Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc

EIN: 51-0155758

Mission Statement

Books change lives! The mission of RIF NOVA — Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia — is to help improve children’s lives by providing books to build home libraries — a key metric to reading success. A new 5-year study published in 2026 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) shows that books in home libraries make a huge difference to reading success, independent of economic status. Children who have books at home are more likely to read for enjoyment, build stronger literacy skills, and achieve greater academic success.  


Program Summary

RIF NOVA is an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides books for underserved children at 30+ schools and sites in the City of Alexandria and in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties. The organization has served the Northern Virginia community since 1972, during which time it has provided hundreds of thousands of books to area children, including many who have few – to even no – books in their homes.

Books for Keeps Program — Each year, RIF NOVA raises funds to purchase new books-of-their-own-choosing for 20,000+ children at several early childhood education centers and Title 1 schools. Each child served is able to choose at least one book to take home annually; important because children who choose their own books are three times more likely to be frequent readers. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “The only behavior measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home.” The RIF NOVA Books for Keeps Program begins to address this critical need.

Donated Books Program — During the pandemic when schools, school libraries, and public libraries were closed, RIF NOVA began a Donated Books Program to provide additional reading materials to children throughout our community. As of September 2026, the program had collected over 65,000 new and almost-new books for redistribution – not only to established RIF NOVA schools and sites but also to additional community partners and schools seeking reading materials for children and families.

Authors in Our Schools Program — This program brings authors and illustrators to RIF NOVA-supported schools to present about their books. Authors/illustrators engage students in the entire book process — from thinking of the idea to completing the finished product — and encourage them to take part in interactive programming throughout the presentations. Each student participant is able to take home an original autographed book, adding to the excitement of the event.

STEAM It Up! — In partnership with local business partners, this program was created to provide local students with age-appropriate books and hands-on STEAM activities, In the three years since its launch, projects have included building a maze, harmonica, bridge, working flashlight, or a Caesar cipher to learn elementary coding and decoding. All participants have been able to choose a STEAM-relevant book for keeps.


Impact Statement

A March 2023 Topic Paper from Scholastic noted that the likelihood of being on track in literacy and numeracy “almost doubled if at least one book was available in a student’s home.” RIF NOVA’s programs ensure that children in the schools we serve get at least one book every year from Pre-K to 6th grade and, thus, the opportunity over the course of their school years to build a home library. On this, the Scholastic paper noted: “Children in homes with more extensive home libraries read more, have higher-level reading skills, and attain more years of education overall than those with access to fewer books, even after controlling for parental education level.” The paper continued: “Increasing children’s access to books correlates to ‘dramatically positive effects’ on reading growth and achievement.” An in-depth 5-year study published in 2026 in the PNAS further validates the impact of books in home libraries on reading success, independent of economic circumstances. 

The work of RIF NOVA – to provide at least one book annually to each child we serve and build, over the course of time, a home book library – is helping children to read – and succeed – in school and well beyond.


What ways can the public get involved?

Members of the public can help RIF NOVA to do its work in three major ways: Giving funding, giving time, and giving books. 

Giving funding: Our most pressing need each year is to raise funds to purchase new books for 20,000+ underserved children at Title 1 schools and at several early childhood centers in Northern Virginia. Members of the public can help with this need by giving donations themselves, helping to identify and connect with potential donors (individuals, foundations, businesses, etc.), providing hands-on help with fundraising activities such as a biannual 5K, and helping to communicate the dire need for books for children in the NOVA community. We are particularly seeking business partners for funding and to develop and co-sponsor literacy-related programming that engages children in reading.

Giving time: Among those needed are volunteers with backgrounds or skills in fundraising, event planning, social media expansion, program development, grant writing, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. Time contributions can range from helping with a specific project to joining our board for a more sustained commitment. Anyone with these skills or interests is encouraged to contact RIF NOVA at our email address: info@rifnova.org. We are particularly seeking committed volunteers to join our board. 

Giving books: RIF NOVA augments its new book purchases by soliciting new and very gently (like new) used books from the community through book drives organized by individuals, businesses, and organizations. Volunteers are also needed to organize new/gently used book drives, to sort books for quality, and to help transport and distribute books at schools and community events.


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

Every $4.00 donation purchases one book for one child. The cost to provide one book each for 20,000+ children means an annual need to raise over $80,000 for our Books for Keeps program alone. Additional funding supports expanding special programming, including STEAM It Up! and Authors in Our Schools. Contributions to the Authors program can be used to bring local authors to schools for on-site visits, along with books signed by the author for each student participant. Donations to STEAM It Up! provide a hands-on STEAM activity and a STEAM-relevant book for each participating child. Additional funding is also used to increase the number of books given to each child annually or to increase the number of schools participating in RIF NOVA programming. 

