Kitchen of Purpose (La Cocina VA)

EIN: 46-2037695

Mission Statement

Kitchen of Purpose uses the power of food to change lives. An agent for socio-economic change, the Kitchen of Purpose generates workforce and entrepreneurship development and provides healthy food assistance in the D.C. metro area. Together, the Kitchen of Purpose community–staff, students, entrepreneurs, partners, supporters– create employment, launch new food businesses, and work to end hunger. 

Program Summary

Workforce Development Program

Culinary Training
In our state-of-the-art training kitchen, community members seeking jobs with family-sustaining salaries learn the skills they need to work as qualified cooks and chefs. After the 8 weeks of training, our students begin a four-week paid internship with one of our employer partners. Internships lead to permanent job offers, and our graduates earn an average of $18.50/hour after they have completed our program that includes:

1. Bilingual training in English and Spanish, plus English classes 
2. Wrap around social services
3. Financial literacy 
4. Connection to our Small Business Incubator: We’re the only organization around that equips community members with culinary training and comprehensive entrepreneurship support.
   

Front of House Training
Front of House Training is training for careers in the restaurant industry, focusing on barista and bartending skills. The 6-week training includes TIPS certification and job placement.

The Food Lab

With the right support, a small business can be a way to earn a family-sustaining income. Kitchen of Purpose provides the training and resources low-to-moderate income community members seek in order to launch successful businesses. Our Food Lab small business incubator offers:

• Training from Business Concept to Business Launch and beyond
• Shared Kitchen space 
• Stipends to support business launch
• Mentorship with seasoned entrepreneurs
• Coaching with finance professionals

Food Assistance

Meals to Low-Income Families
Our meals are prepared in our kitchen with fresh ingredients. Working with our partners, we alleviate food insecurity through nutritious meals without the stress and cost of preparation.

Meals to At-Risk Kids
This is where Kitchen of Purpose steps in. We provide after-school enrichment programs and after-school meals. The meals are fresh and balanced, meeting childhood nutrition needs.

Family Meal
This year, Kitchen of Purpose is launching Family Meal, “meals with dignity,” in our organization’s beautiful space where low-income community members enjoy a 3-course meal and learn about community resources.

Impact Statement

Kitchen of Purpose supports low-income communities with job training for jobs in the food service industry that pay family-sustaining salaries at no cost to participants. In 2024, Kitchen of Purpose achieved an 93% job placement rate, placing students in positions with $18.50/hr average wage.

Kitchen of Purposes empowers diverse entrepreneurs. Aspiring entrepreneurs seek Kitchen of Purpose’s support as they strike out on their own, having worked for years in the food service industry. Entrepreneurs of all backgrounds face barriers to entry, such as knowledge about business requirements as well as access to infrastructure and access to capital.

Kitchen of Purpose works for the health of our community through our Food Assistance Program, providing prepared meals with fresh ingredients and alleviating hunger. Since 2015, Kitchen of Purpose has prepared and delivered 50,000 healthy meals for the Northern Virginians experiencing food insecurity.

What ways can the public get involved?

We invite the community to change lives through the power of food! Opportunities to get involved include:

Mentorship and Coaching: Business professionals with financial expertise and small business experience provide essential support to our entrepreneurs. Volunteers share their experience with clients in our Small Business Incubator as they start or expand their small food businesses.

Skill Share: Kitchen of Purpose invites those with expertise in technology, social media, marketing, and communications to share their skills with Kitchen of Purpose and help us advance our mission.

Preparing Healthy Meals: We invite corporate and community groups to a team building activity that also transforms food into healthy meals as part of Kitchen of Purpose’s Food Assistance Program.

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

$100 gifts a knife kit to 1 Culinary Training student 
$50- ServeSafe Certification Fees 
$100- Chef Knife Kit 
$250- Chef Uniforms 
$500- 1 Shared Kitchen Space Sponsorship
$1000– 1 week of After-school Meals

Information provided March 2025

Arlington Free Clinic

EIN: 54-1671883

Mission Statement

Arlington Free Clinic advances health equity by providing comprehensive, whole-person healthcare to our neighbors who would otherwise lack access.

