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

Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA)

EIN: 82-4681676

Mission Statement

CYFA uses collective impact, restorative practices, education, and advocacy to transform system and create sustainable community conditions for children, youth, and families to thrive in safe and healthy communities.  

Program Summary

At CYFA, we work to bring to life the words of Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.” Through collective impact, restorative practices, education, and advocacy, we empower youth and families, breaking down barriers and creating sustainable, community-based systems that provide the resources and opportunities necessary for individuals to achieve their goals and realize their potential.

At the core of our mission is the BuildStrong Initiative, a dynamic framework addressing the needs of youth and families at all stages of engagement with community support. This initiative connects programs focused on prevention, early intervention, and systemic transformation, ensuring that lasting change is achieved at both the individual and community level.

Our Integrated Model of Partnership to Achieve Community-Based Transformation (IMPACT) brings together public and private stakeholders to design and implement sustainable, community-driven solutions. One example is the Children & Youth Master Plan in Danville, Virginia, which prioritizes systemic change over isolated interventions. Additionally, our Addressing Root Causes (ARC) Initiative works to tackle systemic inequities, influence public policy, and create frameworks for equitable funding, such as Arlington County’s efforts to build an equitable allocation model for discretionary funding.

Central to CYFA’s work is the Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI), which includes transformative programs like Promoting Empathy through Equitable Resolution (PEER) and Youth Peer Court (YPC). YRDI helps to divert youth from entering the juvenile justice system by empowering them to take accountability for their actions in a supportive, restorative environment. Through PEER, youth resolve harm through community-led circles, and YPC provides a peer-driven alternative to the traditional court system. Over the past 18 months, YRDI in Arlington has received 102 referrals from law enforcement, juvenile court, Arlington Public Schools, and the community, with a 100% completion rate.

CYFA also fosters community healing through programs like Relax, Relate, Restore (RRR), which creates safe spaces for dialogue and connection, and Real Experiences Assisting Community Healing (REACH), which trains “credible messengers” within communities to guide at-risk youth toward healing. Through REACH, we have trained 45 gang-connected youth in Danville as peer leaders through the Youth Peer Court Ambassador Academy©, empowering them to lead transformative change in their communities.Through education and advocacy, CYFA addresses legal and systemic obstacles that limit access to opportunity. Our Legal Advocacy Workshops (LAW) have equipped over 100 youth with the tools to protect their rights, including a juvenile expungement initiative in partnership with the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center. The Guiding Personal Success (GPS) program provides social-emotional learning opportunities to youth connected to Affordable Homes and Communities, with our current cohort of 15 elementary school students receiving bi-monthly afterschool programming focused on promoting mental health, physical well-being, resilience, and positive life choices. Additionally, CYFA’s Campaign to Amplify Racial Equity (CARE) offers community members the chance to deepen their understanding of how racism impacts our systems and daily lives. Through community outreach, educational workshops, and open dialogues, this campaign encourages individuals to actively engage in dismantling systemic racism, fostering a more equitable society for all.

CYFA is committed to creating lasting change through community-driven solutions that empower youth, families, and communities to thrive.

Impact Statement

The Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI) is a critical public-private safety initiative that provides young people restorative pathways to avoid formal legal system involvement, and the negative psychological, academic, and health outcomes associated with system involvement, through community-based programming. The YRDI not only helps youth succeed but also improves public safety and enhances the effective and efficient use of public resources.

The more contact a young person has with the juvenile legal system, the higher their risk of negative outcomes. “Pre-arrest diversion,” also known as “deflection,” removes the primary entry point into the legal system by proactively positioning law enforcement officers in a continuum of care focused on connecting young people with community-based resources to address the harms resulting from their actions in lieu of arrest.

Deflection has been found to be more effective at reducing recidivism (or future harmful conduct) than conventional judicial interventions. 

The YRDI is Arlington’s only deflection program for youth, and it is a success. On September 17, 2024, CYFA shared the YRDI’s Year 1 data to the ACB: https://tinyurl.com/bdf5ramu

Additional data can be found on our website at: https://cyfadvocacy.org/arlington-county/

What ways can the public get involved?

Each person’s individual power to lead, lend support, and take action drive real and sustained change in the community, particularly in advancing CYFA’s mission. There are a number of ways you can join our Civic Circle:

1. Stay informed and connected on the ways to support young people and families thrive through CYFA’s community-based programming.
2. Financially support CYFA, the Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI), and our prevention, intervention, and community-building programs.
3. Use your voice and influence to raise awareness on the YRDI and its impact on youth and families.
4. Share your time and talents by volunteering at our events, including the Listen Learn Lead Summit.
5. Share the opportunity to serve on our Youth Advisory Board with middle and high school students.  
6. Share the opportunity with high school students to serve as PEER and YPC Ambassadors and administer restorative justice on matters involving local peers. 

