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

Bridges to Independence leads individuals and families out of poverty and into stable, independent futures.

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 children and family services agency.

Program Summary

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

• Shelter: Bridges operates Arlington County’s largest emergency family shelter with approximately 50 beds across 15 apartment units and includes a 24-hour food pantry. The median length of stay is 90 days. 2 out of 3 shelter residents are children. 
• Youth Development: The program transforms the lives of children. Activities include arts and crafts, tutoring, cooking, music, swim lessons, STEM workshops, and field trips.  The young people improve their grades, self-esteem, job readiness, and health. Staff find students internships in the field of their choice. For the last seven consecutive years, 100% of high school seniors at Bridges are graduating on time and will continue on to college, job training, employment, or most often, a combination of these.
• Housing: Bridges provides rental assistance, housing placement support for families, and daily case management at the Rapid Rehousing program. Staff connect families to additional resources to access financial assistance, legal counseling, mental health services, and medical care. 
• Community Services Center: Bridges offers a walk-in referral and information resource in South Arlington. Residents may meet regularly with a case manager. The Center offers health screenings, school supplies for students, and community classes on topics such as parenting, tenant rights, and nutrition. 
• Workforce Development: Bridges provides seminars and counseling to transition working adults from minimum wage to a livable wage. The staff helps them find and maintain employment through partnerships with local businesses in Arlington while reducing barriers to employment, such as childcare, transportation, and professional certifications for workers to maintain employment and earn promotions.

Impact Statement

• In 2025, Bridges served 535 individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness in Arlington.
• 60% of the individuals served in our programs were children. 
• The Youth Development Program effectively reduced the school dropout rate for homeless students in Arlington. For the 9th consecutive year, 100% of high school seniors at Bridges are graduating on time and continuing on to college, job training, a career, or most often, a combination of these.
• Bridges has an 80% success rate in moving families to permanent destinations who have been experiencing homelessness.
• 7 in 10 adults eligible for employment had income at the time they exited the Rapid Rehousing Program.
• 92% of families remained permanently housed after exiting the Rapid Rehousing Program.
• 3 out of 4 families maintained or increased their household income upon exit of the Bridges Rapid Rehousing Program.
• 260+ Arlington residents accessed referrals, resources, and services at the Bridges BAJ Community Services Center.
• 0 families were removed from the shelter without a safe place to go. Staff ensure that all families move from the shelter into housing, and no family is ever thrown out and left on the streets.

What ways can the public get involved?

• Donate: Money, food, clothing, household supplies, and resources that go directly to our community. 
• Volunteer: Projects include gardening, tutoring, collecting supplies for our back-to-school donation drive or holiday toy drive, assembling Snack Sacks, and more!
• Join a committee: Join the Bridges events, communications and advocacy, or fundraising committee.

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

• $50- one pair of children’s sneakers
• $100- GED or ESL course registration fee
• $250- afterschool programming for one child
• $500- one month of groceries for a family
• $1,000- financial literacy and career workshops
• $2,000- one month of rent for a family

Information provided March 2026

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

EIN: 52-1589700

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

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

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

Impact Statement

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

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

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information provided March 2026

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:

• In-Kind Donations: Donate furniture, household items, or shop for pre-made Welcome Kits containing essentials for refugees. Your contributions create welcoming homes and ease the transition for newcomers.
• Co-Sponsorship: Join as a co-sponsor to provide long-term support to refugee families. This involves mentoring, collecting donations, and assisting with essential services.
• First Friends Program: Welcome refugees at the airport and support them as they settle into their new community. This role requires a commitment of at least three months to help refugees navigate their new environment.
• Youth Mentorship & Tutoring: Mentor and tutor refugee youth, providing academic assistance and guidance on career paths.
• Corporate Volunteering: Companies and employees can volunteer in activities that support refugees, with flexible scheduling options for both one-time and ongoing commitments.
• Refugee Employment Workshop Consultants: Volunteer quarterly to assist refugees in enhancing their employment prospects through job search guidance, resume editing, and interview preparation.
• Flexible Volunteering: Engage in diverse, as-needed volunteer activities like driving refugees to appointments or helping with English language practice. 

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.

Information provided April 2024

Neighborhood Health

EIN: 54-1849891

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

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

Impact Statement

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

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

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

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Examples of What Your Donation Will Cover:

• $5,000 – supports care for 4 uninsured patients with diabetes for a year
• $2,000 – supports the preventive dental care of 2 patients
• $1,000 – supports medical care for 1 newborn for a year
• $750 – supports medical care for 1 uninsured adult patient for a year
• $500 – supports two medical visits for an uninsured patient with heart disease
• $350 – supports two behavioral health visits for an uninsured patient with depression
• $250 – supports a comprehensive dental exam for a new uninsured patient
• $150 – supports an optometry visit for vision screening for an uninsured child
• $100 – supports navigation to specialty care for one uninsured patient
• $50 – supports application of dental sealant for 1 uninsured child

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

National Chamber Ensemble (NCE)

EIN: 46-4007072

Mission Statement

The Mission of the National Chamber Ensemble (NCE) is to entertain as well as provide opportunities to appreciate and enjoy the art of chamber music, bringing together performers, audiences and composers. The NCE produces high quality chamber music performances for the general public at a reasonable cost. Through our performances and commissions of original musical works we present a full range of chamber music repertoire from the classics to the contemporary. The most important goal of the NCE is to build a sense of closeness between performers and audience that enhances the feeling of community and a deeper musical experience.

