Jews United for Justice

EIN: 52-2346578

Mission Statement

Jews United for Justice advances economic, racial, and social justice in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia by educating and mobilizing our local Jewish communities to action.

We move our region closer to equity and justice by advancing issue-based campaigns that make real, immediate, and concrete improvements in people’s lives and build the power of working-class and poor communities of color. Through these campaigns we develop leaders, build our Jewish grassroots community, shift the consciousness of our community, and build the collective power needed to undo systemic racism and inequality.

Program Summary

For more than a quarter century, Jews United for Justice (JUFJ) has worked in coalition to win policy changes – like increasing the minimum wage, expanding access to affordable housing, and providing paid family leave to everyone – that make concrete improvements in the lives of millions of people. JUFJ simultaneously builds a vibrant Jewish community and Jewish home for local activists, who gather together for Jewish holiday celebrations and to take powerful action on local issues together. Through this work, JUFJ builds partnerships with non-Jewish organizations and communities across the region that increases understanding of the Jewish community and establishes the foundation for shared efforts to dismantle antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia.  

JUFJ launched our work in Arlington and more broadly in Northern Virginia in 2025. We are currently:

Building a vibrant community of leaders and volunteers committed to advancing justice
Helping to win Constitutional Amendments to advance voting rights, marriage equality, and reproductive justice
Mobilizing the Jewish community to support and protect immigrants in the region.

Impact Statement

JUFJ’s work targets two distinct communities. Through our policy advocacy campaigns, JUFJ’s work benefits millions of people in our region who are living in poverty or who are otherwise vulnerable. We work collaboratively with faith, community, and advocacy groups of people who are most directly and negatively impacted by the problems we seek to address, and we follow their leadership. Due to the advocacy of JUFJ and our partners, we have worked successfully for Paid Family Leave in Maryland and DC, Paid Sick Days in Maryland and DC, progressive tax laws, and many more policies that have a positive impact on people in our region.
Our work also directly impacts the lives of our base of mostly- Jewish volunteers, who plan and lead our programming, public education, and issue campaigns. This uniquely intergenerational constituency builds strong relationships, Jewish identity, and community, and often describes JUFJ as their Jewish home. They build leadership and advocacy skills and are part of a community working for justice.

What ways can the public get involved?

JUFJ is building a powerful group of volunteers that will fight for a more just state, and we are recruiting Virginians to volunteer with us. We invite you to join us at rallies, meetings with elected officials, and at our cultural and educational events. Our current advocacy is focused on supporting three state constitutional amendments to enshrine Voting Rights, Marriage Equality, and Reproductive Justice in the Constitution, and to advance Immigrant justice. We hope you will join us!

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

JUFJ is a careful steward of the money we raise, ensuring every dollar is spent wisely to help us advance our goals of a more just region. 

More than 90% of our budget goes to our core staff costs.  That staff provides the foundation to enable coordinated collective action with hundreds of multi-racial, multi-faith partners across the region, and to support our volunteer leaders to advance the work. We are actively seeking support to sustain and expand our staff team in Northern Virginia.

Information Provided February 2026

Community Residences Inc (CRi)

EIN: 54-1004092

Mission Statement

CRi envisions a world where all people have Choice, Respect, Independence, and the support needed to live a fulfilling life. We deliver personalized resources to youth and adults with mental health support needs and developmental disabilities, and for 50 years have promoted equity by aiding people with these diagnoses to live in diverse communities. Started in Arlington as part of the de-institutionalization movement, CRi provides services via a person-centered approach that emphasizes individual needs and preferences. CRi services help Virginians to increase their stability, autonomy, and well-being – via community homes, supervised residential services, and community-based case management services. 

Program Summary

CRi Programs serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health support needs, and youth as they age out of foster care:

Developmental Disabilities programs include neighborhood-based shared living community homes, Supported Living services that promote skills building for community integration as well as daily care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) diagnoses, and  intermediate care facilities (I/DD/ICF) that provide 24-hour clinical support to prevent hospitalization or admission to a nursing facility. As part of these programs CRi provides Behavioral Therapeutic Consultation, to aid caregivers to implement each client’s Individual Support Plan, which is developed with families and clinical staff to help reach individual goals.
In Virginia, CRi’s Mental Health programs focus on evidence-based skills building services for recovery, delivered through supervised community living in residential apartment settings.
Tenant Support Services reach individuals with either disabilities or a mental health diagnosis, or a dual diagnosis. Case managers aid clients to set goals for independent living, develop measurable plans, and strengthen the skills needed to be a responsible tenant.
The Living Independently for Tomorrow (LIFT) program serves youth age 17-21 as they transition out of foster care, via provision of apartment-based case management and support services for housing, employment, and therapeutic needs.