The all-volunteer board that raises funds and administers book distribution programming is not paid. Mandatory expenses (such as insurance, tax preparation, etc.) are kept to an absolute minimum and totaled six percent of expenses, as noted in our most recent tax filing.

Information provided September 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.

AFAC's bright yellow truck is photographed in front of the AFAC Shirlington distribution site on a sunny day.

Information provided March 2026

The Marjorie Hughes Fund

EIN: 54-1610490

Mission Statement

The Marjorie F. Hughes Fund for Children promotes the health and well-being of Arlington Public School students through the thoughtful collaboration with public health nurses, APS staff, and community organizations. The fund provides financial resources to support the health care needs of uninsured and underinsured students.

We envision a community of Arlington Public Schools students in which their health outcomes are not impacted by their income level and insurance status.


Program Summary

The Marjorie F. Hughes Fund for Children is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1992 to honor the work of public health physician Marjorie F. Hughes. Dr. Hughes dedicated her career to working with public school students in Arlington, Virginia, and to addressing the health needs of underserved children.

The Marjorie Hughes Fund is made up of Public Health School Nurses, School Health Aides, Arlington Public Schools (APS) staff, and community stakeholders including pediatric office staff, dental providers, family shelter coordinators, and mental health providers. We work together to help uninsured and underinsured students obtain needed medications and vaccines, cover doctor visit fees, pay for dental treatments, and receive other necessary medical care.

The Marjorie Hughes Fund assists Arlington Public Schools children with medical expenses as well as partnering with local organizations such as Doorways and VHC Pediatrics to provide additional medical and mental health assistance to children in need.


Impact Statement

The Marjorie Hughes Fund offers up to $300 per student per year for medical expenses, and up to $500 per student per year for dental expenses, to students who qualify as low income and uninsured or underinsured. Thus far in the 2023-24 school year, The Marjorie Hughes Fund has provided almost $10,000 to more than 120 uninsured or underinsured students to obtain school entry physical exams, vaccines, urgent care visits, dental care, necessary vaccines, wheelchairs and medical equipment, etc. These students are now able to be in school, healthy and learning.


What ways can the public get involved?

Please donate to help Arlington County Public Schools students in need! Spread the word to friends, neighbors, and families about the good work that we do. We also welcome community volunteers in areas such as fundraising, social media, and non-profit management.


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

The Marjorie Hughes Fund is an all-volunteer organization with minimal overhead.

$79 provides an eye exam and two pairs of glasses

$99 pays for a required school entry physical exam

Any amount can help to keep a student in school, healthy and learning!

Photo of Female Doctor Meeting With Small Male Patient In Exam Room

Information provided April 2026

ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV)

EIN: 54-1302368

Mission Statement

Empowering People with Disabilities to Live Independently. 

The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) is a community resource and advocacy center run by and for persons with disabilities. ECNV’s mission is to END dependence by empowering people with disabilities to live independently. We are a cross-disability organization and work with people of all ages who have every type of disability. ECNV’s experience is extensive in peer-lead advocacy and support. We can bring best practices, strategies, success stories, and firsthand experiences to the table related to how peer-led advocacy can effectively empower people with disabilities (PWD) and promote self-advocacy.


Program Summary

ECNV is peer-led by people with disabilities, including staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors, who have unique perspectives and understandings of living in the world with a disability. 

We offer:


Impact Statement

Our workshops equip participants with practical life skills and navigating daily challenges with greater ease. ECNV mentorship programs establish connections, provide guidance, and encourage personal growth. Collaboration with the community, schools, and our outreach efforts break down societal barriers, promoting understanding and acceptance.


What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteering/mentoring opportunities and donating gently used Durable Medical Equipment to our DME closet. Corporate sponsorships.


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

Donations go to our general operating funds used to continue to provide support and services for people with disabilities.

Photo of the END dependence staff

Information provided March 2026

National Capital Treatment and Recovery

EIN: 54-0805530

Mission Statement

National Capital Treatment and Recovery’s mission is to save lives and heal communities touched by substance use disorders. Our vision is communities free from pain and suffering associated with substance misuse. Over the past 60+ years, NCTR has served more than 60,000 patients.


Program Summary

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

NCTR’s residential programs are all medically monitored & clinically managed 24/7. We utilize an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach to care through individual and group counseling and offer additional medical and mental health care as needed.

OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS

At NCTR’s Counseling Center, we provide flexible outpatient services that meet patients where they are,
offering a range of treatment levels based on individual needs. Group sessions combined with one-on-one
personalized counseling, provide both clinical and emotional support.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS

NCTR’s commitment to community collaboration is evident through its partnerships with various organizations and institutions. Through these collaborations, NCTR enhances its ability to provide effective treatment and support, reinforcing its mission to save lives and heal communities impacted by substance use disorders.