Program Summary

Established in 1994, AFC continues to be Arlington’s only provider of comprehensive healthcare services for adults living with a low income and without health insurance. All AFC patients live in Arlington and have incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Every year, with the help of over 300 volunteers and 45 full/part-time staff, AFC provides access to comprehensive, patient-centered services to approximately 1,600 of our community’s most vulnerable residents. 

AFC’s model is one in which physicians, counselors, pharmacists, dentists, and physical therapists work side-by-side, creating a unique and integrated system of care. Collaborative practice is highly regarded as effective and as a model, is core to how we provide care at AFC. We are also one of the only organizations in Arlington providing direct healthcare services while simultaneously advancing systems-level change. With our paired priorities, we better serve our patients by having a clear understanding of the systemic barriers they face in achieving good health and can bring stronger systems-level solutions to the table as members of county task forces.

Impact Statement

In FY25, AFC provided 9,829 visits to 1,639 unduplicated patients, including: 

2,919 primary care, 
1,597 specialty care (e.g., women’s health, physical therapy, oncology, etc.), 
1,529 nurse triage encounters
2,742 dental appointments
1,042 behavioral health visits. 

We provided 806 meetings with our Community Resource Navigator, who helps patients with needs “beyond the exam room”, including supplemental food, housing assistance, and employment opportunities. We administered 1,889 vaccines (flu, pneumonia, etc.), and filled 27,111 prescriptions (30-day equivalency) through our onsite, licensed pharmacy. All of this care was facilitated through our staff members and 326 volunteers who provided over 13,000 hours of service.

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteers provide hundreds of hours of service each year in varied medical and non-medical roles, such as interpreters, physicians, counselors, physical therapists, telehealth facilitators, patient eligibility/discharge specialists, fundraisers, and board members.  

Currently, we have a high need for the following roles:  

Spanish Interpreters
Pharmacists & pharmacy techs (weekdays)
Optometrists
Registered Dietitians
Diabetic Educators

Volunteers must commit to 1-2 shifts a month. Some appointments can be done via telehealth, and training is provided. For more information about volunteering, please contact AFC’s Volunteer Department at volunteer@arlingtonfreeclinic.org or visit our website: https://www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org/get-involved/volunteer/.    

We also welcome donations of items from our Amazon wish list, which can be found at this link here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1V9U5D30S9GEB?ref_=wl_share 

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

We receive no federal funding, but rely on private donations, foundation grants and the dedication and commitment of hundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other medical/non-medical supporters since we opened our doors in 1994. Every contribution supports our day-to-day operations and makes a tangible difference in the lives of our patients. Specific examples of impact include: 

$40 pays for a blood pressure home monitor for one patient.
$100 supports 4 Lyft rides for patients to travel to off-site specialist appointments, including cancer treatment.
$276 supports the average cost of a patient visit to AFC.
$1,000 supports AFC dental patients regaining their smiles and living pain-free. Your gift can support both these emergency and restorative treatment plans, which could range from 10 root canals or 1 set of dentures. 
$2,500 supports 2 weeks of medications and supplies for our pharmacy that we cannot get donated from our usual suppliers.

Information provided March 2026

Clothesline for Arlington Kids

EIN: 81-5100482

Mission Statement

To provide free clothing for school-aged children from low-income families in a dignified setting—through community donations, partner support, and purchased essentials—so they can feel comfortable and confident to learn, grow, and participate fully in school and community life.

Program Summary

The Clothesline collects clothes in new or excellent condition from the community and distributes them to low-income school-aged children  – free of charge.  We operate in a space that is welcoming to our clients and provides a dignified shopping experience.  Families can select clothing twice per year, picking out a full wardrobe for each qualifying child.  The basic wardrobe includes 5 pairs of new underwear and socks (given once per school year), 5 shirts, and 4 pants or shorts.  Additionally, we usually are able to provide shoes, dresses, bras, winter coats, swimsuits, PJs, hat/gloves, and accessories, depending on availability and season.  Our objective is for kids and teens to go to school feeling dignified and comfortable in their clothes so they can concentrate on their education.

