Population: Low-income

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:

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?

A photo of the velocity storefront in alexandria. It is a red brick building on the corner of a street. Dozens of bikes are lined up outside.

Information provided January 2026

Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA)

EIN: 84-2182585

Mission Statement

Build a resilient, community-driven urban agriculture sector that provides a fair, healthy, sustainable food system for all Arlingtonians.

Program Summary

Plot Against Hunger: The Plot Against Hunger program is the only program in Arlington County whose sole mission is to grow fresh produce for Arlington residents in need. Through this program, we support over 100 Arlington gardens and gardeners who donate fresh produce weekly to local food pantries and pantries. Our gleaning program mobilizes volunteers to collect excess farm produce to prevent food waste and fight hunger. In addition to the network of gardens and gleaning, this program includes public education and engagement. Examples include seed and seedling giveaways, Central Library Garden Talks, and a Spring Garden Kick-Off event.

Urban Garden Partnerships: FOUA creates partnerships across public, private, civic, and non-profit communities to transform and enhance urban spaces to produce food. Two notable projects arethe HUG (Highland Urban Garden) project in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood involving several civic organizations, and the Terborgh Urban Garden located in the Donaldson Run neighborhood in collaboration with Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.

Public Policy: FOUA supports public policies that support urban agriculture entrepreneurs, support farmers’ markets, encourage developers to include urban agricultural elements, and institutionalize support of public school programs and curriculum.  

Community Engagement: FOUA raises awareness of urban agriculture through educational, outreach, and social events such as October Urban Agriculture Month events and our annual Golden Radish Award. Our seed and seedling giveaways, Central Library Garden Talks, and a Spring Garden Kick Off provide all kinds of interaction and information sharing. FOUA has engaged hundreds of new and experienced gardeners to volunteer in private and community gardens, gleaning at farms, and packaging and distributing of produce to local food pantries. We receive multiple inquiries each week from school groups, private employer groups, and individuals looking to serve their neighbors in a fun, active, and meaningful way.

Impact Statement

FOUA believes that a resilient, community-driven urban agriculture sector drives improvements in public health, fights hunger and food insecurity, boosts economic health, and addresses environmental challenges, including stormwater management and heat stress. Through our programs, volunteers.

In 2024, our growers and garden teams harvested and donated more than 64,000 pounds of fresh produce (valued at $122,252) to Arlington food banks and pantries! We’re still harvesting and gleaning for 2025.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can volunteer in our community gardens, grow produce at home for donation, glean at local farms, support our farmers markets, and urban farmers.

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

Your donation helps us provide the vital inputs gardens need to grow each season: seeds and seedlings, soil amendments, tools, and volunteers.

Information provided November 2025

NEW Solutions

EIN: 52-2003078

Mission Statement

Expand opportunities for experienced workers (age 55+) to support government agencies in achieving their missions through our proven exceptional services.

Program Summary

NEW Solutions is a nonprofit organization based in Arlington, VA, dedicated to connecting experienced professionals age 55 and older with meaningful work that serves the public good. Through partnerships with federal agencies and community organizations, NEW Solutions helps older workers continue contributing their skills, while agencies benefit from seasoned talent and institutional knowledge.

Key programs include the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which engages professionals in environmental protection and public health projects; the ACES and Experienced Service  Programs within USDA and the Department of the Interior, where enrollees support conservation, land management, and sustainability initiatives; and the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides paid training and community service placements for low-income older adults seeking to reenter the workforce.

Together, these programs empower experienced workers in Arlington and across the nation to stay active, apply their expertise, and enhance their financial security. They also help federal and local agencies maintain mission continuity, advance environmental and workforce goals, and promote intergenerational collaboration—demonstrating how experience remains an essential resource for a thriving, inclusive workforce.

Impact Statement

NEW Solutions empowers experienced professionals age 55+ to continue making meaningful contributions to the public good while strengthening the capacity of federal and community partners. Each year, NEW Solutions engages hundreds of skilled workers in roles that support environmental protection, conservation, public health, and community development. These individuals bring decades of expertise, mentorship, and leadership that enhance program effectiveness, accelerate project outcomes, and ensure continuity of institutional knowledge across agencies.