Impact Statement

We offer several levels of person-centered treatment designed to meet the severity and unique needs of every patient we serve. In each program, our interdisciplinary staff of highly-qualified clinicians delivers treatment based on evidence-based practices in a supportive atmosphere where patients can achieve a drug/alcohol-free lifestyle.

Our programs include cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation, trauma-informed treatment, and Medication Assisted Treatment, as needed.

Every step of the way, we are educating, empowering, and supporting the patient. We provide patients with education about the disease, how to identify the signs and symptoms of their substance use disorder, develop a recovery plan, and learn coping skills. We hold patients accountable as we support them in their efforts to change negative behaviors to positive.

In turn, we expect patients to act as responsible members of the patient community, complete treatment tasks, take part in their treatment planning, and fulfill their obligations within the Residential or Outpatient Community Structure.


What ways can the public get involved?

We welcome the community to get involved by joining one of NCTR’s Board committees: Development/Fundraising, Facilities, or Marketing/Communications.

The public can also donate in-kind goods, including clothing, books, art supplies, etc. for men and women in our residential programs. Due to strict HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality, we are unable to accept volunteers other than Board members and professional internship opportunities.


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

Charitable donations are spent specifically to provide financial assistance to adults and adolescents who are uninsured, under-insured or without personal financial resources.

Our Patient Assistance Fund and the Young Adult Treatment Fund in Memory of John Buck, were created to provide access to treatment for patients who lack insurance or financial means to pay for treatment. Through these funds, which rely entirely on donations from the community, we ensure that all patients who turn to us – even those with no medical coverage – can access the treatment they need.   We also have our Recovery Rewards Fund. Donations to this Fund allow us to purchase patient “rewards” such as journals, gift certificates or fun experiences, to reinforce and incentivize positive patient recovery behavior.

Information provided March 2025

Restoration Immigration Legal Aid (RILA)

EIN: 83-3874634

Mission Statement

Restoration Immigration Legal Aid (RILA) is an Arlington-based non-profit that provides pro bono immigration legal representation and consultation for some of the most vulnerable immigrants in Northern Virginia, focusing on asylum-seekers and immigrant children.


Program Summary

RILA supports immigrants in our community by providing excellent pro bono legal assistance to those who are most vulnerable and have the fewest resources.  Focusing on asylum law and procedure, RILA comes alongside asylum-seekers, all of whom have fled life-threatening situations in their countries of origin, to guide them through the application process for asylum and represent them in immigration court. RILA also represents children and youth who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by a parent, petitioning for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status. Each of our cases is a years long process. During that time we obtain work permits for our clients, allowing individuals to reliably support their families.

In January of 2025, RILA added a Know Your Rights program in which we offer seminars virtually and/or in person to serve and inform immigrants and their families and community members in the Northern Virginia area. By partnering with local organizations, schools, and churches, we are sharing vital information with some of our area’s most vulnerable neighbors–immigrants and their families.


Impact Statement

RILA has demonstrated success in achieving significant, life-changing results for our clients with a 73% success rate for securing grants of asylum or some other type of humanitarian legal status for our clients. We have successfully obtained approval in 99% of our SIJS cases for children and teens who were abused or abandoned by a parent.

Over the past year, RILA managed a caseload of roughly 1,000 clients and assisted another 1,100 people by providing information and referrals. Since our founding, we have helped 134 individuals win asylum, allowing them to rebuild their lives in the United States in safety. RILA also assisted 264 children and teens in petitioning for and obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, a pathway to legal permanent residence for young people who have experienced parental abuse, abandonment or neglect. And RILA obtains work permits for its clients, allowing individuals to reliably support their families.


What ways can the public get involved?

RILA makes space for people in Arlington from diverse backgrounds to work together to support, listen and give. We employ an innovative clinic model that integrates RILA staff, volunteers, local partner organizations and clients all working together. Volunteers can:

Attorneys can write legal briefs or represent clients at the asylum office or in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Attorneys with daytime flexibility can also accompany RILA clients to ICE check-ins and other appointments with DHS. 


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

Information provided March 2026

PathForward

EIN: 54-1615993

Mission Statement

PathForward’s mission is to foster stability and dignity through transformative services and housing solutions. 


Program Summary

Our long-term vision aligns with Arlington County’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Strategic Plan to end homelessness for all by 2026. As a core member of the CoC, PathForward plays a critical role in making that goal a reality—addressing root causes, removing barriers, and centering the voices and experiences of those we serve. 


Impact Statement

Street Outreach. Operating seven days a week, PathForward engages individuals living unsheltered in encampments, parks, and other public spaces. Staff build trust, assess needs, and connect clients to critical services.