Impact Statement

CRi measures its impact beyond the number of people served each year – which in FY24 was 700 people in Virginia and Maryland. Clinical staff work with clients and families to develop an Individual Support Plan or Individual Recovery Plan for every person in each program, which helps measure progress toward goals such as community integration and outcomes including improved communication, pro-social behaviors, money management skills, and use of community resources. We assess the quality of CRi’s services by tracking individual advancement, and by gathering feedback via an annual client satisfaction survey. Over 460 individuals responded to the 2024 survey, with results reflecting the strong relationships developed in CRi’s programs. Over 90% of individuals agreed that they feel heard, understood, and respected. This impact can be seen in the success stories of people we serve, in an increased ability to participate in community events and connect with others, in the improvement in symptoms of a mental illness, the capacity to maintain one’s own clean apartment, and the capability to sustain employment or education.

What ways can the public get involved?

Financial donations of any size are always welcome, and a small monetary amount can help our individuals participate in community events and activities such as local music concerts and movies, by contributing to transportation funds. People who are interested in collaborating with CRi can also volunteer and/or advocate with us, and/or donate in-kind items. Our Volunteer Program Manager organizes activities with local businesses and civic groups to help us maintain and beautify our community houses, plus events with Volunteer Arlington and Volunteer Fairfax, such as the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in January. We can work with teachers and schools to help students fulfill service hours. Civic groups can also visit a program in their community and bring arts and craft supplies or board games, and can assemble kits to support our individual residents, e.g., with hygiene kits or “busy boxes.” CRi also has an Advocates Group to aid our leadership in publicly supporting our work with individuals with disabilities and mental health diagnoses.

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

Financial contributions support CRi’s general operating costs, such as providing transportation for youth and adults to community events and appointments with healthcare providers. For adults with developmental disabilities and/or mental health support needs, a donation of $50 will enable our staff to transport and accompany an individual on an outing such as a concert by the Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra. $100 would help provide gardening supplies to maintain the 11 community homes we manage in Arlington and Falls Church. Larger donations, such as from a Donor Advised Fund, could help us with staff appreciation and professional development for our dedicated Direct Support Professionals, who provide the services to the individuals we serve.

Information provided March 2026

DC Starlight Orchestra Association

EIN: 99-5109690

Mission Statement

DC Starlight Orchestra Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides music education and performance opportunities. This jazz big band, composed mostly of Federal employees in the Washington DC area, performs charts from the swing era to today at a variety of events, including community music concert series and senior centers. We believe in the power of music to bring people together in order to build community spirit. We want to share the beauty and history of jazz with you. We rehearse bi-weekly on Thursdays at Calvary United Methodist Church, Arlington, VA.

Program Summary

This jazz big band, composed mostly of Federal employees in the Washington DC area, performs charts from the swing era to today at a variety of events, including community music concert series and senior centers. 

Impact Statement

We perform for the community in various Summer concert series and for senior living centers such as Culpepper Garden Apartments (Arlington, VA). 

What ways can the public get involved?

We need donations to play jazz and big band music in the community. Generous contributions help the band cover the following costs:

$10 is the monthly price of hosting the band’s website.
$35 is the price for a stand banner with the band’s logo.
$50 is the price of a new big band arrangement. We try to purchase new charts to support composers and arrangers.
$100 is the monthly price of our rehearsal space.
$250 is the average price of repairing a horn.

