The Fenwick Foundation

EIN: 27-4879033

Mission Statement

The Fenwick Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on improving quality of life, health and wellbeing in ways that are not addressed or “below the radar.”  We provide a wide range of therapeutic recreational, cultural and educational outings and activities as well as support programs, including economic support, dental care, and vision care to low-resource and vulnerable adults and older adults, veterans and returning military personnel, people with disabilities, caregivers, and immigrant status adults.  

Program Summary

Enriching Lives — Social, & educational opportunities to attend theater, museums, sporting events, “out-to-eat” group lunches/dinners, zoo visits, parks, river cruises, bowling, movies, etc.  Program addresses mental and physical health needs of  Seniors/Elderly, Veterans, and other special needs individuals living in skilled nursing, assisted living, & group residence facilities to get groups “out-of-the-house” for physical/mental stimulation and activities.  Program encourages more active lifestyle and social interaction.

Dental Care —Project ADAPT provides needed dental care to low-income older adults, immigrant-status low-income adults and people with disabilities not receiving adequate or any dental care.  We provide a full range of  dental procedures/ treatments as well as a dental home for our patients in Northern Virginia.  Far too many do not have financial or logistical access to this basic health care need.  We are determined to change this condition. 

Impact Statement

Enriching Lives has had an impact on those combating mental health and physical health issues.  Our program gets people “out of the house” and into the community to help address the issues of loneliness and isolation.

Our Project ADAPT Dental program has had a major impact on the oral health of those we served.  Pain has been lessened, smiles have been returned, and folks have been able to more easily chew and eat food. Oral health impacts heart and physical health, so our patients have been impacted in these areas as well.

What ways can the public get involved?

Our programs require funding to operate.  Your donations will help us to continue and expand/improve these vital programs.

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

Your donation goes to help fund our programs and keep them running.  Over 90% of donations go directly to fund the organization’s programs.  

Your donations help us to obtain tickets to the activities we sponsor.  And your donations go to directly fund needed dental treatments and procedure for those who otherwise can not afford the cost of dental treatments.

Information provided March 2025

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

Latinas Leading Tomorrow

EIN: 27-5119847

Mission Statement

Our mission is to connect and expose Latinas to opportunities that enrich their future through education, mentoring and leadership development

Program Summary

We are dedicated to empowering Latina middle and high school students through our free programming initiatives. These programs, specifically designed for Latinas leading tomorrow, encompass a range of opportunities. From our CORE (Creating Opportunities to Reach Excellence) program, which lays the groundwork for future success, to our ELITE Leadership Academy, where leadership skills are honed within a supportive team environment, we strive to provide avenues for personal and academic growth. Additionally, our LLT STEMpower Camps serves as a platform for Latinas to excel in these critical fields, equipping them with the skills and confidence to become leaders in STEM and beyond. Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of Latina leaders to reach their full potential and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Impact Statement

Our organization’s efforts have yielded significant outcomes for the population we serve. Latinas Leading Tomorrow has positively impacted a diverse demographic, with 65% coming from low-income backgrounds, 60% being first-generation students, and 50% raised in single-parent households. Remarkably, 90% of our participants have successfully transitioned to college, showcasing the profound effect of our work.

What ways can the public get involved?

Ways the Public Can Get Involved with Latinas Leading Tomorrow

There are many meaningful ways individuals, organizations, and businesses can support the mission of Latinas Leading Tomorrow and help empower the next generation of young women leaders.

Volunteer with Our Programs and Events
Community members can volunteer their time by supporting student workshops, mentoring sessions, STEM activities, or helping at community events such as our Noche de Impacto celebrations, STEM Boot Camps, and college exposure trips.

Become a Speaker or Mentor
Professionals are invited to share their career journeys and expertise with our students through guest speaking opportunities, career panels, and mentorship sessions that inspire young women to explore new possibilities.

Partner with Us
Organizations, universities, and businesses can partner with LLT to create internships, host educational experiences, sponsor programs, or collaborate on initiatives that expand opportunities for our students.

Make a Donation or Provide In-Kind Support
Financial contributions and in-kind donations such as school supplies, technology, transportation support, or event sponsorships help ensure that our programs remain accessible to the students and families we serve.

Host or Support a Fundraiser
Community members can help raise awareness and resources by organizing fundraising events, sponsoring program activities, or participating in events like our Reach for the Stars 5K or Noche de Impacto celebrations.

Together, we can create more opportunities for young women to grow as confident leaders, pursue higher education, and shape the future of our communities.

