategic creative placemaking initiative featuring diverse programming in six different Arlington locations celebrating Arlington’s multicultural identity and strengthening cultural assets of historically marginalized communities. One of the AP’s principal impacts is on the youth of Arlington through youth education and opportunities for young people. The AP’s Board President, a retired APS orchestra director and music teacher, continues to actively promotes the AP and its opportunities for young musicians throughout the APS music programs. The AP’s December 2025 holiday concert, including young Arlington Public School string players performing with the professionals at Ballston Quarter, was a great success that attracted a sizeable audience, including shoppers, and received rave reviews from the Ballston Quarter management team. They have already asked us to repeat the concert in December 2026.

What ways can the public get involved?

The AP is always in need of volunteers at concerts to help greet and, if necessary, assist in seating audience members. Please contact us at info@arlingtonphilharmonic.org if you are interested.

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

The cost of a full orchestra concert comes to $20,000, most of which is funded by individual donations and in part by government funding. All donations to the AP go directly to operating costs, including paying our musicians, Music Director, and support staff; venue and equipment rental; administrative costs including liability insurance; and programming and marketing. 

Information provided March 2026

REACH for Uganda

formerly known as Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH)

EIN: 20-2089837

Mission Statement

For the past 22 years, REACH for Uganda has transformed communities in rural Eastern Uganda by focusing on delivering quality education, accessible healthcare, and sustainable community development. The organization’s mission centers on uplifting some of the region’s poorest and most vulnerable areas, aiming to bring lasting positive change.

Through a holistic approach that integrates education, healthcare, and community development initiatives, REACH actively enhances the quality of life for local residents. Engaging a dedicated network of volunteers and skilled professionals, REACH not only meets immediate needs but also empowers communities to become self-sustaining and vibrant.

Program Summary

The organization operates two model primary schools, serving nearly 1,000 students with a rigorous curriculum, extracurricular activities, and two meals a day. These schools consistently outperform local government-run schools, and REACH supports students through secondary and tertiary education with a scholarship program, enabling over 330 students to attend top schools and unlock future opportunities. REACH recently opened its own high school, as well, bringing much-needed quality secondary and vocational education to the region. 

REACH prioritizes gender equity, with 53% of its students being girls. Its efforts have significantly boosted female enrollment, and all girls who complete primary education pursue higher education. The organization also empowers women through microfinance programs, employment in traditionally male-dominated roles, and initiatives like the Better Homes Program, which improves living conditions by installing durable concrete floors in homes.

Healthcare is another key focus, with two clinics serving over 30,000 people annually, offering treatments for malaria, HIV, prenatal care, and more. These clinics also provide health education to communities. Additionally, REACH employs local community members, including alumni who became healthcare professionals, fostering sustainable development. Through these integrated programs, REACH continues to empower communities in Eastern Uganda, creating lasting change.

Impact Statement

We are an organization that believes in…

Education
We believe that children, especially girls, have a right to a quality education and basic healthcare. We believe that education is the key to transformation and opens opportunities. We believe that children are our hope for the future.

Integrity
We use our resources of time, talent, and money responsibly and strategically.

Respect
We value the Ugandan culture and way of life. We are inclusive of diverse ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds within Reach For Uganda.

Communication
We honestly and openly share our ideas and organizational decision-making.

Partnership
We foster teamwork and value relationships with our volunteers, child sponsors, donors, partners and friends as we work to achieve our goals in partnership with the people of Uganda.

A Passion to Serve
We empower people with opportunities to help children and others in need. We strengthen and grow the organization in a positive and constructive way.

What ways can the public get involved?

