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

Velocity Bicycle Co-op

EIN: 26-3453393

Mission Statement

The mission of Vélocity Bicycle Cooperative is to build a more equitable, sustainable, and healthy community through cycling. We promote equity by enabling greater access to bicycle ownership and maintenance for people of all income levels and cultures. We advance sustainability by recycling bicycles and making cycling more widely available as an alternative to motor vehicle travel. We support the physical and mental health of local residents through the exercise and independence provided by bicycles and through the positive socio-emotional effects of volunteering cooperatively.

Program Summary

Vélocity believes everyone, no matter their income level, should be able to own and maintain a bicycle for healthy exercise and environmentally sustainable travel. At Vélocity’s shops in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, customers can purchase refurbished used bicycles, bike parts, and bike repairs at prices below those offered by for-profit bike shops. Vélocity’s professional mechanics guide customers in repairing their own bicycles at DIY nights each week. Vélocity also maintains a warehouse where anyone who is interested can learn to repair bicycles, either in low-cost maintenance classes or for free through the process of repairing donated bicycles with the help of experienced volunteers. Vélocity donates refurbished bicycles to under-resourced adults and children of low-income families, along with locks and helmets. Since Vélocity is a cooperative, volunteers who contribute 10 hours or more a month to Vélocity are entitled to work on their own bikes using Vélocity’s space and resources. They also receive discounts purchasing bicycles, parts, and supplies from Vélocity’s shops. Vélocity helps keep our environment clean by receiving and reusing unwanted bicycles, while recycling unusable components.

Impact Statement

In fiscal year 2025, Vélocity sold 725 used bicycles and over 7,000 new and used bicycle parts at affordable prices. Our mechanics provided nearly 2,200 low-cost repairs to customers’ bicycles and guided customers in repairing their own bicycles at DIY nights more than 200 times. More than 120 local residents spent a total of over 2,100 hours gaining hands-on experience fixing bicycles by volunteering with Vélocity. Volunteers and shop mechanics working together provided free refurbished bicycles, along with new helmets, bicycle locks, and (for adults) bicycle lights to approximately 100 disadvantaged individuals in our area. By providing a free means of transportation, Vélocity empowered underprivileged individuals to improve their lives. By creating a place to belong and contribute, Vélocity offered benefits to all members of our local community.

What ways can the public get involved?

All members of the public are invited to volunteer with Vélocity, refurbishing donated bicycles at our volunteer nights, helping customers repair their own bicycles at our DIY nights, and supporting our mechanics with customer service at our shops during business hours. Visit our Meetup page to sign up – no experience necessary! Vélocity also accepts donations of used bicycles, parts, and gear during business hours at our shops, which are posted on our website. We accept financial donations through Donorbox to help pay for the space we use, new tools for our volunteers, and consumable parts and supplies such as oil, grease, cables, chains, and inner tubes.

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

• $10 pays for a new chain to make a used bicycle work again
• $25 purchases a helmet so a recipient of a free bicycle can ride safely
• $50 supplies fresh tubes and tires to bring new life to a worn-out bicycle
• $100 covers parts and supplies to refurbish a bicycle for a child whose family can’t afford one, plus a cable lock and helmet
• $250 buys a folding bicycle repair stand, tire pump, tools and supplies for a volunteer to provide bicycle safety checks and mechanical support at youth cycling events
• $500 finances the parts and supplies to refurbish two bicycles for under-resourced adults who need a means of transportation, plus U-locks, helmets, and lights
• $750 funds one professional double-arm repair stand to allow two mechanics or volunteers to work on bicycles at one time
• $1,000 provides parts and supplies to refurbish a dozen bicycles, plus helmets, to start a new school cycling club

Information provided May 2026

Latin American Society of Chagas (LASOCHA)

EIN: 46-4579310

Mission Statement

LASOCHA is dedicated to raising awareness of Chagas disease, a potentially deadly parasitic heart disease that is common in the LATAM immigrant community in Northern Virginia.  We provide free screening tests along with free cardiac testing for individuals with this disease, and provide treatment to those who are eligible.  