Homeless Services Centers (HSC and RPC). PathForward manages two of Arlington County’s 24/7 shelters—the Homeless Services Center in Courthouse and the Residential Program Center on Columbia Pike—offering 99 year-round beds, three daily meals, case management, behavioral health support, and housing navigation. The Medical Respite Program, located within the Homeless Services Center, provides five beds for individuals recovering from illness or hospitalization who would otherwise have no safe place to heal.

Mobile Medical Dream Team. A Registered Nurse, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Case Manager deliver field-based and in-home care on the streets, in housing, within shelters, and at partner sites. Services include wound care, medication management, and behavioral health support.

Behavioral Health Services. A full-time Licensed Clinical Social Worker provides therapy, wellness programming, and crisis intervention integrated across all programs.

Housing Programs. Permanent Supportive Housing and Rapid Re-Housing programs maintain approximately 200 apartments, achieving 91–92% housing stability.

Homelessness Prevention and Diversion: PathForward helps at-risk individuals remain housed through targeted support.


What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer – Help serve meals, be a program instructor, or assist with outreach. Learn more at Volunteer
Donate – Every contribution helps provide shelter, healthcare, and essential resources.  
ProvideDonate Basic Necessities, such as new and gently used clothing, gift cards, personal hygiene items and small housewares  
Advocate – Spread awareness and support policies that address homelessness. 


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

At PathForward, we are committed to transparency and ensuring that every dollar donated directly supports individuals experiencing homelessness. Your generous contributions help fund: 

💙 Healthcare & Wellness – Offering medical, mental health, and addiction recovery services. 
💙 Housing Programs – Assisting individuals in securing permanent housing with case management, nursing, and behavioral health. 
💙 Workforce & Life Skills Training – Helping clients gain employment and build self-sufficiency.  
💙 Emergency Services – Providing shelter, hot meals, clothing, and hygiene essentials. 
 
 
Your gift fuels these life-changing programs, providing compassionate, effective support to those who need it most.  Learn more at Donate | PathForward  

Information provided March 2026

Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA)

EIN: 54-0603502

Mission Statement

Improve the lives of animals and people by providing resources, care, and protection.


Program Summary

What We Do


Impact Statement

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) provides animal adoption and community programs to the Northern Virginia and D.C. Metropolitan area, as well as animal rescue, control, and wildlife services within Arlington County. For more than 80 years, AWLA has remained committed to its mission to improve the lives of animals and the people who love them by providing resources, care, and protection.


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

AWLA recognizes the value of a dollar and thoughtfully uses every donation to further the shelter’s mission to improve the lives of animals (and the people who love them). Impartial third-party organizations including Charity Navigator and Guidestar rate AWLA highly for financial health, accountability and transparency with four-stars and a Platinum rating respectively. AWLA’s annual financial statements are available to the public on our website.

Information provided March 2025

Doorways

EIN: 54-1087829

Mission Statement


Doorways creates pathways out of domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness, leading to safe, stable, and empowered lives.


Program Summary

Doorways’ response to domestic and sexual violence spans a spectrum—from preventing violence, to supporting survivors and their families throughout our community, to providing shelter and housing. We offer a wide range of trauma-informed services designed to meet survivors’ complex needs. All services are free, confidential, and available in all languages (multiple languages spoken in-person onsite, and more available through a language line). Through the generosity of our partners and supporters, we provide safe harbor, healing, and hope.

Community Engagement

Doorways partners with our neighbors, supporters, and fellow service providers to realize our mission every day.

Community-Based Services

Doorways supports survivors throughout our community with a wide range of crisis response services, advocacy, and counseling.

Shelter, Housing, and Supportive Services

Doorways provides Arlington’s only emergency safehousing for survivors experiencing homelessness due to domestic and sexual violence. HomeStart, Doorways’ housing program, supports clients transitioning out of shelter to a home of their own.


Impact Statement

2025 was another record-breaking year for Doorways:

Read Doorways’ annual report to learn more about how supporters like you make a difference for survivors like the ones quoted here:

“Doorways saved my life and has changed everything.”

“Doorways has helped my child open up, express her feelings, and communicate. She loves to attend play therapy where we see a huge change with issues we had prior to coming.”

“I have learned to understand my situations and got help with getting custody of my son. This is a great resource for victims of domestic violence.”

“My mental health has improved greatly post-assault. I was having trouble taking care of myself because I was mentally in a sad state. Doorways’ therapy sessions have taught me how to cope and recover in a healthy way. I feel fully supported here.”


What ways can the public get involved?


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

Every year, half of Doorways’ budget comes from private donations. These monetary gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations, and corporate, faith, civic, and community groups ensure that Doorways is able to provide safe haven to every survivor in-need.  

Information provided March 2026