Population: Low-income

CARE, Inc.

EIN: 54-1807476

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide and serve our clients with resources, education, enrichment and economic opportunities.  We do this for the disadvantaged and underserved, primarily serving and mentoring low-income, at-risk youth and families.  

We work with community partners and provide them with project/program management and support, fundraising events, technical skills and grant writing. 

Program Summary

Our programs and activities include the following:

Impact Statement

What ways can the public get involved?

CARE is primarily an organization served with volunteers.  We look for volunteers that want to share their knowledge and skills to enrich the lives of our program participants.  Volunteers are needed to mentor, teach and chaperone.  Volunteers works with groups in our gardens and will be helpful in setting up and operating our Farmer’s market and selling goods and services.  No specific skills are required, just time and energy.  Students in middle and high school can volunteer and participate in GAP and Learn to Earn, while preparing for college. 

We always welcome any donations and contributions of resources that we use in our programs and distribute to families in need.  We provide family time meals and snacks and refreshments in our programs afterschool and when we meet with parents.   Parents can attend Dinner Chats to meet service providers and share their needs. 

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

Donations help us to buy and provide school supplies for students, snacks afterschool, meals for family times and programs.  For programs we provide supplies that includes arts & crafts, healthy eating and incentives and awards.  Awards includes trophy’s, certificates, gift cards and gifts to recognize special achievements and accomplishments.  

Student scholarships are awarded to those who want to participate in organized sports, clubs and camps.  Sometimes we supplement fees that can be several hundred dollars for a summer camp.  Donations help to support our summer and afterschool programs with staffing when needed.  Transportation cost for field trips and admissions are needed for those we work with, that cannot afford to pay added cost.   

We use space and facilities that sometimes charges us fees and requires us to have insurance to cover any liability issues. 

Our programs and support for the communities we serve is based on donations, grants and in-kind services. 

Information provided March 2025

OAR of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church

EIN: 54-1024562

Mission Statement

OAR is a community-based nonprofit organization that envisions a safe and thriving community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil and human rights. Through our Upstream work, we are confronting and dismantling individual racism and racism in the legal system and across all systems. Our Downstream work allows us to be on the journey with individuals of all genders returning from incarceration and their families. We also offer alternative sentencing options (including community service) and diversion programs so people can avoid the trauma of incarceration and instead help the community thrive. 

Program Summary

OAR Upstream:

Racial Justice + Liberation 

We lift the voices of Black, Indigenous, Latinx/e/o/a, Asian, and Mulitcultural (BILAM) people who have experienced racism and other intersecting forms of marginalization and challenge white people (WP) and those who have benefited from personal and systemic racism to become leaders in dismantling injustice and redressing the harm caused by personal racism. Efforts include facilitating multiple intensive virtual learning cohorts for community members and especially those working in law enforcement and the criminal legal system that address liberation and dismantling whiteness. 

OAR Downstream: 

Reentry Services 

We work with individuals at the Arlington County Detention Facility, the Adult Detention Center in the City of Alexandria, the closest Virginia state prison, and other correctional facilities who are preparing to return to the community and who come back to Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church. We also journey with their families before and after release. Our efforts in facilities include pre-release workshops focused on reentry issues, health and wellness, group psychotherapy, and transition planning. After release, we provide direct services (such as housing assistance, clothing, transportation, smartphones, laptops, debt repayment, and ongoing help with rent and other expenses), offer a comprehensive Employment Program, and facilitate an ongoing weekly virtual support group for program participants. OAR also established a pilot, gender-responsive, clinical services initiative providing a range of reentry services specifically tailored for individuals identifying as women/female/femme who are coming home to the community after experiencing incarceration. 

Alternative Sentencing + Diversion 

OAR works with Arlington County and the City of Falls Church Courts to provide alternative sentencing and diversion programs. OAR’s community service program allows individuals to do volunteer work in the community in lieu of jail time and fines, to work off their accrued court costs, and also pay court costs. OAR is implementing a Diversion program in partnership with the Vera Institute and Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney – Arlington County and the City of Falls Church with the goal of reducing recidivism as well as racial disparities amongst individuals sentenced to diversion programs. (by 20% each year) 

Impact Statement

OAR is a Collective, non-dominant, decolonizing, pro-Black, racially just, radically joyful, deeply loving, come as you are, liberated organization that puts participants first. We center authentic and fully engaged relationships with all members of the OAR community. Our goals include partnering with those who have experienced incarceration so they can create a safe reentry for themselves and preventing other individuals from enduring that trauma through alternative sentencing programs. With our upstream social justice work, we hope to spur the type of pro-Black racial justice activism that will help ensure that no one will need our social services and OAR no longer needs to exist 50 years from now. 