For the population served, the results are transformative: older Americans gain renewed purpose, income stability, and professional engagement; federal and local partners benefit from a dedicated, cost-effective, and mission-aligned workforce. Beyond employment, NEW Solutions fosters inclusion, combats age bias, and demonstrates the continued value of experience in solving today’s most pressing challenges.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can support NEW Solutions in several meaningful ways:

  1. Partner with Us – Federal, state, and community organizations can collaborate with NEW Solutions to access a highly skilled, experienced workforce. Partnering helps advance vital public missions in environmental protection, conservation, and workforce development.
  2. Spread the Word – Individuals can help raise awareness by sharing NEW Solutions’ mission and success stories within their networks, encouraging others to value and employ experienced talent.
  3. Donate or Sponsor – Contributions directly support program expansion, training initiatives, and outreach efforts that connect more older workers with meaningful opportunities.
  4. Join Our Programs – Experienced professionals aged 55+ can apply to participate in NEW Solutions programs, putting their skills to work for the public good while continuing personal and professional growth.
  5. Advocate for Experienced Workers – Community members can champion age-inclusive employment policies and practices that recognize the ongoing value of experienced workers.

Together, these actions strengthen NEW Solutions’ impact—helping ensure that experience, skill, and purpose remain powerful forces for progress across the nation.

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

At NEW Solutions, charitable dollars are used to create real, measurable impact for older Americans and the federal programs they serve. Donations directly fund the placement, training, and support of experienced professionals age 55+, helping them continue meaningful work that benefits the public good.

Your contribution supports the creation of jobs, wages, and benefits for thousands of individuals nationwide—empowering experienced workers to stay active, achieve financial stability, and share their expertise with the next generation. These professionals serve in vital roles that advance the missions of more than 15 federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Department of Agriculture.

Charitable funds also help NEW Solutions expand program access, enhance participant development, and build innovative tools that strengthen accountability and performance outcomes. Every dollar helps extend the value of experience—supporting a skilled, dedicated workforce that protects the environment, supports communities, and demonstrates that talent and purpose have no age limit.

Information provided October 2025

Wild Virginia, Inc.

EIN: 54-1841861

Mission Statement

PROTECTING AND CONNECTING VIRGINIA’S WILD PLACES

Program Summary

Wild Virginia holds the state’s government and regulators accountable for improving habitat connectivity and protecting water quality to counter climate change, prevent species extinction, and defend the health of our communities and ecosystems. Through advocating for environmental protections, convening stakeholder groups to amplify impact, and empowering diverse communities to become active in the decision-making process, we connect people with a safer, more inclusive outdoors.

What We Do

Impact Statement

Within Arlington County, Wild Virginia is working to affect decisions by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to prevent the discharge of harmful levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” from Arlington County’s wastewater treatment plant. This will help ensure the state enforces safe water standards in Arlington’s backyard.

Additionally, Wild Virginia is working with Virginia localities to identify and implement safe wildlife crossing and corridor projects across the state. Wildlife crossing projects reduce animal-vehicle collisions and help maintain habitat connectivity in urban environments like Arlington’s.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

Donations to Wild Virginia of any size go directly support our programs. While general support is always needed, specific program needs include:

IMPROVING HABITAT CONNECTIVITY

1. Wildlife-Vehicle Conflict Maps | Phase 1: $10,000 | Phase 2: $50,000

The Virginia Wildlife Corridor Action Plan has identified key corridors where wildlife-vehicle collisions occur, but its reliance on police report data underestimates the issue and focuses on large animals like deer and bears. Wildlife rehabilitation centers in Virginia collect robust data on diverse wildlife brought in due to vehicle collisions, including where animals were struck or found.

Phase one of this project will create the first-ever map of wildlife rehabilitation center data used as a creative and unprecedented way to identify wildlife-vehicle collision hotspots. This will build upon the data currently used by the Commonwealth and create a more accurate picture of where wildlife crossings may be most needed.

The second phase of this project will create a pipeline for rehabilitation center data to be automatically uploaded to a live map. This will provide a low-maintenance and living source of information for use by state agencies, nonprofits, localities, advocates, and more.  This innovative tool will not only guide effective wildlife crossing planning in Virginia but will also serve as a model for identifying collision hotspots nationwide, advancing wildlife conservation and infrastructure improvements across the U.S.

2. New Website for the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative | $10,000

Wild Virginia co-founded and leads the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative (VSWCC), a coalition of 40 partner organizations dedicated to advancing wildlife corridor and crossing projects statewide. Our leadership supports coordination on initiatives aligned with Virginia’s Wildlife Corridor Action Plan to build a more connected landscape.

To amplify its impact, VSWCC is redesigning its outdated website to improve functionality and accessibility. The new site will feature clear information on wildlife-vehicle conflict, the collaborative’s mission, and how to join. Enhanced public engagement tools, including links to Wild Virginia’s advocacy efforts and the Virginia Habitat Connectivity Hub, will empower more community involvement and foster greater support for connectivity projects.