Program Summary

• 1.  Free testing, both in our clinic and in partnership with other groups that serve the at-risk community (i.e. INOVA Cares, Arlington Free Clinic, local churches, NGOs with health fairs.)
• 2.  Free electrocardiograms and echocardiograms
• 3.  Advocacy for affected patients
• 4.  Educational events for the medical community about this neglected disease

Impact Statement

We have tested over 3000 individuals, and have seen over 200 in our follow up clinic.  We have published results of our work in medical settings to advocate for similar testing/treatment programs.  We have established major clinical initiatives at several local hospitals that serve the at risk population.

What ways can the public get involved?

Partnering with us to raise awareness and to provide opportunities for testing events.

Donations to support our mission.

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

To supplies for testing, for lab testing that is required during treatment, educational materials for the community.

Information Provided March 2026

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 2026

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

Computer CORE

EIN: 54-1968428

Mission Statement

Computer CORE’s mission is to prepare underserved adults in Virginia to realize career aspirations with foundational digital and professional skills.

Program Summary

Computer CORE is a 26-year old organization, which has served Arlington residents since a few years after its founding in 1999. Currently, CORE serves 50-100 Arlingtonians each year. CORE provides one-on-one assistance to individuals who lack digital literacy. We carefully guide each student by giving them a refurbished laptop computer to keep and the basic skills to turn it on, understand the keyboard, begin online assessments and get onto Zoom. Once they can take the computer home and join us on Zoom, the door is opened to over 24 highly individualized computer, English conversation, math, and other classes. Classes are taught by skilled and compassionate volunteers, who understand how difficult it can be for adults to find time for class and to set aside their embarrassment at not having the digital skills needed in today’s society. Students can return for as many classes as they need, and many return even after finding a new job or being promoted, because there is always a need for additional digital skills.

Impact Statement

Computer CORE assists adults to find their career and educational path using digital tools, such as a free computer and the basic skills to use it. As students gain confidence, tech vocabulary and knowledge, they can move beyond our beginning level classes and get introduced to coding, security issues, cloud computing, website design and other topics. CORE is a bridge to more advanced education and certification, such as a community college or 4-year college can provide.

What ways can the public get involved?

Computer CORE recruits volunteers to serve as online classroom lead teachers and Zoom administrators. We also need assistance with events, fundraising, marketing, communication and “back office” tasks. We hold quarterly computer donation drives and are happy to set up a donation table at your residence, business or event.

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

📚 $250 – Provides a free refurbished computer for a student to keep
👩‍🏫 $500 – Supports five weeks of instruction, mentorship, and technical support for one student.
🎓 $1,000 – Fully funds a student’s 10-week journey, including instruction, mentorship, and a laptop.
🏢 $5,000 – Provides training, mentorship, and laptops for five students, helping them gain job-ready digital skills.
🚀 $10,000 – Expands Computer CORE’s reach, supporting program development and new training resources.
🌟 $20,000 – Funds an entire cohort of 20 adult learners, giving them the tools and support needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Information provided February 2025

Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC)

EIN: 54-0884513

Mission Statement

LAJC partners with communities and clients to dismantle systems that create and perpetuate poverty. We achieve this by integrating individual legal representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, know your rights education, and organizing strategies. We work in and with communities to identify and address root causes of poverty while taking individual cases to mitigate acute impacts. We believe that the individual legal problems of our clients are inextricably linked to overarching systems of injustice and oppression, and that legal and organizing strategies can effectively dismantle the social, racial and economic systems that marginalize communities and keep people in poverty.

Program Summary

The changes to long-standing immigration policies and the mass deportations promised by the Trump administration are an existential threat to low-income immigrants; they threaten their family unity, their safety, and their ability to remain in the country. Additionally, low-income immigrants in Arlington County routinely contend with low-paying jobs and workplace abuses, substandard housing conditions, and threat of eviction.  LAJC’s attorneys, community organizers, and service navigators provide outreach, Know Your Rights education, appropriate referrals, linkages to safety-net services, and legal assistance to low-income immigrants who are facing immigration, housing, health, consumer and education related legal problems.