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

Information provided March 2026

Specially Adapted Resource Clubs (SPARC)

EIN: 20-5513060

Mission Statement

Specially Adapted Resource Clubs (SPARC) exists to provide adults with severe and multiple disabilities with enduring learning opportunities, meaningful social connections, and a rightful and valued place in the community. SPARC is committed to fostering inclusion, independence, and dignity for individuals who have aged out of school-based services and have limited access to traditional support programs. Through innovative, person-centered programming, SPARC ensures that every participant has the opportunity to engage, learn, and thrive.

Program Summary

SPARC’s participants engage in structured, goal-oriented activities that promote cognitive engagement, physical well-being, and social interaction. The organization follows George Engel’s Biopsychosocial model, which recognizes that health and well-being are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. SPARC uses assistive technology, adaptive tools, and customized accommodations to ensure that all participants have opportunities for meaningful engagement.

SPARC’s programs are highly subsidized, to ensure cost is not a barrier to participation. This financial model ensures that families can maintain employment and allocate their income toward essential living expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation.

Impact Statement

SPARC distinguishes itself from other organizations serving adults with severe and multiple disabilities through its participant-driven programming, community integration, commitment to therapeutic recreation, financial accessibility, whole family focus, and research innovation. While many disability service providers focus on institutional care or rigid traditional day programs, SPARC has pioneered an innovative service delivery model that prioritizes personal choice and meaningful engagement. SPARC is specifically designed for individuals who are unable to work due to the complexity of their disabilities. By offering full-time, one-on-one support and specialized therapeutic care, SPARC fills a critical gap in disability services.

What ways can the public get involved?

SPARC welcomes volunteers to join our centers!

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

A gift of $10 provides supplies for one participant, ensuring they have the materials needed to fully engage in daily activities.

A donation of $50 covers the cost of one life skills or vocational training class, offering participants the opportunity to build independence and confidence.

With $150, SPARC can organize an inclusive community outing for ten individuals, promoting social connection and community integration.

A contribution of $200 funds a full month of adapted Zumba classes for up to 30 participants, supporting physical wellness and joyful movement.

A gift of $475 provides ten weeks of targeted skills classes that foster personal growth, communication, and independence.

For $750, one participant can attend SPARC’s full-day, one-on-one supported program for an entire month, gaining access to therapeutic recreation and individualized care.

A donation of $2,500 enables SPARC to purchase assistive communication technology for a non-verbal participant, transforming how they connect with the world.

With a generous gift of $9,000, a donor can underwrite a full year of daily SPARC attendance for one individual, ensuring they receive continuous support, engagement, and inclusion.

Information provided January 2026

Read Early and Daily (READ)

EIN: 82-3345797

Mission Statement

Ensuring babies and young children have new, quality, culturally relevant books of their own that are mirrors and windows into their everyday lives and communities

Program Summary

FACT: All babies are born with the same number of neurons…BILLIONS. 

FACT: Neurons are pretty much useless unless they make a connection (aka synapse).  

FACT: Connections are made through talking, singing, cuddling, and most importantly, READING books with your baby. 

Every time a book is read to a baby, a connection is made in their brain, that is, a neuron is activated (*lit up*). Isn’t that amazing?! It’s that simple.

BUT without books in the home, reading to babies and young children every day is nearly impossible. 

READ was created to address reading inequities faced by Arlington’s youngest and most economically vulnerable children. We meet expectant, uninsured families at their prenatal appointments and start them off with a baby book bag filled with five board books plus tips for reading. When the baby is born, they are automatically enrolled in our cornerstone program READ With Me and receive a texted order form for a new FREE, quality, culturally relevant book each month for their baby’s first year. In addition, they receive monthly reading texts and tips.

