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

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

Neighborhood Health

EIN: 54-1849891

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve health and advance health equity in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax by providing high quality primary care regardless of ability to pay.

Program Summary

Neighborhood Health provides accessible, high quality, and patient-centered primary care to patients in Arlington, the City of
Alexandria, and Fairfax County. Our comprehensive model of primary care includes family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics as well as dental care, behavioral health, laboratory services, medication assistance, pediatric vision services, HIV care, diabetes education, and medical and non-medical case management. We are accredited by the Joint Commission and a certified Primary Care Medical Home, coordinating care across the health care continuum. Our mission is to improve health and advance health equity in our service area by providing high quality primary care regardless of ability to pay. Our vision is that everyone in our community has the highest quality healthcare and the opportunity to attain their highest level of health.

Neighborhood Health operates two clinics in Arlington; one at the Sequoia complex that serves adults and the Arlington
Pediatric Center which joined Neighborhood Health in January 2024. Many Arlington residents receive care at Neighborhood Health clinics in other jurisdictions.

Impact Statement

Neighborhood Health provides care for low-income, underinsured and uninsured individuals in Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and Fairfax County. We ensure access to high quality, comprehensive primary healthcare regardless of ability to pay.

In 2024, we served 42,703 pediatric and adult patients. Most of our patients are either uninsured (37%) or on Medicaid (48%). 98% of patients report income of 200% FPL or lower. Over 90% identify as a racial or ethnic minority. We are the largest safety net health provider in Northern Virginia. Our patients have few other options to receive care.

In 2024, Neighborhood Health provided care to over 6,500 Arlington residents.

Neighborhood Health was recognized by HRSA with these 2024 Community Health Quality Recognition awards: Silver Health Center Quality Leader (top 11-20%), Health Disparities Reducer, Access Enhancer, Addressing Social Risk Factors, and Advancing HIT for Quality.

What ways can the public get involved?

The best way to support Neighborhood Health is through a financial contribution.

Neighborhood Health has limited volunteer opportunities. Email nhojvat@nhnva.org with questions.

Neighborhood Health has limited capacity for accepting donated goods. Email nhojvat@nhnva.org with inquiries.

If your organization is interested in partnering with Neighborhood Health, email jknops@nhnva.org.

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

Given Neighborhood Health’s high percentage of uninsured patients – about 37%, we welcome the financial support of individuals, corporations, and foundations to help cover the costs of serving our uninsured neighbors. Donations are used to pay for the care of these uninsured patients.

Examples of What Your Donation Will Cover:

$5,000 – supports care for 4 uninsured patients with diabetes for a year
$2,000 – supports the preventive dental care of 2 patients
$1,000 – supports medical care for 1 newborn for a year
$750 – supports medical care for 1 uninsured adult patient for a year
$500 – supports two medical visits for an uninsured patient with heart disease
$350 – supports two behavioral health visits for an uninsured patient with depression
$250 – supports a comprehensive dental exam for a new uninsured patient
$150 – supports an optometry visit for vision screening for an uninsured child
$100 – supports navigation to specialty care for one uninsured patient
$50 – supports application of dental sealant for 1 uninsured child

Call (571) 457-9146 or email development@nhnva.org with questions about donations.

Donations to Neighborhood Health can be designated for General Operations or for a specific purpose or project within our scope of work. Donations can also be made in memorium or in honor of an individual chosen by the donor. Please email development@nhnva.org for more details.

Donations to Neighborhood Health are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Information provided March 2025

Latinas Leading Tomorrow

EIN: 27-5119847

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

Impact Statement

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

What ways can the public get involved?

Ways the Public Can Get Involved with Latinas Leading Tomorrow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information provided March 2026

Britepaths

EIN: 52-1596259

Mission Statement

Britepaths provides short-term safety-net services to our neighbors in need while empowering them to work toward long-term self-sufficiency. We deliver our services with respect, compassion, and equity, always preserving the dignity and self-esteem of our clients.