3. Locality Support Initiative | Year 1 Total $100,000 | Year 2 Total $125,000

Localities have turned to Wild Virginia for help in how to locate, construct, and fund wildlife crossing projects in their districts. To meet this need, in year one we will provide leadership, coordination, facilitation, and process support to two case study localities; the Afton Gap Crossing Project in central Virginia and the Loudoun Connectivity Initiative in northern Virginia. Documenting the process and lessons learned in year one, we will create resources for other localities (including Arlington) to help streamline their projects, and expand our support through the addition of an Assistant Director who can tailor help be an accessible resource. 

As part of a broader strategy, Wild Virginia will initiate outreach with planning associations, such as the Virginia Association of Counties, and other local government stakeholders across the Commonwealth, to include Arlington. This will build a more informed base and foster future connectivity projects across Virginia. Our goal is to empower localities such as Arlington with the knowledge, relationships, and resources needed to pursue their own connectivity initiatives, while encouraging VDOT to expand wildlife passage efforts and paving the way for comprehensive state-level connectivity legislation.

4. First Habitat Connectivity Symposium | $17,000

Wild Virginia will host the first Habitat Connectivity Symposium in the fall of 2025. The inaugural year of this event will bring together VSWCC partners to learn and discuss high priority topics. It will include presentations and workshops on wildlife crossings and corridor work as well as networking and resource sharing to build collaborations and galvanize progress across Virginia. In successive years we will build upon this event, maturing it each year to include new audiences and expand its reach and impact towards becoming Virginia’s premiere habitat connectivity gathering. 

PROTECTING WATER QUALITY

1. Water Quality Monitoring Initiative | $150,000

Wild Virginia launched a new campaign in 2023 to prevent damage to human and environmental health from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are present in many products and have been detected in the environment, in wildlife, and in humans. PFAS accumulates in bodies, posing serious health threats that persist for many years. By advocating for full enforcement of current state and federal water pollution control regulations, we seek to improve state policies to increase monitoring of PFAS, prevent the discharge of PFAS into the environment, and push the cost of mitigation back upstream to the polluters.

Most of Virginia’s surface waters and pollutant discharges have not been tested for PFAS. Data showing the presence of such contaminants is a powerful tool to galvanize action by state regulators. To fill this gap in information, Wild Virginia will sample waters from across the Commonwealth, with a focus on those in historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. In addition to being of use to Wild Virginia, details from these samplings will be shared via a report with the public, nonprofits, and others, for their use in combating PFAS pollution. 

2. Science Reporting | $60,000

Our water quality program uses science and the law, backed by an educated and mobilized public, to influence decision makers and ensure that protections promised by the Clean Water Act are fully and faithfully enforced. We currently have supporting personnel with expertise in law and policy. To match this skill set we seek to add personnel with expertise in the scientific and technical fields, fully rounding out our water quality program. This addition will expand our ability to expose new details about the presence of PFAS in Virginia waterways (to include Arlington County and the Potomac River), increase the impact of our reporting, and help us prevent additional PFAS pollution. 

CLEAN WATER ADVOCATES PROGRAMS 

1. Pop-up Version of Clean Water Advocates for Frontline Communities | $40,000

The Clean Water Advocates is a nine-week skills-based program that equips participants with fundamental knowledge of federal and state water protection laws, regulatory processes, and basic research and advocacy skills used to influence environmental decisions and outcomes. However, the program will not always be practical for individuals and environmental justice communities facing immediate water contamination threats. Time is of the essence when a community has newly mobilized and now must come up to speed on not only the environmental issues but also the government decision-making processes at hand. 

This pop-up will fund the development of a condensed version of the Clean Water Advocates Program for such circumstances. We will partner with the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Appalachian Voices, and 7 Directions of Service, who have reviewed and praised the existing curriculum, to develop, implement, and distribute this tool to the frontline communities that need it.

2. Sponsor a Clean Water Advocate Student | $2,800 per student | $70,000 whole cohort

The Clean Water Advocates Program is open and accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, with an emphasis on recruiting from historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, and/or organizations supporting those communities. In order to continue to provide this program for free to students, we seek sponsorship of each year’s cohort. 

Information Provided September 2025

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

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

Youth Democracy Institute

Fiscally sponsored by Social Good Fund

EIN of fiscal sponsor: 46-1323531

Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate, empower, and equip young people (ages 10-24) with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead civic change in their communities and beyond.

Program Summary

Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) Overview
Founded in 2025 and fiscally sponsored by the Social Good Fund, Youth Democracy Institute is dedicated to developing a pipeline of civic leaders across Arlington County, and the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Our three core programs help young people build leadership, confidence, and teamwork through real-world civic learning experiences. Our programs are non-partisan, hands-on, and grounded in Virginia education standards.