Impact Statement

In 2024, over 400 babies and toddlers from economically vulnerable families were enrolled in our cornerstone program READ With Me, allowing their families to choose and receive a new, quality, age-appropriate, culturally relevant book every month. 

One family’s story

Annie, age 2, has received 28 books from READ: five prenatally and one each month via READ With Me. READ is her family’s only source of books.  These books have helped Annie’s brain develop, and she has gained the following skills:

What ways can the public get involved?

READ with Me Book Fairies (Delivery Drivers)

Email clairemorris@readearlyanddaily.org for more information and to sign up to volunteer.

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

Our model is simple. READ gets free, quality, culturally relevant books to vulnerable babies when they need them the most. You can choose to help one baby or many babies.

When you support READ, YOU are enhancing the literacy and language experiences of economically vulnerable babies and toddlers at their most vital brain development by providing books for them to keep and for parents to read aloud. These early simple acts of reading together sets a baby on the path to future academic success and self-sufficiency. 

Information provided March 2025

Food for Neighbors

EIN: 81-3736063

Mission Statement

Food For Neighbors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to end child hunger in Northern Virginia. Focusing on the otherwise underserved older students, FFN tackles teen food insecurity by raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and partnering with local secondary schools to connect supplemental food, toiletries, and grocery store gift cards with students in need.

Program Summary

Food For Neighbors tackles teen food insecurity through two complementary programs–the Red Bag Program and the Grocery Gift Card Program. Arlington County Public Schools are currently participating in the Red Bag Program. The Program provides shelving/storage units for schools to establish in-house pantries and then mobilizes community members to fill the pantries. Five times a year, Red Bag donors use a specific grocery list to shop for toiletries and shelf-stable, single-serve foods that provide nutrition and variety, so all students may enjoy the food regardless of their access to special ingredients or large appliances.

The donors then fill their bags with their purchases and set the bags on their doorsteps. Volunteers, organized by neighborhoods, collect the donations and bring them to the closest operational area for sorting and then delivery to nearby partnering schools. At the schools, social workers, counselors, and/or parent liaisons identify students in need and connect them with the resources.

As of March 2025, Food For Neighbors is partnering with 53 schools to help approximately 8,700 students (unduplicated) annually, and many of these students receive support on a weekly basis. Six of these school are Arlington County Public Schools–Arlington Career Center, Arlington Community High School, Gunston Middle School, Kenmore Middle School, Wakefield High School, and Dorothy Hamm Middle School.

Impact Statement

School staff members have provided survey feedback and numerous, positive testimonials about the impact the added nutrition is making. Among other things, they believe the food helps many students attend school more regularly, focus on their schoolwork, and earn better grades. The staff members also appreciate that the food enables them to build relationships, where they can connect with students and identify other needs they may have. This gives students the chance to reach their full potential, which lifts up the students, their families, and the community as a whole.

What ways can the public get involved?

Our Red Bag food and toiletry donors and volunteers are the cornerstone of our Red Bag Program. 

Red Bag Food and Toiletry Donor: Visit https://www.foodforneighbors.org/red-bag-program/ to learn more about becoming a Red Bag food and toiletry donor and sign up to participate up to five times a year. You’ll receive a Red Bag with our grocery list and collection dates, a text message asking if you’re able to participate in the upcoming collection, and reminders when it’s time to shop and set your donations on your doorstep for collection. It’s that easy, and you’ll be making a big impact on students near you!

Red Bag Event Volunteer: Five times a year in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties, we engage over 900 community members to collect, sort, and deliver over 25,000 pounds of Red Bag food and toiletry donations to our partnering schools in just one morning! We organize this massive effort by operational areas. One of these operational areas is in Arlington. To express interest in volunteering, visit https://www.foodforneighbors.org/get-involved/volunteer/. Once you’ve registered, you will receive a SignUpGenius before each of our Red Bag Events, and you may sign up to participate in any you choose.

Business Support: In addition to our Red Bag donors and volunteers, we greatly appreciate the many partnering businesses that make our work possible. Businesses and other organizations interested in team-building service opportunities or formal Food For Neighbors partnership, should contact Jaye L Van Soest, Director of Development, at jaye@foodforneighbors.org. To see our partners and learn more about partnership recognition, visit our website’s partner page at https://www.foodforneighbors.org/partners/.