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

Latinas Leading Tomorrow allocates $0.89 to $1 of each dollar towards programming, directly supporting mission-related activities and services. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Programming Expenses: This part of the budget covers essential activities and services that fulfill the organization’s mission. For instance, it includes expenses for program materials like T-shirts and educational materials, as well as provisions for meals/snacks and transportation for field trips. Additionally, it covers costs for a program coordinator to oversee operations.

Administrative Costs: Administrative expenses pertain to the overall running of the organization and include expenditures like rent for storage space and dues & subscription expenses.

Fundraising Expenses: Funds dedicated to fundraising cover various costs associated with generating additional financial support for the organization’s mission. This encompasses expenses related to events like 5K Run/Walk, marketing and advertising efforts, donor outreach, and engaging a race timer.

Information provided March 2026

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

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

Shirlington Employment and Education Center (SEEC)

EIN: 54-2036192

Mission Statement

SEEC’s mission is to raise the standard of low-wage, immigrant day laborers in Arlington County so that Day Laborers and other immigrant workers can participate in dignified work, in safe working conditions, and earn fair wages. We provide an opportunity for Day Laborer to find safe work at a fair wage and to obtain skills that improve their employability and we work to improve the overall conditions of day Laborers in Arlington. 

Program Summary

SEEC provides services to Day Laborers – workers who provide a critical temporary labor force for local construction, food, janitorial, moving support and landscaping businesses, without whom these businesses could not survive. Arlington’s Day Laborers are majority Latino (over 95%) recently immigrated men, over 95%, who are unable to obtain or maintain permanent part-or full-time employment.

The majority of SEEC’s clients are from Zip Codes 22204 and 22206; over 70% are from 22204. As recent lone immigrants, most have little or no familial support in the area and lack English language skills, which presents a barrier to employment. These Laborers are extremely low- to no income workers who present with immediate critical needs for jobs, food, housing, emergency funds, and medical care. In FY 2024, 80% fit the criteria for homelessness; 90%

reported food insecurity; and approximately one third required referral to the Arlington Free Clinic ( AFC). In a society that often fears single Latinos and men of color congregating in public places and who resemble – or are – homeless and unemployed, historically marginalized, Day Laborers face a significant amount of institutional, systemic, and individual discrimination, are often isolated, and require protection from the illegal labor practices and exploitation encountered on job sites.

Impact Statement

SEEC provided vital services to the immigrant community that included:

• Serving 749 laborers
• Filled 689 jobs
• Resolved 12 cases of wage theft
• Prevented 30 evictions
• Distributed 2,200 free brown bag meals
• Referred 108 Day Laborers to the Arlington Free Clinic
• Referred 259 Day Laborers to the Arlington Food Assistance Center
• Provided 650 monthly hot meals through the SEEC Winter Hot Meal Initiative
• Inaugurated the SEEC Emergency Needs Fund and the SEEC Saturday Legal Clinic, which aids with immigration issues

What ways can the public get involved?

We invite volunteers who can tutor English to our clients.

We need volunteers to provide transportation to take day laborers to local jobs.

We invite volunteers to provide bag lunches for the day labores.

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

Over 95% of the charitable donations go to pay for training and support for the day laborers. This includes paying for temporary rent, bus transportation, for the cell phones that are essential to communicating with employers, prescription drugs and meals for those who can’t find work and are going hungry.

Information provided March 2026

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?

• If you want to support the mission and work of NAMI Northern Virginia, please consider donating.
• If you are interested in volunteering, we have many ways you can be involved.
• If you are interested in learning more about our support groups, classes, or presentations, please learn more on our website HERE, or see our upcoming calendar of programs HERE.

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

• $25 – Provides mental health resource materials to be distributed at community health event.
• $35 – Allows one person to find hope, connection, and community in a support group.
• $75 – Allows one person to hear open and honest mental health stories that dispel misconceptions.
• $300 ($25 p/month) – Allows one family member to learn how to communicate effectively and handle a crisis.
• $600 ($50 p/month) – Allows one peer to learn how to set a vision for their future and improve their communication skills.
• $1000 – Provides refresher training for all support group leaders.
• $1200 ($100 p/month) – Allows a group of people to hear real-life mental health stories that help break stigma.
• $2500 – Allows one group of people to meet in a safe space to discuss challenges and success and foster community.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities available

Information provided March 2026

Edu-Futuro

EIN: 54-1914671

Mission Statement

The mission of Edu-Futuro is to empower underserved youth and families through mentorship, education, leadership development, parent engagement, individual case management, and workforce development. Our vision is to realize the potential of underserved youth and their families.