NextGen Leadership Academy (Grades 4–8)
This program offers two formats to engage students in civic learning and leadership development. Our summer and break camps provide an intensive, hands-on experience where students explore civic engagement through mock town halls, student elections, and community-based projects. During the school year, the afterschool enrichment program continues this learning, with weekly sessions focused on leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. Both formats culminate in a field trip to local civi or historical sites. Our goal is to foster early civic identity and prepare youth for future leadership roles.

Emerging Leaders Academy (Grades 9–12)
The Emerging Leaders Academy equips high school students with skills in advocacy, public speaking, and community organizing. Students work on real-world projects addressing local issues, focusing on peer leadership and public service. The program empowers youth to engage meaningfully in their communities and prepares them for future leadership roles.

YDI Policy Academy (Ages 18–24)
The YDI Policy Academy provides intensive training in policy analysis and community organizing. Fellows participate in research, advocacy campaigns, and grassroots mobilization, while also mentoring younger students in YDI programs. This dual role prepares fellows for leadership in public policy and civic engagement.

Impact Statement

Since our founding in 2025, Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) has hosted two leadership camps, serving over 20 students from nearly 10 schools across Arlington County. We have secured two program sites for the fall and will pilot a Black-Jewish Cultural Leadership Academy for Arlington County, sponsored by our first major donor. Students are reporting that they enjoy the experience while developing essential leadership skills, and parents are enrolling their children to become more confident, vocal leaders both in the classroom and beyond. YDI’s leadership academies are subsidized through generous donations and summer camp program fees, ensuring accessibility for all students.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

  1. Program Costs
    Donations help fund our leadership camps, afterschool enrichment programs, and academies, ensuring that they remain either free or low-cost for families. This includes covering materials, field trips, and resources to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students.
  2. Scholarships
    Your contribution provides scholarships for students from underserved communities, allowing them to participate in our programs at no cost or a reduced fee, ensuring equal access to leadership development opportunities.
  3. Staff and Volunteer Support
    Donations support the recruitment, training, and compensation of our dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver high-quality mentorship, facilitate programs, and help students thrive in a supportive learning environment.
  4. Operational Expenses
    Contributions also help cover essential operational costs, including facility rentals, technology, and outreach efforts, ensuring that YDI’s programs are sustainable and impactful in the long term.

Your support helps ensure that more youth have access to life-changing opportunities, preparing them to become future leaders and change-makers.

Learn more here.

Information provided August 2025

Ronald McDonald House of Charities, Greater Washington DC

EIN: 52-1132262

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

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

Impact Statement

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

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

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

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

Information provided July 2025

Free2Talk

EIN: 88-3583665

Mission Statement

Free2Talk is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of kids and teens in Virginia (ages 6-19). We believe that accessible and affordable therapy, including speech therapy, is vital for all young people struggling across the Commonwealth. Regardless of family income or insurance coverage, Virginia kids and teens should be able to access mental health and speech therapy treatment. 

Program Summary

Free2Talk connects families, struggling to afford treatment, with a network of mental health and speech therapy providers and specialists, allowing them to access reduced cost treatment for their kids and teens. For qualified patients, our organization will pay up to 80% of treatment costs for up to 16 sessions. 

We work primarily with providers and patients in Arlington, but also across the Commonwealth. Free2Talk was founded in the summer of 2022 by William Mount, a then-10th grade student at Washington-Liberty HS in Arlington, VA. His idea originated from his own personal struggles with mental health and stuttering.

Impact Statement

We have covered 80% of the costs of nearly 500 therapy sessions by collaborating with over a dozen therapy providers and practices across Virginia — with our most served areas being Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, and the greater Charlottesville area.

Founder William Mount has attended, and spoken to/at various of local expos, elementary schools, foundations and fundraising events to promote the de-stigmatization of speaking about mental health and speech struggles amongst younger people. In addition, Free2Talk has tabled at local events sponsored by organizations like the Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA).

Free2Talk is also in collaboration with the University of Virginia’s Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services, and has worked with them for over a year to provide Free2Talk’s services to areas beyond Northern Virginia.

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

Donations to Free2Talk always go directly subsidizing the costs of the mental health/speech therapy sessions of our patients. 

Donations ranging from $100-$250 cover the cost of a typical therapy session for one of our patients. Larger donations are greatly appreciated; 16 sessions for each approved patient leads to an individual cost of ~$2,000. Large donations help us to scale in size, and excess funds allow Free2Talk to expand our network of providers to further address the immense need for therapy in Arlington, and beyond.

Information provided May 2025