Sponsor a student’s education and change their life forever. Learn more here  https://reachforuganda.org/donate/sponsorship/

Support the building of our new secondary and vocational school: Learn more here https://reachforuganda.org/programs/arlington-secondary-and-vocational-school-project/

Donate to the program:

https://reachforuganda.reachapp.co/donations/new

Travel with us to Uganda-  High school students, adults, teachers. Learn more here: https://reachforuganda.org/getinvolved/trips/

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

Your donation to REACH for Uganda supports education, healthcare, and community development in rural Eastern Uganda. It helps fund two model primary schools and one secondary school, providing over 1,000 students with quality education, meals, and extracurricular activities. Your sponsorship of a student secures their future and allows them to reach their full potential. Funds contribute to gender equity initiatives, including microfinance programs and empowering women in leadership roles. Additionally, donations support REACH’s healthcare clinics, which serve over 30,000 people annually, providing essential medical treatments and health education. Your contribution directly empowers individuals and strengthens communities for long-term, sustainable growth in underserved areas of rural eastern Uganda.

Information provided March 2026

Encore Learning

EIN: 55-0848376

Mission Statement

Encore Learning offers academic, non-credit, daytime courses, lectures, special events, and activities to help meet the continuing education and social needs of any interested persons over fifty years of age.

Program Summary

Encore Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002. We help meet the continuing educational and social interests of anyone over age 50, regardless of residence location, by offering: a wide variety of noncredit courses, specialty clubs, wide-ranging special events, and enjoyable social activities. Through courses and other activities, members explore and share new ideas and develop new friendships inside and outside of classrooms.

Classes, clubs and events are either held in-person or virtually, with in-person courses primarily taking place at George Mason University in Arlington. Encore Learning has more than 150 volunteers each year who plan and teach courses, coordinate clubs and events, and engage in outreach.

What ways can the public get involved?

Encore Learning hosts the free to the public Encore Learning Presents on Mondays at 3:00 PM. These regular events are cosponsored by Arlington Public Library. Encore Learning Presents includes public lectures, panels, and film screenings. The semi-annual Course Preview is a free event introducing each semester. There are numerous volunteer opportunities to get involved and bring quality educational and social opportunities to people over 50.

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

Donations to Encore Learning support the general operating functions of this small volunteer driven nonprofit. Contributions help us reach more people who can benefit from the quality educational and social opportunities. Encore Learning provides scholarships for low-income members and brings quality presentations to the public.

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)

EIN: 54-1473207

Mission Statement

We are an independent, community-based non-profit food pantry that provides dignified access to nutritious supplemental groceries to all our neighbors in need.

Program Summary

AFAC provides free groceries to Arlington residents in need at our warehouse on S Nelson St, at 20 other distribution sites around the county, and through a home delivery for home-bound individuals and families. We provide a choice of items including eggs, milk and other dairy products, fish, chicken, hot dogs, ground beef, fresh fruit & vegetables, cereals, beans, pasta, breads, pastries and a number of other items to choose from.

Impact Statement

In FY 2024, 183,558 trips to AFAC were made for groceries. All of our families are below 30% average median income – 30% more families than the prior year.  Our families are 53% Hispanic, 12% Black, 10% Caucasian and the remainder are a number of other minority groups.

What ways can the public get involved?

Individuals and families can help AFAC by volunteering in our warehouse, to assist in distributing food to our families, by collecting food for donation – over 1.5 million pounds of food is needed every year in addition to the 3.5 million pounds of food AFAC purchases every year.  Finally, AFAC receives no federal or state funds and must rely on financial donations from individuals to fulfill our mission.

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

All donated funds are allocated directly to AFAC’s food purchase budget to purchase groceries that will be distributed to individuals and families. AFAC purchases 60% of the groceries we distribute, at wholesale cost, from local and national distributors. In FY24, AFAC had a food purchase budget of $1,500,000. 40% of the groceries AFAC distributes are donated through partnerships with local grocery chains, gleaning networks, farmers markets, community food drives, schools, corporate/walk-in donations, etc. All donated food is checked thoroughly, sorted, and then distributed to AFAC’s families. AFAC distributes over 80,000 pounds of food each week to over 4,100 families in need.

AFAC's bright yellow truck is photographed in front of the AFAC Shirlington distribution site on a sunny day.

Information provided March 2026