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

Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. They support educational programs NCE produces as well as general operation support such as printing, piano movers, piano tuners etc. They may help with special projects involving guest artists.

Information provided March 2025

Britepaths

EIN: 52-1596259

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

Impact Statement

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

Information provided March 2026

Equipment Connections for Children

EIN: 27-1062106

Mission Statement

ECFC connects with families of children living with disabilities in order to help fulfill vital unmet adaptive equipment needs, provide educational workshops, and foster community, free of charge.

Program Summary

Our equipment loan closet helps provide needed equipment to families struggling to get the equipment their child needs, either at all or in a timely manner. Families can use the equipment as long as needed. When the items are returned, they can then go out to another family in need!

Impact Statement

We have helped thousands of families with children living with disabilities in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia since 2009.

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

All donations go to support our equipment loan closet program.

Information provided May 2026

Nature Forward

EIN: 53-0233715

Mission Statement

Nature Forward’s mission is to inspire residents of the greater Washington, DC region to appreciate, understand and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education and advocacy. We seek to create a larger and more diverse community of people who treasure the natural world and work to preserve it.

Program Summary

• GreenKids environmental literacy lessons for Pre-K to Grade 12 students in northern Virginia, DC and Maryland, and professional development training for teachers to be able to lead environmental education and Green School certification efforts.
• Water quality monitoring at 25 stream tributaries of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers for over 30 years. We provide consistent, reliable water quality data to policymakers and the public.
• Flood preparedness and resilience outreach and education for highly flood-prone neighborhoods in DC’s Wards 7 and 8.
• Data center guidelines to protect the environment.
• Planting thousands of native trees and installing rain gardens and other green infrastructure in high-density urban neighborhoods to increase tree canopy, reduce urban “heat islands” and mitigate stormwater runoff during heavy rain events.
• Leadership, civic engagement and advocacy training for underserved communities in Fairfax County and Washington DC. Trained Conservation Ambassadors are equipped to be effective voices for their communities on issues that impact environmental and human health.
• Wheelchair-accessible nature trail through the woods, nature play space and bathrooms at our 40-acre Woodend Nature Sanctuary just north of DC, and school field trips that are hosted at Woodend and at Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg, VA.
• Native plant kits to help with stormwater management and to support pollinators, native plant garden consultations, and best management practices on display at Woodend.
• Popular Woodend summer camp and days off camps; nature preschool.

Impact Statement

FY2026 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: OVER 35,000 PEOPLE SERVED

• Planted 960 native trees at schools and other Justice 40 communities, and 8,868 native shrubs, grasses, sedges and perennials in soft landing gardens.
• Distributed over 250 pollinator garden kits with instructions and support to residents of the Northwest Branch and Northeast Branch of the Anacostia.
• Assisted 70 schools in becoming Green Schools since the program began and reached 11,968 students and 406 teachers in the DC metro area with GreenKids hands-on environmental literacy lessons.
• Successfully advocated for natural resource parks and trails maintenance budgets to be restored in Fairfax and Montgomery Counties; made progress on data center regulations and education.
• Engaged Spanish-speaking residents of the Route 1 Corridor in Fairfax County in contacting their elected officials.
• We broke a Nature Forward record with the highest number of perfect scoring streams in over 30 years of the Water Quality Monitoring program’s existence, when 6 of 27 sites scored a 5.00 on the Index of Biological Integrity.
• Held successful Taking Nature Black #6 and Naturally Latinos #5 with rave reviews.

What ways can the public get involved?

Founded and run by volunteers for many years, Nature Forward continues to rely on their help in all areas of our mission. Nature Forward offers a range of volunteer opportunities to fit a variety of schedules, interests and abilities.

For more information about how to become a volunteer, please email Volunteer Coordinator Peihan Orestes at peihan.orestes@natureforward.org. To fill out an application, click here.

• Master Naturalists train with experts to become key players on Nature Forward’s volunteer teams.
• Teens:  MCPS students can earn service learning hours through our camp programs or by participating with an adult in our water quality monitoring program.

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

DONATIONS CAN SUPPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

• General Operating
• Conference Sponsorship
• Conservation and Advocacy
• Environmental Education
• School Programs Scholarships
• Summer Camp Scholarships
• Woodend Sanctuary Restoration

Information provided March 2026