Program Summary

Britepaths brings personal finance classes and career building skills to partners in Arlington: Bridges to Independence, ACH Inc., Arlington Agency on Aging, Catholic Charities, ECDC African Community Center, Enterprise Development Group, and Melwood. Clients participate in a series of classes that vary with the needs of each partner and have options for further one-one-one financial empowerment and/or career building services. Arlington residents who have low or middle incomes are welcome to sign up for any of the free services offered through the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). The FEC assists over 2,000 individuals annually, providing most services virtually which are offered in English, Spanish, and other languages as needed. Services include personal finance workshops, classes, financial coaching and mentoring, small business and tax consulting, tax assistance, and some legal services. Workforce development programs  include workshops, coaching, leadership skills and soft skills training, mentoring, and culinary skills training. The best place for the most recent options is to go directly to the website at https://soco.financialempowermentcenters.org

Impact Statement

Britepaths offers services that actually help improve the lives of families in financial crisis. The services we provide to clients through our Arlington partners, help them to develop tools to organize, understand, and manage their finances. Using these tools, they can start to pay down debt, become banked, and/or start saving.  We also help them with job skills to help them find a job or move a better paying one. Any of these skills can help improve their current situation. We encourage clients to explore our other, more long-term services that have proven effectiveness. For clients who attended classes or workshops, 71% of respondents have improved their financial situation, and for clients who participate in financial mentoring for 6-9 months, 81% improve their situation based on survey score. We serve more than 2,000 clients annually through the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) receiving personal finance and/or workforce development services. We continue to add workforce training and certification classes. 

What ways can the public get involved?

The Financial Empowerment Center uses many volunteers. Anyone with a financial background can be trained to be a financial coach, mentor, or instructor.  Workforce development needs volunteers to mentor clients in their own field to help them learn more about the field and develop a professional network.  We also need volunteers to do practice interviewing and review resumes. We are particularly seeking bilingual volunteers in any language but have a need for Dari and Pashto speakers. We also need office volunteers to help with data entry and calling clients to remind them of scheduled coaching sessions. The best way to find out about volunteering is https://soco.financialempowermentcenters.org/get-involved/ or https://britepaths.org/get-involved/volunteer/   

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

Donated dollars go to support the staff time, materials needed for classes and workshops, translation services, and other community needs. The services provided at the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) are mostly provided by volunteer financial professionals. Staff coordinate classes, coaching sessions, mentor matches, develop curricula for workshops and classes, data entry, and reporting. Workforce Development staff provide coaching, some classes, curricula develop and use professional volunteers for classes and mentoring. Training classes are taught by professional instructors.  We provide training materials and in the case of culinary skills training, provide a kitchen and food to prepare. We engage in as many partnerships as possible to stretch donated dollars for maximum impact.

Information provided March 2026

Equipment Connections for Children

EIN: 27-1062106

Mission Statement

ECFC connects with families of children living with disabilities in order to help fulfill vital unmet adaptive equipment needs, provide educational workshops, and foster community, free of charge.

Program Summary

Our equipment loan closet helps provide needed equipment to families struggling to get the equipment their child needs, either at all or in a timely manner. Families can use the equipment as long as needed. When the items are returned, they can then go out to another family in need!

Impact Statement

We have helped thousands of families with children living with disabilities in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia since 2009.

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

All donations go to support our equipment loan closet program.

Information provided April 2024

Greater DC Diaper Bank

EIN: 27-4276547

Mission Statement

Greater DC Diaper Bank supports vulnerable families across DC, Maryland, and Virginia by providing diapers and other critical hygiene items, and expanding access to essential services for those who need them most.

Program Summary

In collaboration with our partner network, we execute the following programs:

Diaper Collection and Distribution Diapers are secured through in-kind donations and discounted wholesale purchases. Distribution partners receive 5,000–40,000 diapers each month. Because of our purchasing power, we can buy two diapers for the cost of one in stores. 
The Baby Pantry Established in 2014, the Baby Pantry distributes formula, wipes, baby food, and essential hygiene items for babies, teens, and adults. These include body wash, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, period products, and adult incontinence supplies.
The Monthly Launched in 2016, this program provides menstrual products to those experiencing period poverty and is distributed through our Baby Pantry.
The Nursery Project Established in 2017, the program provides bundles of baby gear that promote safe sleep, play, and travel, including cribs, strollers, and car seats.