Other Opportunities: To see our full range of opportunities, please visit our website’s “Get Involved” page at https://www.foodforneighbors.org/get-involved/. 

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

Your generous financial gifts help us tackle teen food insecurity in our currently partnering schools and to say “yes” to new schools requesting support for their students. 

Information provided March 2025

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:

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

Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation

EIN: 47-1374686

Mission Statement

The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation serves economically vulnerable mothers and babies by increasing access to much-needed health care support, conducting research to affect systemic change, and ensuring they have the supplies needed to bring baby home. In honor of Jennifer Lawson, a loving mother of three who tragically lost her life in 2014, we aim to honor her dedication, generosity, and kind heart by fulfilling the vision that she crafted for every mother and baby in need.

Program Summary

We have 3 primary initiatives to accomplish our mission. The first is to ensure families have everything they need to bring baby home safely – from cribs to car seats. The second is to increase access to quality care by funding innovative pilots – such as tele-health – that enable these families to access care that meets their daily needs. The third is to raise awareness of the issues facing this community through thought leader events and social media promotion. 

Impact Statement

Throughout our 9-year history we have served more than 3,000 families, provided more than 350 basics materials, hosted 10 awareness campaigns, and funded more than $250,000 to support Including projects focused on infant care, tele-health, & maternal mental health. In addition to these mission related activities, we strive to be nimble in an ever-changing environment to help these families in other important ways. For example, in 2020 we launched a program to put kitchen staff back to work while delivering home cooked meals to new mothers whose family were affected by the economic shutdowns. 

What ways can the public get involved?

We have two ways of getting involved with the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation. Volunteer throughout the year by helping us collect gently used baby supplies such as car seats, strollers, and portable cribs. In addition, our signature fundraising event, the 5K and Family Fun day is always in need of volunteers. This event is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving at the Knights of Columbus.

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

The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation is giving economically vulnerable mothers and babies renewed hope by increasing access to much-needed health care support, conducting research to affect systemic change, and ensuring they have the supplies needed to bring baby home. Your support changes lives. 

$25 helps provide a breastfeeding starter pack
$50 helps provide a portable crib
$100 helps provide a car seat

Information provided March 2025

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC)

EIN: 54-1026365

Mission Statement

The residents of Affordable Homes & Communities are at the heart of all we do. We build opportunity by creating quality homes with holistic resident services. We drive change through innovation, genuine partnerships, and responsible investment.

Program Summary

AHC envisions a world where all people share the same opportunities regardless of income, race, or other qualities; where housing is integral to a healthy, welcoming, and equitable society; and where affordable homes are available to all. 

Our Resident Services program started in Arlington, VA, over 30 years ago. Today, the program provides a multitude of services for families, adults, and senior citizens, along with a multi-pronged education initiative for elementary-aged children all the way through high school. The resident-driven program focuses on four key areas of housing stability:

Education & Youth Development:  AHC’s educational programs for students encourage academic and personal growth. Our approach includes our Afterschool program focused on improving literacy and social-emotional learning; Teen Tutoring, which includes one-on-one tutoring, college visits, and SAT test prep; the College and Career Readiness program, which helps high school juniors and seniors transition to their next step; and a Summer Camp program designed to prevent learning loss.

Health & Wellness: AHC offers community connections and onsite programs to help adults strengthen their economic stability and build stronger futures for themselves and their families. Programs include onsite screening, partnerships with local food banks that provide food weekly, English as a Second Language courses, and access to local government services. Activities for senior citizens include exercise classes, arts and crafts, nutrition and wellness programs, access to libraries, continuing education, and cultural excursions.

Economic Mobility: Through workshops and clinics, Resident Services works with residents to access funds, increase income, and maintain housing stability. The team collaborates with organizations that provide financial assistance, help build financial stability, and promote career development for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Staff regularly meet with residents to provide individualized, step-by-step financial guidance and offer ongoing support.

Community Building & Engagement: AHC’s goal is to increase resident voice throughout our communities through surveys, focus groups, and resident meetings—and supporting resident-led activities and community groups. We also have a Resident Ambassador Committee to help elevate resident voices. Our communities host a variety of activities to bring residents together and build strong connections among neighbors.