Information provided March 2026

Ronald McDonald House of Charities, Greater Washington DC

EIN: 52-1132262

Mission Statement

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC) provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

Program Summary

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC) seeks to address the multifaceted challenges faced by families dealing with a child’s illness or injury. These challenges include:

Emotional and Psychological Stress: Faced with a child’s illness, families are plunged into a world of fear and worry.
Travel-Related Stress: Parents often face the added stress of traveling long distances or through heavy traffic to reach necessary medical care.
Financial Strain: The costs of travel, lodging, and meals quickly add up creating financial pressure.
Maintaining Family Normalcy: Balancing the needs of the sick child with maintaining normalcy for siblings and managing work commitments is challenging.
Isolation: Being far from home leads to isolation from family and friends.
Healthcare Access: Many families come from areas with limited healthcare options, and a significant portion of the community we serve lives in poverty, which exacerbates health issues and limits access to necessary care.
Rising Costs: Inflation has increased the cost of food and transportation, further straining family finances.

RMHCDC addresses the challenge of supporting families with a sick child through a comprehensive, family-centered care approach. Recognizing that a child’s illness impacts the entire family, RMHCDC involves families in the healthcare process to make informed decisions alongside healthcare providers. This holistic approach aims to improve various outcomes such as psychosocial outcomes, clinical outcomes, resource distribution, and patient and family satisfaction.
We believe that when a child is sick, the entire family needs comfort and support. We believe that a home is more than four walls and a roof over your head – it is the intangible magic that transpires in moments shared together. We believe in building a global community that finds strength, hope and courage in embracing healing as a joyous experience. Please give today to help even more families stay close through the biggest challenge of their lives. Together, we can do big things!

Impact Statement

Our organization provides a supportive and healing environment for families with seriously ill or injured children receiving medical care in the greater Washington, D.C. region. Through our core programs—including two Ronald McDonald Houses. We offer families a place to rest, recharge, and stay close to the hospital without the financial burden of lodging or meals. In 2024, we provided nearly 15,000 occupied room nights—an increase of more than 2,600 over the prior year, allowing us to serve more families when they needed it most.

Beyond housing, we offer daily meals, emotional support, and enriching programming for children and caregivers. These services reduce stress, foster community, and improve overall family well-being during medical crises. Our work has a direct and measurable impact: families report reduced emotional and financial strain, increased time spent at their child’s bedside, and a greater sense of comfort and stability.

By removing barriers to care and meeting basic needs, we help families focus on what matters most, the health and recovery of their child. Through strong hospital partnerships and the support of donors and volunteers, our programs continue to grow in reach, impact, and relevance.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved by volunteering to prepare meals, organizing donation drives, or supporting our events like the Red Shoe 5K Run & Walk. We also welcome financial contributions and in-kind donations that help sustain our programs year-round. To learn more or sign up to help: https://rmhcdc.org/volunteer-new/

https://rmhcdc.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate-rmhcdc

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

Charitable dollars directly support our mission to keep families close to their seriously ill or injured children. Donations help provide comfortable lodging, daily meals, transportation assistance, and family-centered programming at no cost to the families we serve. Funds also sustain the upkeep and operation of our Ronald McDonald Houses ensuring they remain warm, welcoming spaces during a medical crisis. Additionally, contributions help cover essential expenses like utilities, supplies, and program staff who deliver compassionate care and support.

Information provided July 2025

Arlington Bridge Builders

EIN: 90-0950744

Mission Statement

Arlington Bridge Builders is an interdenominational network of churches working with each other, individuals, non-profits, businesses, and civic agencies to seek the flourishing of our community.

Program Summary

Our emphasis on Community Service focuses on five impact areas, with key programs in each: 

• 1. Poverty Alleviation: food pantry, rent and utility assistance, job training
• 2. Vulnerable Children: after-school program for at-risk students
• 3. Serving Immigrants: English conversation classes, Citizenship classes, Client services
• 4. Neighboring: Community and cultural festivals, Arlington Turkey Trot
• 5. Spiritual & Mental Health: pastoral and professional counseling 