Impact Statement

Greater DC Diaper Bank (GDCDB) continues to lead the charge as the largest diaper bank in the DC region and one of the largest nationwide. Distributing diapers, formula, baby food, period products, and other hygiene essentials through partners across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, we’re making a powerful impact by reaching families in 375 zip codes.

In 2024, we increased our regional service level from meeting 20% of the diaper need to 23%-a result of both operational improvements and strategic growth-to reach record levels of impact.

This growth was made possible by the addition of eight new community partners located in geographic areas of the highest levels of unmet diaper need. These data-driven programmatic decisions had a ripple effect—expanding our geographic reach, increasing equity in distribution, and deepening relationships across our community.

We distributed 10.2 million diapers, turning a value of over $4.02 million back to local families!

Our programs – The Baby Pantry, The Nursery Project, and The Monthly – provide basic needs items beyond diapers. In 2024, the value of these items provided to families for free was nearly $1 million.

In addition, we served 46,740 babies and 39,800 families, increasing service levels by 11%and 8%, respectively, over 2023. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Give

Give Items: We accept items for families at our warehouse and around the region! Visit greaterdcdiaperbank.org/donate-in-your-neighborhood
Give Dollars: Financial support makes our work possible! Make your donation any time at greaterdcdiaperbank.org/give-dollars. For every $1 you spend on diapers at the store, we can buy two!

Volunteer

On-Site: We welcome dozens of volunteers to our Silver Spring, MD warehouse each week! Visit greaterdcdiaperbank.org/volunteer to sign up today! All opportunities are family friendly and all ages are welcome.
At Work: Our new Mobile Volunteer Program gives employers the chance to bring GDCDB to you! Visit greaterdcdiaperbank.org/mvp to learn more!

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

When you give to Greater DC Diaper Bank, your dollars go twice as far, every day. For every $1 donated, we can purchase two diapers through our wholesaler—twice as many as you’d be able to buy at a store.

Your dollars help us purchase hygiene supplies such as diapers and wipes, and support our programs including the Baby Pantry and Nursery Project. Financial support enables us to flexibly respond to the community’s most urgent hygiene needs and leverage our wholesale and corporate relationships for greater purchasing power and to ensure your dollars go as far as possible.

Information provided April 2025

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:

Community Learning afterschool programs and summer camps that build collaborations through resources and education for those we serve with opportunities, apprenticeships, classes, workshops and retreats. 
Association of providers who we support and encourage them to support our participants.
Resources for Parents, Seniors, Ex-Offenders and Youth to support and enrich their lives. 
Education and opportunities through programs like Dinner Chats, Community Gardens and Youth Markets at our Green Valley Farmers Market. We believe in “Teaching Men to Fish and Farm for a Living” to become self-sufficient.
Enrich the lives of those we serve in underserved communities.
Economic development opportunities at our Green Valley Farmers Market and Learn to Earn Program, Mobile Food and Concession Stands.  We provide opportunities for employment and income through these programs in underserved communities. 
Preserving the history in communities and engaging residents to learn more about how they can enrich their lives and their communities, by understanding their past.

Impact Statement

Underachievers who attend our programs find purpose and grow up with skills learned for a lifetime of living.  
Parents gain access to resources and programs that can meet their needs.  We engage them in community matters as volunteers and resources, helping them to relay their needs and get any help that they need. 
Our programs created to serve youth are now modeled by others and offered in several communities.  
We work with partners and help them to be successful in delivering their programs and activities to those in need.  
Our youth are provided opportunities afterschool and outside of home that can lead them to learn skills and fulfill their goals in life.
Starting with Gardening for the community we have now connected our Gardening Apprenticeship Program (GAP), Farm to Table and the Green Valley Farmers Market (GVFM) that will provide coupons and encourage healthy eating and wellness through other market activities. 

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?

$50 – Provides a stipend to a child of an OAR participant impacted by incarceration 
$100 – Provides 1 month transportation/metro fare for OAR participant(s)
$250 – Cover ID retrieval for OAR participant(s) needed to secure housing 
$500 – Covers up to three months of coaching for an OAR participant(s)
$1,000 – Provides up to one month of rent for at least an OAR participant(s)
$2,500 – Provides up to 90 days worth of reentry services for OAR participant(s)

Information provided March 2026