Program Summary

Edu-Futuro’s work is focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of education. We serve nearly 5,000 students and parents annually through our range of free, bilingual, Two-Generation programs:

1. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP): Our flagship youth-serving program offers a  “Classroom-to-Career” continuum of support that helps students graduate from high school, enroll in college, and achieve professional success. Each year, hundreds of students participate in ELP’s five core initiatives: ELP STEM Robotics clubs and Pre-ELP high school preparation workshops for youth in grades 6-8; ELP-I college readiness and leadership development workshops for students in grades 9-12; ELP-II college access and financial aid guidance for high school seniors; and ELP-III college life guidance and mentorship for students attending local postsecondary institutions.
2. Parent Empowerment Services (PES): Because family involvement is vital for young people’s success, we offer a range of workshops to help parents and caregivers navigate our local school systems, become more involved in their children’s education, and improve family communication. In addition, our Case Management Services (CMS) provide emergency assistance to any family in need: connecting them to rental support, food distribution, health services, and other aid programs offered by government agencies or local nonprofit organizations.
3. Workforce Development Services (WDS): To ensure parents can navigate an increasingly virtual employment landscape, we provide practical training and individualized support including computer and smartphone skills, resume and cover letter preparation, and GED certification to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma.
4. Chronic Absenteeism Prevention (CAP): Our newest initiative, developed in response to the nationwide chronic absenteeism crisis in 2021, works directly with local school systems to conduct intensive outreach to hundreds of chronically absent students — returning youth to their classrooms and reducing dropout rates for some of our region’s most vulnerable populations.

In addition to these program pillars, since 2019 Edu-Futuro has been the proud home of Línea Directa, one of the nation’s longest-running weekly Spanish-language television programs dedicated to public service. For over 35 years, Línea Directa has operated as a crucial link between Latino families and trusted information on public health, education, and a multitude of social service issues. A unique media partnership with NBC4-Washington allows Edu-Futuro to air Línea Directa on Saturday mornings, at 11:00 a.m., on the region’s leading Spanish-language station, Telemundo 44.

Impact Summary

Each year, Edu-Futuro changes the lives of thousands of students and parents across Northern Virginia: In our most recently completed Fiscal Year 2024-2025, we provided a record-breaking 5,366 services to 4,915 unduplicated children, youth, and adults. Some of our most significant recent accomplishments include:

• In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Edu-Futuro mobilized to become one of the largest providers of direct financial aid to vulnerable families in the region: stabilizing more than 1,840 households and distributing over $2.8 million to date for rent, food, medicine, and other basic necessities.
• Since 2021, the 334 outstanding graduates of our Emerging Leaders Program have collectively secured more than $42 million in life-changing scholarships and financial aid.
• In its first five years, our Chronic Absenteeism Prevention partnerships with Fairfax County and Arlington Public Schools have prevented more than 1,250 students from dropping out, preserving over $26.7 million in public educational investment.
• Last year, our public service television program Línea Directa won two Emmy Awards from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the categories of Best Public Affairs Program and Best Societal Concerns Program (Long Form).

What ways can the public get involved?

Led by our full-time Volunteer Coordinator, each year Edu-Futuro engages over 250 volunteers who provide invaluable support for our programs as workshop co-facilitators, career panelists, and mentors. Volunteers play a central role in guiding program participants along their professional journeys, particularly as mentors for the Emerging Leaders Program. We also use volunteers for one-time opportunities to serve as panelists for career exploration workshops, committee members to review applications and select recipients for college scholarships, and judges for our annual speech and essay competitions. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, at volunteer@edu-futuro.org, or consult our volunteer registration form. 

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

Generous donations made to Edu-Futuro are what allow us to provide our services to nearly 5,000 students and parents each year. It is important to note that about 75% of the funds we receive through grants and contracts each year are earmarked for specific programs, and do not cover critical operating and administrative expenses. Unrestricted funds like those we raise from individual donors help give us the capacity and flexibility we will need to meet our ambitious goal of serving more than 5,400 unduplicated individuals in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 — and to strengthen our organization to face new challenges in the years to come.

More than anything, your support can help change the lives of young people like Eric Pleitez, an Emerging Leaders Program graduate who went on to earn his both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Finance from the George Washington University. Eric recently shared a testimonial with us that can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/MvGkh4PLCMY

Information provided March 2026