Impact Statement

Our food pantry provides food for over 1,000 people each week. Most of the recipients are immigrants living on the social and economic margins, but we are also seeing a significant increase in professionals facing food insecurity for the first time.  
Our English conversation classes not only help immigrants practice English, they help connect neighbors to one another, providing the broader social relationships that immigrants need to thrive. 
Our citizenship classes help immigrants prepare for the naturalization exam. Approximately 15 students enroll in each course, with most taking the exam. 
Our after-school program focuses on students who are not at grade level in math or reading, and are at risk of falling behind for a lifetime. We are not only seeing increased academic proficiency in the students, but also hope and determination to succeed. 
We coordinate the annual Arlington Turkey Trot, to bring together people from all over Arlington for a fun social event that raises over $250,000 each year, directed not to Arlington Bridge Builders but to local nonprofits serving our most vulnerable neighbors. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Food pantry: volunteers can donate, pick up and distribute food. We also have a hospitality tent to welcome recipients and encourage conversation. 
English conversation: volunteers can meet with 1-3 immigrants who want to practice speaking English. 
Citizenship class: volunteers can help immigrants prepare for the naturalization exam. 
After-school program: volunteers can help teach English or math, as well as help lead enrichment activities. 
Arlington Turkey Trot: volunteers are needed to serve as course marshals, hand out water and snacks, help set up and take down equipment. 

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

• $50 provides a backpack and supplies for a needy child$100 provides materials for one child in our after-school program
• $250 helps our food pantry feed a family for one month
• $500 helps provide one month’s rent for a family facing eviction
• $1,000 helps employ a Client Support representative who helps serves vulnerable neighbors and connects them with other resources

Information provided April 2025

He She Ze and We

EIN: 37-1964125

Mission Statement

He She Ze and We (HSZ&W) supports transgender and nonbinary people by empowering their families, allies, and communities to create life-saving, inclusive environments. 

Education, Support, Advocacy, and Community Building are at the core of all of our work.

Program Summary

He She Ze and We is based out of Richmond and is deepening our work statewide across Virginia.

He She Ze and We provides a monthly in person educational support meeting in Arlington. 

Additional virtual meetings strive to meet varied schedules and are available for all registered HSZ&W parents and caregivers in VA and beyond.

We also offer our Family Connections program which serves families with school age gender expansive children. This crucial program provides a break from the challenges our youth face at school or in their communities, where families, including parents and siblings, gather to connect and have fun together in a safe and inclusive environment.

Ally & Community Education is a fee based professional training program catered to businesses, schools, agencies, and community groups looking to learn more about gender diversity and inclusive practice. 

Impact Statement

He She Ze and We works to improve the lives of transgender and nonbinary people of all ages by educating and supporting families and other allies to know how to create inclusive spaces with affirming behaviors. 

Family support is the #1 protection factor when it comes to keeping our loved ones safe from self harm and suicide. Just one supportive adult can reduce the risk of suicide by almost 50%! What if the whole family was accepting and affirming? That’s what HSZ&W works to do with all of our programming including Orientation and guest speaker panel discussions. 

In the 13 years we have been doing grassroots work, we have helped 1000’s of families work to help their loved ones survive and thrive! 

What ways can the public get involved?

Donate to help us increase our capacity to be a sustainable organization: https://heshezewe.org/donate/

Contribute to HSZ&W Trans Wellness Fund: supporting access to gender affirming care across Virginia.  https://heshezewe.org/donate/

Bring our Ally & Community Education Program to your workplace or community. Fill out this form if interested: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccJ6Tn_eHwGL_oVROks2Hf2-ZzhPGOt272zSAJmEOInLqimQ/viewform

Volunteer to help us spread awareness about He She Ze and We so we can help more people: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFKaPkjjxT–GJ6ViWtfsCrDqnKgPMfJQGvjQQdgU-UGyqSg/viewform

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

$2,000 Supports Family Connections for one month – where families with gender-diverse school-age kids gather to socialize and build community
$1,000 Supports training with a school or business – to learn how to support their trans students, teachers or staff
$500 Supports a guest speaker night – so that trans folks and their families feel hopeful through the experiences of “possibility models”
$250 Supports a lending library – so that families have access to quality resources
$150 Supports outreach at Pridefest – where a trans teen grabs a card to give to their parents when they decide to come out
$100 Supports a personal consultation – with a parent needing guidance for next steps
$50 Supports educational programming – that helps a parent decide to use their child’s new pronouns
$25 Supports a new book joining our lending library – a collection of Trans-related literature available to borrow at any time
$10 Supports our Community Care Project – a collection of positive, uplifting messages printed onto pocket-sized cards for both youth and adults

Information provided March 2025

Arm & Arm Inc.

EIN: 47-4617475

Mission Statement

The Arm & Arm Mission is to change the paradigm of how the transition process is addressed. Using our empathetic-based approach, we empower individuals during critical transition periods with tools that enable them to make rational evaluations of themselves and their situations.