Impact Statement

In 2024, thanks to the generosity of the Arlington community, we were able to deliver nearly 55,000 items of clothing to 1,545 low-income school kids in Arlington.  These wardrobes of clothing included nearly 2,200 pairs of shoes as well as 2,000 coats and light jackets.  These kids and families received a full season’s worth of clothing – saving them significant money for their tight budgets.  We were also pleased to move to our new location in 2024, providing a new bright space for families and volunteers.

What ways can the public get involved?

You can support The Clothesline in 4 ways:

Donate funds to support our welcoming store
Donate new or excellent quality used clothing appropriate for school-kids (K-12)
Host a clothing or shoe drive – contact us for information how to prepare the donations for delivery to The Clothesline
Volunteer at the store – helping sort and hang clothing donations, or assisting families as they shop in the store

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

Your financial donations are essential to making sure every child who walks through our doors finds what they need — in their size, their style, and with the dignity they deserve. Your support allows us to fill the gaps in our inventory so no child leaves without the basics they came for, including items we must buy new (like socks and underwear) and those we rarely receive in good condition (such as shoes and bras).

Your generosity also keeps our welcoming, dignified store open — a space that’s easy for families to reach by public transportation and staffed by caring professionals who interact directly with families and guide our volunteers, making every visit personal and respectful.

Information provided March 2026

Festival Argentino

EIN: 61-1598426

Mission Statement

Our mission is to foster cultural exchange by sharing the rich heritage of Argentina—including its music, cuisine, and traditions—with diverse communities in Arlington. We are committed to promoting volunteerism and supporting small businesses, all while nurturing global education opportunities for young people in Arlington, Virginia.

Program Summary

Our event, showcasing Tango and Folk performances on par with those at the Kennedy Center, offers accessible cultural enrichment with affordable admission prices. With 40% of our audience hailing from Argentina and 30% from Latin America, our festival significantly contributes to Arlington’s cultural diversity. As we strive for greater recognition through media outreach and historical dissemination, recent acknowledgment by the US Ambassador in Buenos Aires reaffirms our impact on international relations and cultural understanding.

Impact Statement

Our collaboration with the Argentine Embassy and Arlington County epitomizes our steadfast commitment to nurturing cultural exchange. Through meticulously curated programming, we have forged meaningful connections with diverse cultural, economic, and social groups in Arlington. From our modest origins with just 12 members in 1988, our annual National Day celebration has blossomed into a cornerstone event, attracting a dynamic audience of over 600 attendees. Renowned for its quality, our performances stand shoulder to shoulder with those staged at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center, offering unparalleled cultural enrichment at an accessible price point

What ways can the public get involved?

Our Festival Argentino thrives at the Kenmore , serving as a vital platform for showcasing Argentine culture. Revenue from donation tickets sustains our cost-effective approach, supporting local businesses and enhancing the festival experience. Relocating would not only be financially burdensome but also disrupt the accessibility of our event to attendees. Given the economic repercussions of decreased arts funding, we advocate for restoring support to ensure the continued success of cultural initiatives. Restoring funding to its previous levels can preserve vital community assets, promote economic growth, and enrich the cultural vibrancy of Arlington. There are plenty of opportunities without leaving your home to explore new ideas for the festival and find resources like grants during the year. 

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

Due to the fact that we do not have sponsors financial one. The tickets are the only income. Therefore, our bylaws allow us to provide charity from 3-5 percent of our annual income. We usually done to an school in Argentina to pay for the scholarship of few students or maintance of the primary school. 

Information provided March 2025

Aaliyah in Action

EIN: 86-3555453

Mission Statement

Aaliyah in Action provides women, birthing people and families with tangible bereavement support, in the form of self-care packages and support books, after experiencing a perinatal, neonatal or infant loss.

Program Summary

Aaliyah in Action provides bereavement self-care packages, and support books, to families after experiencing perinatal or neonatal loss.  The care packages contain seven thoughtfully curated items, our “Self-Care Choice Board” which has small acts one can do each day and a bereavement guide providing low to no cost support groups or 1:1 support options. These items and books have been chosen to help support birthing people and their families in those first days of grief and loss: fuzzy socks, aromatherapy candle, recovery tea, lip balm, facial sheet mask and lavender shower steamers and Seeds of Hope to plant.  