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

Your donation to CYFA directly supports transformative programs that empower youth and families. It funds initiatives such as the PEER, YPC, and YPC Ambassador Academy© programs, which provide restorative justice opportunities to help young people take accountability and grow. These programs are designed to equip youth with the skills to implement restorative practices in their daily lives, building leadership and reimagining public safety in their communities. Your support also sustains our Guiding Personal Success programs, which offer youth vital social-emotional learning and personal development, while the Listen Learn Lead Summit empowers middle and high school students to embrace leadership.

Additionally, your contribution helps fund quarterly Teen Timeout programs that focus on youth mental and physical well-being, as well as our Law Day event, which ensures youth have the knowledge to protect their rights. CYFA also fosters community healing through Relax, Relate, Restore (RRR) circles, addressing critical issues and building connections. Your donation supports end-of-summer and back-to-school events, equipping children and families with the tools they need to succeed. These programs promote healthy minds, healthy bodies, and healthy relationships, creating a foundation for young people to thrive. Your generosity drives lasting change and strengthens the resilience of our communities.

Information provided March 2025

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

Boolean Girl

EIN: 82-1408294

Mission Statement

The mission of Boolean Girl is to diversify STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) by teaching and inspiring girls, low-income students, and underrepresented youth in grades three to eight through meaningful, hands-on instruction and sustained exposure to computer science and engineering in a collaborative and welcoming environment.

Program Summary

At Boolean Girl, we work to diversify STEM by teaching and inspiring girls, under-represented groups and low-income kids to code, build, invent and animate. Primarily serving the greater Washington, DC, area, we provide girls-only and co-ed classes, summer camps and after school programs, teaching coding and engineering in an inclusive, welcoming environment. 

With separate curriculum for elementary and middle school students, children learn computer science and engineering fundamentals through a series of unique projects, hands-on challenges, and play. Our students learn coding, robotics, AI, engineering, teamwork, and digital citizenship while making new friends and having fun. With a robust curriculum and hands-on projects, we educate and empower the next generation of technologists. In addition, we hire rockstar instructors, many of whom are high school and college students who complete paid internships or workforce development programs and are excellent mentors for our younger students.

With our micro:bit for All program, Boolean Girl provides micro:bit kits to schools and students to teach coding, along with lesson plans integrated into core curriculum such as math and science, as well as supplemental lessons in computer science or specials.

At Clubhouse, students excited to continue learning coding and engineering join small groups in after-school or weekend sessions to develop their own STEM projects, share their learnings, and get inspired to continue their STEM journey. Our curriculum incorporates programming and engineering including robotics, mechanics, and circuits, along with art and creativity.

At week-long Boolean Girl camps, girls learn computer science and engineering fundamentals from our rockstar instructors through a series of unique projects. Younger students begin with Scratch coding, starting with Storytelling in Scratch and progressing through Building Games and AI. Beginning in sixth grade, we teach more advanced coding with Python, in addition to Web Development and Artificial Intelligence. We also offer two types of engineering classes for students in grades five through eight: traditional robotics (things that move), and wearable machines.

Impact Statement

Women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, but less than one third of the science and engineering workforce. Latinx and African-American women make up less than 3%. Research has shown that a 28 percentage point gap exists between male and female Gen Z members regarding their interest in pursuing careers in engineering or computer/technology fields. Boolean Girl was founded to address this by fostering inclusive, creative, and collaborative environments in which girls can learn and grow confidence in STEM subjects at a pace equal to that of their male peers.

Over ten years ago, we started our journey teaching 49 girls in one elementary school in Arlington, Virginia. We have now reached over 60,000 girls and underrepresented youth throughout the greater Washington, DC area, in addition to online students across the country. 

In 2025, we reached over 10,000 students through Summer Camps, after-school Clubhouses, micro:bit for All, and other online and in-person events. We worked with 75 schools (72% of which were Title 1) to get over 6,000 micro:bit Kits to 5th grade students, training older students as instructors for the younger students. In addition, 45% of our students come from low income households and receive scholarships.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can help through donations, sponsorships, volunteering at our events, or even teaching. 

Our partners and sponsors help us fund and run our programs through financial support, providing space for events, volunteers, technical support and other resources, and through offering guidance.

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

$15 – One hour of after school learning for one student
$25 – Saturday coding Clubhouse for one child
$40 – Micro:bit kit for a child
$125 – Badge-earning class online for a scout troop
$250 – Teacher training for after-school Clubhouse
$425 – Full week of coding camp for one child
$5000 – Micro:bit kits and teacher training for a typical 5th grade class

We run revenue generating summer camps that are open to all youth. This revenue covers our overhead costs which have been less than 10% of our overall costs for 10 years. This means that 100% of your donations go to programs that impact the community. 

Information provided March 2026

HopeLink Behavioral Health

EIN: 54-0880899

Mission Statement

HopeLink inspires hope and provides support for individuals and families experiencing crisis and behavioral health challenges. Through innovative services and a collaborative approach, we strengthen our community one life at a time.