Our services help low-income immigrants overcome legal problems that threaten:

• 1) their right to remain in the U.S., family safety and unity (defense against immigration detention, affirmative immigration status adjustments, family emergency preparedness, Know Your Rights education on immigration policies and enforcement);  
• 2) their housing stability (e.g., evictions and substandard housing conditions);
• 3) financial stability (e.g., wage theft, predatory lending, debt collection, and access to public benefits and safety-net services).
• 4) their access to education (e.g. enrollment, IEPs, special education and mental health services), and
• 5) their access to affordable medical care (e.g., Charity Care applications, insurance enrollment and appeals, ACA subsidies).

Impact Statement

LAJC’s Know Your Rights presentations in Arlington are tailored to address expressed community needs, topics include: changes in immigration policy, safety in the face of aggressive immigration enforcement, emergency family preparedness, housing conditions and eviction, and how to access safety-net services. These KYRs have made the difference between families remaining safe during an ICE raid and family members being detained.

Our Community Clinics provide an opportunity for community members to receive one-on-one advice and services around immigration issues, including assistance creating family emergency plans and preparing power of attorney documents. We also have service navigators, housing and consumer attorneys present at these events to help address the many challenges low-oncome households face. These clinics provide a one-stop shop for legal services and education that is specific to low-income immigrants in Arlington. 

Brief through extended legal services to low-income immigrants facing an immigration, housing, employment, consumer, health or education related legal problem. These services are crucial to household stability and financial security. Additionally, LAJC’s Immigrant Justice Program is committed to providing immigration consultations to any Arlington resident who is detained in an ICE raid.

What ways can the public get involved?

We are currently looking for people (particularly attorneys) who can help with the preparation of power of attorney documents and guiding families with the collection of information that may be needed if a family member is detained by ICE or other emergencies.  

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

Donations help us employ the attorneys and community organizers that we need in order to provide the legal services, education, and service navigation that low- income immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented or live in mixed-status households, in Arlington need to protect themselves and their families. 

Information provided January 2025

Legal Services of Northern Virginia

EIN: 54-1137931

Mission Statement

To provide access to justice for disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Program Summary

LSNV provides free legal help to Arlingtonians who cannot afford a lawyer by providing services in a variety of substantive civil legal areas, including: family law/domestic violence, housing law/eviction prevention, consumer protection, elder law, public benefits claims, access to health care, child advocacy, and AIDS/HIV issues. Staff and volunteers provide legal advice, brief service, and representation in administrative hearings and in court, as well as community legal education, and advocacy before local and state governmental entities, all without charge to our clients. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer.  Every year we work with hundreds of volunteer lawyers and paralegal who help us extend our reach and serve more clients.

Financial support.

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

Donations go to direct services; helping a survivor of domestic violence obtain a protective order and escape the cycle of abuse; helping a low-income family avoid eviction and stay in their home; helping a low-income veteran obtain the benefits that he is entitled to after decades of services; and many other types of cases which impact basic needs.  

Information provided March 2026

Project Knitwell

EIN: 27-2316864

Mission Statement

Project Knitwell helps people facing challenges by providing knitting instruction and shared community opportunities that promote wellness and resilience.

Program Summary

Project Knitwell will develop and deliver programs, resources, and research that demonstrate the benefits of knitting as a tool for achieving wellness, comfort, and community.  Project Knitwell has programs that serves people at Virginia Hospital Center and the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, as well as other local medical facilities that serve Arlington residents.  We also have several volunteers that are Arlington residents and we conduct many of our volunteer meetings at the Arlington Central Library.

Impact Statement

Project Knitwell has active programs at 12 sites throughout the Washington, DC area.  Sites include programs for patients and staff at local hospitals, as well as at community sites such as the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Hopelink and N Street Village.  Over 20 volunteers spent approximately 1500 hours annually teaching 1800+ people how to knit.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved by volunteering to teach knitting onsite, helping Project Knitwell do public events to spread the word, as well as support the organization with other publicity or fundraising activities.

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

Donations to Project Knitwell help provide quality instructional materials for participants, including yarn, needles and reference guides.  Donations also support our volunteer program to recruit, train and retain great volunteers.

Information provided March 2026