Each package also includes a book, or books, to help support after loss.  Aaliyah in Action has a choice of two books for the birthing person, a book more appropriate for miscarriage or a book more appropriate for stillbirth or infant death.  Optional books, depending on the recipient’s needs, are a support book for non-birthing partners and/or a children’s book for living siblings.

In an effort to reach families who have experienced perinatal, neonatal or infant loss as soon as possible, Aaliyah in Action partners with hospitals who have our packages on hand to distribute when needed. Families can also request a package for themselves or a loved one, at no cost, to be sent as a support.

Impact Statement

Since launching in July 2021, Aaliyah in Action has provided over 1,300 self-care packages to families and has partnered with over 50 hospitals who have inventory of the packages to provide when needed. Feedback from hospital staff and package recipients prove that Aaliyah in Action is serving a neglected space and we look forward to continued growth and development to support more families.

What ways can the public get involved?

We’d love to have volunteers join us in making Aaliyah in Action packages in our warehouse space! We’re also looking for volunteers to help with social media and fundraising efforts. 

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

Equity is a core value of Aaliyah in Action – we will provide our support to any family who needs it, at any point in their grief journey. Less than 10% of our hospitals cover the cost of their packages. Hospitals maintain that, while our support is sought out and greatly needed, it is something they are unable to budget for. We will never deny a hospital partnership because that would be denying families this valuable support. Our donors mean the world to us because we are only able to grow our hospital network, and continually provide when called upon, because of them! 

$60 covers the cost of one Aaliyah in Action Self-Care Package + support books

$600 covers the cost of one hospital drop (10 packages + support books)

Information provided March 2026

Postpartum Support Virginia

EIN: 26-3029233

Mission Statement

Postpartum Support Virginia’s (PSVa’s) mission is to educate families, healthcare providers and communities about Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and to provide resources to help new and expectant mothers and their families overcome anxiety, depression, and other PMADs.

Program Summary

PSVa’s programs and services:

Eliminate barriers to care through care coordination and the financial assistance we provide for mental health services through Shelane’s Fund;
Provide skill building and decrease symptoms of PMADs through our direct services (warmline, peer mentor program, social support groups, and Mothers and Babies curriculum-based groups);
Provide increased services in the community through training and supporting mental health providers; and
Increase screening in the community through training maternal and pediatric healthcare providers.

Impact Statement

PSVa is working to achieve the following results for mothers and their families in the Commonwealth of Virginia:

Decrease the severity and prevalence of PMADs through maternal health provider training.
Decrease symptoms of PMADs for those who are impacted
Enhance community understanding of PMADs by implementing targeted outreach initiatives and educational workshops.
Decrease barriers to care through PSVa’s Care Coordination Program.

What ways can the public get involved?

Postpartum Support Virginia is a non-profit and relies on the support of volunteers, generous donors and partnerships with foundations, businesses, community organizations, mental health providers and healthcare providers to sustain our work. Individuals can get involved by making a donation, volunteering their time, or connecting us with potential partners. Specific ways to engage as volunteers include the following: 

Provide support for and attend outreach or awareness events; 
Complete social support training and facilitate a support group, serve as a peer mentor, or answer our warmline; or 
Participate in or support Shelane’s Run virtually or in person by running/walking or volunteering. 

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

PSVa is funded primarily by health and private foundations and individual donors. We do not charge any fees to those who use our services. Donations help us to fund our direct services (warmline, peer mentor program, social support groups, and Mothers and Babies curriculum-based groups) and provide financial assistance for mental health services through Shelane’s Fund. 

Information provided March 2026

REACH for Uganda

formerly known as Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH)

EIN: 20-2089837

Mission Statement

For the past 20 years, REACH for Uganda has transformed communities in rural Eastern Uganda by focusing on delivering quality education, accessible healthcare, and sustainable community development. The organization’s mission centers on uplifting some of the region’s poorest and most vulnerable areas, aiming to bring lasting positive change.

Through a holistic approach that integrates education, healthcare, and community development initiatives, REACH actively enhances the quality of life for local residents. Engaging a dedicated network of volunteers and skilled professionals, REACH not only meets immediate needs but also empowers communities to become self-sustaining and vibrant.