Impact Statement

At HopeLink, we envision a society where hope is universal. Through access to quality behavioral health, crisis intervention, and suicide intervention services, we foster an inclusive community in which everyone can attain wellness and a genuine sense of belonging.

What ways can the public get involved?

HopeLink relies on the support of our community to provide our mental health and crisis services. We offer volunteer opportunities for adults, youth, and groups including corporate groups. Gifts to support the organization help HopeLink to serve the thousands of adults, youth and families in our community. 

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

Your dollars are critical in supporting HopeLink’s behavioral health, crisis and suicide intervention services. The demand for mental health services in our community is on the rise, and support from our community allows us to be able to offer services to our community members in need, despite financial, language, or other barriers that our community members may face to accessing care. 

Information provided March 2026

Bridges to Independence

EIN: 54-1368484

Mission Statement

The mission at Bridges is to guide children and families out of homelessness and into stability and self-sufficiency. 

Since 1985, Bridges to Independence has empowered 16,000 homeless children and families in Arlington. What began as a small shelter has grown into a multifaceted family and children services agency.

Program Summary

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

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

Impact Statement

In 2023, Bridges served 634 children and adults experiencing homelessness in Arlington.
The Youth Development Program effectively reduced the school dropout rate for homeless students in Arlington. For the 7th consecutive year, 100% of high school seniors at Bridges are graduating on time and continuing on to college, job training, a career, or most often, a combination of these.
Bridges has a 90% success rate in moving families to permanent destinations who have been experiencing homelessness.
7 in 10 adults eligible for employment had income at the time they exited the rapid rehousing program.
92% of families remained permanently housed after exiting the rapid rehousing program.
3 out of 4 families maintained or increased their household income upon exit of the Bridges rapid rehousing program.
260 Arlington residents accessed referrals, resources, and services at the Bridges BAJ Community Services Center.
0 families were removed from the shelter without a safe place to go. Staff ensure that all families move from the shelter into housing, and no family is ever thrown out and left on the streets

What ways can the public get involved?

Donate food: Bridges provides a food pantry at the emergency shelter for families.
Volunteer: Projects include gardening, tutoring, collecting supplies for our back-to-school donation drive or holiday toy drive, assembling Snack Sacks, and more!
Join a committee: Join the Bridges events, communications and advocacy, or fundraising committee.
Become a Board member.

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

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

Information provided April 2025

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

EIN: 52-1589700

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

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

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

Impact Statement

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

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

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Soccer Association

EIN: 23-7284150

Mission Statement

Provide quality soccer programs and experiences for youth of all abilities, backgrounds and financial means to encourage personal growth, promote a love for the game, and advance soccer in Arlington and surrounding communities.

Program Summary

Arlington Soccer Association offers recreational, developmental and travel soccer, as well as a number of camps, clinics and other programs throughout the year.  Over 9,000 children take advantage of Arlington Soccer programs each year!

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

For the Arlington Soccer Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, charitable donations are vital to supporting its mission and operations. Generally donations go towards financial aid, unless they are specifically earmarked for other causes.  Here is how financial aid funds are typically utilized:

Financial Aid for Players: Donations designated for financial aid are used to subsidize the costs for players who may not otherwise be able to afford to participate in the soccer programs. This can include covering part or all of the fees associated with:

Registration Fees: These are often the primary costs associated with joining the soccer programs. Financial aid can help cover these expenses to ensure every child has the opportunity to play, regardless of their financial background.
Uniforms and Equipment: Soccer requires specific gear, such as jerseys, shorts, socks, cleats, and shin guards. Financial aid can help families obtain these necessary items.
Travel Costs: For travel teams, expenses can include transportation, lodging, and meals for away games and tournaments. Financial aid can help ensure that all team members can participate in these important events.

Information provided March 2026

Spread The Vote + Project ID

EIN: 81-5308494

Mission Statement

A real democracy cannot flourish unless all of its citizens have full access to the rights and privilege of their citizenship. By helping the citizens and residents of the United States obtain the IDs they need to attain jobs, housing, health care, voting, and more, we build a society in which every human has an equal opportunity to achieve.

Program Summary

We help people obtain state IDs and all documents required to obtain those IDs, including birth certificates, marriage records, etc. We provide the funds for the documents and IDs, transportation to the DMV, and anything else needed to get an ID in the hands of our clients. 

Impact Statement

To date we have helped more than 1500 people obtain IDs in Virginia, more than 800 of those in Arlington. We have been working consistently in Arlington since 2017 and are deeply committed to the community and our clients. 

What ways can the public get involved?

We always welcome volunteers! All of our volunteers who work in Arlington live in Arlington and always welcome new members of the team. We also accept donations of funds as well as goods for our clients and partners.

If you are interested, email volunteers@spreadthevote.org.

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

IDs cost an average of $40 each, donations go mainly to IDs and the documents required to obtain IDs (ex. birth certificate costs start at $20 and increase significantly depending on the state). The average ID cost in Virginia is $28.

Information provided April 2024