Impact Statement

Affordable Homes & Communities provides quality affordable housing enriched by a nationally accredited Resident Service program.  Every year, more than 3,000 residents are positively impacted by our programs that provide vital resources focusing on education and youth development, health and wellness, economic mobility, and more. In 2024, 1,500+ residents received food assistance, 500+ were protected from eviction as they grappled with the impact of the pandemic, 42 high school seniors completed our College and Career Readiness program and received scholarships toward their higher education and career goals. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Please visit our website to learn more:

·  Volunteer. Join us to tutor students, distribute groceries to a senior citizen, serve a holiday meal, and much more. Activities are available for individuals and groups.

·  Donate. Consider making a special tribute gift, ask your employer if they will match donations, or share a meaningful gift through your donor-advised fund.

·  Partner with us. We welcome the opportunity to create a meaningful community, corporate, or advocacy partnership to best match your interest in supporting AHC residents.

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

When you give to AHC, your donated funds are used to run our year-round Resident Services program which provides vital social services and onsite education and wellness programs to improve the lives of AHC residents. Your generosity means more neighbors from low-income households will have a safe and nurturing place to access budgeting workshops, rent relief, vaccine clinics, job readiness workshops, community movie nights, computer software for students, summer camp field trips, college boot camp for teens, and much more. Thank you!

Information provided April 2025

Wesley Housing

EIN: 51-0155779

Mission Statement

At Wesley Housing, we build up the lives of our most vulnerable community members by creating and operating healthy, inclusive, stable, affordable housing communities and providing supportive resident services.

Program Summary

Beyond building/preserving permanent housing options for low- and moderate-income persons across Virginia and Washington, DC, we strive for our housing to be a foundation to thrive. We do this by offering free support services/education to every resident to guide them on their paths to self-sufficiency. As such, our core lines of business are real estate development, asset management, property management, and resident services. 

Through our Housing Stability Initiative (HSI), the basis of our resident services programming, Wesley Housing provides supportive services to all 4,700+ residents on-site in their communities, including 380 households in Arlington. The Initiative operates on the basis that housing is the foundation vulnerable families need to thrive, and once stabilized, families can build up other aspects of their lives. As such, in addition to eviction prevention support, the HSI also provides workforce development opportunities, health/wellness offerings, and material assistance. 

Impact Statement

For more than 50 years, Wesley Housing has provided permanent, affordable housing to over 35,000 households experiencing financial insecurity. 

Today, we own 42 communities, including multi-family apartments and communities for older adults/individuals with disabilities/chronic disease. Five of these communities are located in Arlington County and are home to 840 residents, 87% of which are BIPOC and earn $41,470/ year on average for a household of two. 

At the same time, we are still rapidly expanding. Our Real Estate team has over 850 affordable units in its development pipeline, including new construction and renovations, such as the Melwood-Wesley Inclusive Community in Arlington.  

The impact we make each year is measured by the success of our residents. In 2024, 1,351 households accessed linkage and referral services. Through the work of our resident services team, 286 evictions were prevented, 18 residents received new/more gainful employment, 346 residents participated in health/wellness offerings, and 1,884 residents received material assistance (i.e. food/hygiene items). This summer, we served 85 youth through Quest summer camp, and launched Odyssey for older adults, engaging 180 participants. In addition, 455 K-12 students received new backpacks and supplies through Supplies for Success, and over 600 residents received holiday assistance through Holiday Help.

What ways can the public get involved?

Wesley Housing welcomes support of our major giving campaigns throughout the year including the Housing Stability Initiative (year-round), QUEST Summer Youth Enrichment Program (April/May), Supplies for Success (July/Aug), and Holiday Help (Nov-Dec). 

In addition, volunteers serve in many capacities including youth and adult education assistants and tutors; translators; holiday helpers (gift wrappers, sorters, delivery drivers); school supplies donation sorters and delivery drivers; food pantry assistants; youth summer camp chaperones; and more.

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

Donations help strengthen our award-winning Housing Stability Initiative (HSI) by allowing us to adequately scale our resident services to our growing portfolio. Following a recent merger with Virginia United Methodist Development Corporation, Wesley is well-positioned to serve over 4,700 individuals with low income across 42 communities this year. Funding will help ensure each of these community members have access to the support they need to thrive. 

Information provided March 2025