Program Summary

The organization operates two model primary schools, serving nearly 1,000 students with a rigorous curriculum, extracurricular activities, and two meals a day. These schools consistently outperform local government-run schools, and REACH supports students through secondary and tertiary education with a scholarship program, enabling over 330 students to attend top schools and unlock future opportunities. REACH recently opened its own high school, as well, bringing much-needed quality secondary and vocational education to the region. 

REACH prioritizes gender equity, with 53% of its students being girls. Its efforts have significantly boosted female enrollment, and all girls who complete primary education pursue higher education. The organization also empowers women through microfinance programs, employment in traditionally male-dominated roles, and initiatives like the Better Homes Program, which improves living conditions by installing durable concrete floors in homes.

Healthcare is another key focus, with two clinics serving over 30,000 people annually, offering treatments for malaria, HIV, prenatal care, and more. These clinics also provide health education to communities. Additionally, REACH employs local community members, including alumni who became healthcare professionals, fostering sustainable development. Through these integrated programs, REACH continues to empower communities in Eastern Uganda, creating lasting change.

Impact Statement

We are an organization that believes in…

Education
We believe that children, especially girls, have a right to a quality education and basic healthcare. We believe that education is the key to transformation and opens opportunities. We believe that children are our hope for the future.

Integrity
We use our resources of time, talent, and money responsibly and strategically.

Respect
We value the Ugandan culture and way of life. We are inclusive of diverse ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds within Reach For Uganda.

Communication
We honestly and openly share our ideas and organizational decision-making.

Partnership
We foster teamwork and value relationships with our volunteers, child sponsors, donors, partners and friends as we work to achieve our goals in partnership with the people of Uganda.

A Passion to Serve
We empower people with opportunities to help children and others in need. We strengthen and grow the organization in a positive and constructive way.

What ways can the public get involved?

Sponsor a student’s education and change their life forever. Learn more here  https://reachforuganda.org/donate/sponsorship/

Support the building of our new secondary and vocational school: Learn more here https://reachforuganda.org/programs/arlington-secondary-and-vocational-school-project/

Donate to the program:

https://reachforuganda.reachapp.co/donations/new

Travel with us to Uganda-  High school students, adults, teachers. Learn more here: https://reachforuganda.org/getinvolved/trips/

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

Your donation to REACH for Uganda supports education, healthcare, and community development in rural Eastern Uganda. It helps fund two model primary schools and one secondary school, providing over 1,000 students with quality education, meals, and extracurricular activities. Your sponsorship of a student secures their future and allows them to reach their full potential. Funds contribute to gender equity initiatives, including microfinance programs and empowering women in leadership roles. Additionally, donations support REACH’s healthcare clinics, which serve over 30,000 people annually, providing essential medical treatments and health education. Your contribution directly empowers individuals and strengthens communities for long-term, sustainable growth in underserved areas of rural eastern Uganda.

Information provided March 2025

Hope for Grieving Families

EIN: 81-3307448

Mission Statement

The mission of Hope For Grieving Families is to provide peer-to-peer support for families with children in the Washington DC Metro area who have lost a close family loved one. Regular events throughout the year welcome, connect and support families in their journey of loss.

Funds are being raised to provide Metro DC’s only family-focused grief programming to give families new, positive memories and experiences in the wake of the loss of their loved one and give them the tools they need as a family unit to navigate their grief journey together in a healthy way.

Program Summary

We accomplish our mission through monthly events planned for the Hope community that cultivate friendships for both the children and parents/caregivers. Hope provides at least one event each month for our families.  Activities have included events such as a Coding Party, Theater outings, Trampoline nights, trips to the Nationals, and more including our annual signature event, the Fall Family Fun Festival for 100+ people that takes place the Sunday before Thanksgiving every year. It’s our way of launching the holiday season with some happy memories for our grieving families. Our events, both big and small, are intended to create fun, happy memories for our families and provide peer to peer support that creates understanding, comfort and friendship.