Program Summary

Arm & Arm is redefining mental health and recovery by utilizing cutting-edge Cognitive and Somatic Recovery Techniques—proven methods that help individuals  process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop self-sustaining coping strategies. Unlike traditional clinical programs, our model is peer-driven, allowing individuals  with shared life experiences to mentor and guide others through their recovery. 

Impact Statement

Arm & Arm is redefining mental health and recovery support by utilizing cutting-edge Cognitive and Somatic Recovery Techniques—proven methods that help individuals  process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop self-sustaining coping strategies. Unlike traditional clinical programs, our model is  peer-driven, allowing individuals  with shared life experiences to mentor and guide others through their recovery. By providing peer-to-peer mentoring (a system of accountability) and educating the community on the signs and possible interventions to substance use and de-escalation strategies prior to police involvement, Arm & Arm is normalizing prevention as a lifestyle for our targeted population and their families.

What ways can the public get involved?

Arm & Arm is always looking for empathetic volunteers willing to help those in the community living with stigma. Anyone who is willing to donate their time and/or money to assist our efforts in building whole & healthy communities are always welcome.

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

To provide support for training, community outreach services and support.

Information provided March 2025

Ayuda

EIN: 52-0971440

Mission Statement

Ayuda advocates for low-income immigrants through direct legal, social and language services, training and outreach in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.  

Program Summary

Ayuda provides legal, social, and language services for low-income immigrants including individuals and families affected by immigration challenges, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and family separation, ensuring access to justice and support for vulnerable communities. 

Impact Statement

For over 50 years, Ayuda’s expert team has helped over 150,000 immigrants navigate complex legal systems and access vital services. With offices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, we offer both in-person and virtual services to reduce barriers. We also provide emergency financial, food, and material assistance to those in crisis, ensuring immigrants have the support they need to build safe, stable lives. 

In 2024, Ayuda provided 3,109 low-income immigrants from 84 countries with immigration legal services, domestic violence, and family law services, comprehensive case management, and/or therapy. 165 language experts contributed to our interpreter bank, accessible to 118 nonprofits, allowing them to break down language barriers as they support clients. Over $228,000 in financial assistance, 21,400 pounds of diapers, and 2,800 pounds of food were distributed to help new immigrant families thrive. 

What ways can the public get involved?

There are different ways to get involved with Ayuda. Visit https://ayuda.com/get-involved/ to learn more and support our mission by: 

Joining our mailing list
Donating to Ayuda 
Fundraising for Ayuda 
Becoming a pro bono partner 
Interning with us 
Attending an Ayuda event 
Joining our growing staff 

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

Donations to Ayuda help us provide vital immigration legal services, offer compassionate case management, extend a helping hand through mental health services, and bridge the language gap for low-income immigrant families in the DMV area. 

$10 will provide public transportation for a human trafficking survivor to travel to her new job.  
$50 will provide group therapy support for survivors of domestic violence.  
$100 will provide legal consultation for a low-income individual fleeing violence in their country of origin.  
$200 will cover the legal fees for the immigration case of an immigrant child to remain in the United States safely.  

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Concert Band Association

EIN: 45-5529489

Mission

Arlington Concert Band (ACB), a program of Arlington Community Learning in Arlington, Virginia, is a wind ensemble made up of more than 70 professional music educators and dedicated, talented amateur musicians. We perform regularly throughout the community and play an assortment of music including marches, show tunes, and classical arrangements. ACB’s mission focuses on:

• Bringing a mix of family friendly, professional music to the community for all to enjoy.
• Providing an outlet for members of the Arlington community to make playing music a lifelong activity

Program Summary

We perform regularly throughout the community and play an assortment of music including marches, show tunes, and classical arrangements. We provide free concerts and feature student soloists in some of our concerts.

Impact Statement

We bring a mix of family friendly, professional music to the community for all to enjoy. We provide an outlet for members of the Arlington community to make playing music a lifelong activity.

What ways can the public get involved?

We encourage all Arlingtonians to attend our free concerts and enjoy concert band music at its finest. Adult musicians can also contact the band to see if there is an opening in the band for new musicians.

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

Charitable funds are spent on purchasing new music, concert marketing and promotions, and concert recordings. 

Information provided March 2026