Hope created a Holiday gifting program sending Christmas Gifts to over 50 grieving children within our community.  Holiday gifts were delivered both in person and by mail to children who have lost a parent or sibling.  This program reflects one our goals of community and family.  The gifts ensure that our families don’t feel so alone during the holiday season and know that their Hope family is always there for them. This program also assists families who may be struggling financially provide a holiday gift for their children.

Finally, Hope partners with local Funeral Homes, Hospice Care and therapists to provide Teddy Bears for children to be given when they experience the loss of a parent, sibling or close loved one.  This program allows us to support these children in a time of need.  A past recipient of the bears stated, “When we unexpectedly lost my husband, my boys were given teddy bears from HFGF at the funeral home. It was such an unexpected gesture of comfort for my kids who were grieving the loss of their dad. I don’t have a lot of memories of those few days but the teddy bears always stick out in my mind as a huge comfort not just to my kids but to me as well. That small act of kindness for my kids made me feel so supported.”  We hope that when the time is right, they will join our community to continue feeling supported in their grief journey.

Impact Statement

Hope strives to build a community of support for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Many participants in our events stated that while loss is not always part of the conversations, having that shared understanding of loss helps to bring comfort and support.  For children, it eliminates the feeling that they alone have lost someone and provides the friendship and support they need to move forward. Hope events are always free for grieving families.  We never want cost to be a barrier for our families.

If you wonder what our community means to members, consider this heartfelt testimonial:

“When my late husband suddenly got very ill and died in a matter of weeks, I knew that our lives were about to change forever. I worried about how to provide a happy childhood for my two little boys while I was grieving. Hope for Grieving Families has been a blessing for us. We are thankful for every event we’ve attended, sharing joyful moments in a safe environment with people who understand what it’s like to smile when your heart is crying. Every invitation and gesture of kindness feels like a warm hug when you need it most.”

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved in a few ways.  First, Hope for Grieving Families welcomes volunteers during some times of the year. Please reach out to us for timing and opportunities.

Second, if you are a local business that can provide an inkind donation that would support Hope for Grieving Families, we welcome the donation or an introduction.

Finally, we are always looking for Board Members that would like to help us further our mission and grow.

For any of the above opportunities, please contact the Executive Director, Tara O’Brien.

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

Donations to Hope for Grieving Families will go directly to supporting our monthly events for our grieving families, as well as our Teddy Bear Program.  We do not receive any government funding at this time, so all donations are helpful and welcomed.

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)

EIN: 54-1473207

Mission Statement

We are an independent, community-based non-profit food pantry that provides dignified access to nutritious supplemental groceries to all our neighbors in need.

Program Summary

AFAC provides free groceries to Arlington residents in need at our warehouse on S Nelson St, at 20 other distribution sites around the county, and through a home delivery for home-bound individuals and families. We provide a choice of items including eggs, milk and other dairy products, fish, chicken, hot dogs, ground beef, fresh fruit & vegetables, cereals, beans, pasta, breads, pastries and a number of other items to choose from.

Impact Statement

In FY 2024, 183,558 trips to AFAC were made for groceries. All of our families are below 30% average median income – 30% more families than the prior year.  Our families are 53% Hispanic, 12% Black, 10% Caucasian and the remainder are a number of other minority groups.

What ways can the public get involved?

Individuals and families can help AFAC by volunteering in our warehouse, to assist in distributing food to our families, by collecting food for donation – over 1.5 million pounds of food is needed every year in addition to the 3.5 million pounds of food AFAC purchases every year.  Finally, AFAC receives no federal or state funds and must rely on financial donations from individuals to fulfill our mission.

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

All donated funds are allocated directly to AFAC’s food purchase budget to purchase groceries that will be distributed to individuals and families. AFAC purchases 60% of the groceries we distribute, at wholesale cost, from local and national distributors. In FY24, AFAC had a food purchase budget of $1,500,000. 40% of the groceries AFAC distributes are donated through partnerships with local grocery chains, gleaning networks, farmers markets, community food drives, schools, corporate/walk-in donations, etc. All donated food is checked thoroughly, sorted, and then distributed to AFAC’s families. AFAC distributes over 80,000 pounds of food each week to over 4,100 families in need.

Information provided March 2026