Type of Work: Immediate Needs

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

Four Mile Run Conservatory

EIN: 81-1611867

Mission Statement

The Four Mile Run Conservancy connects nature, culture, and community at lower Four Mile Run through restoration, advocacy, recreation, and education.

Program Summary

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP: we provide frequent opportunities for volunteers to improve the condition of lower Four Mile Run, such as land- and kayak-based litter clean-ups, native tree/shrub plantings, and invasive species removal.

YOUTH AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS: through our Nature Explorers And Restorers (NEAR) program, we offer outdoor learning opportunities for young people, mostly those from program partners that serve recently-immigrated families, families transitioning from homelessness, and underserved youth. NEAR programming is provided at no cost to them. Throughout the year we offer public interpretive programs, such as pop-up nature centers and park walks highlighting nature and local history.

CONSERVATION INTERNSHIPS: we offer part-time paid summer internships for high-school and college age youth, providing on-the-job experience in natural resource management, field research, and program leadership.

COMMUNITY SCIENCE: we conduct ongoing research with community volunteers and youth interns that includes wildlife camera surveys, water quality testing, and documentation of the ecosystem using the iNaturalist app and online mapping tools.

PARK IMPROVEMENT: we advocate for and seek out resources to support better park infrastructure. Projects have included signage, public drinking water sources, bird nesting boxes, and our current project to build an ADA-accessible kayak and canoe launch.

Impact Statement

We see lower Four Mile Run, its associated park lands, and surrounding community as extraordinary in ecological and socioeconomic diversity, as well as in the range of activities that happen here, whether organized sports, outdoor recreation, informal play, fishing, picnicking, and more. The area’s demographic diversity is reflected in our volunteers, who come from the immediate neighborhood as well as from all across the DC metro region.

We continue to work to ensure the benefits of nearby nature are accessible to the community, both in terms of addressing physical barriers, as with our recently completed project to build an ADA-accessible public kayak/canoe launch, and in terms of sociocultural barriers, as with translation of signage and interpretive materials.

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year, we reflect on an impact that has included:

Coming soon: freshwater mussel restoration and adaptive paddling programs!

What ways can the public get involed?

Volunteering for land-based and kayak-based stream/park clean-ups, planting, and invasive plant removal events, participating in our local nature/history walks, visiting our pop-up nature centers and tables at local events.

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

Donations support project and program expenses. We do not receive County or City funding, and depend on donations and grants to support our work.

A photo of Four Mile Run nearing sunset.

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 May 2026

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:

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

Volunteer

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.

A photo of GDCDB's warehouse, storing stacks and stacks of diapers.

Information provided April 2025

CARE, Inc.

EIN: 54-1807476

Mission Statement

CARE, Inc. mobilizes partnerships and community leadership to connect people with resources, opportunities, and support systems that strengthen families, enrich lives, and build a more inclusive and economically vibrant community.

We foster trust, cultivate collaboration, and deliver impactful programs that advance education, economic empowerment, and community well-being.

Program Summary

CARE, Inc. (Community Association of Resources, Education, Enrichment & Economics) is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and advancing underserved communities.

We serve as a trusted connector—bringing together residents, service providers, local businesses, and strategic partners to build a more equitable, resilient, and thriving community. Through collaborative initiatives, including the Green Valley Farmers Market, we expand access to fresh food, economic opportunity, youth development, and supportive services that uplift generations.

Our work is grounded in relationships, driven by community voice, and focused on creating sustainable systems that support health, stability, and long-term prosperity.  

CORE PROGRAM AREAS

🥕 1. Green Valley Farmers Market (Food Access + Economic Development)

🚲 2. Youth Development & Workforce Pipeline (Ages 10–18)

👵🏽 3. Seniors & Aging in Place

COMMUNITY NEED

CARE addresses these gaps through integrated, place-based solutions that meet people where they are.

Impact Statement

We build community-led solutions that strengthen families, reduce inequities, and create sustainable pathways to opportunity.

🎯 Our Focus Areas

Food Access & Economic Opportunity

Green Valley Farmers Market

Youth Development (Ages 5–10) — Early Foundations Program

Youth Development (Ages 10–18)

Aging in Place (NEW 2026 Initiative)

What ways can the public get involved?

🌿 Public Engagement Strategy for CARE, Inc. Programs

🤝 1. Volunteer Pathways (Entry → Leadership)

Create clear, flexible ways for people to get involved immediately:

Entry-Level (Easy On-Ramp)

Ongoing Roles

Leadership Roles

🧒🏽 2. Family & Intergenerational Programming

Bring the whole community together—not just individuals.

🥬 3. Community Events as Engagement Hubs

Use events as entry points into deeper involvement

🗣 4. Community Voice & Co-Design

Let residents help shape the programs

📣 5. Faith & Community Partnerships

Leverage trusted institutions

📱 6. Digital Engagement (Simple + Consistent)

Meet people where they already are:

🎓 7. Skill-Based & Corporate Volunteering

Tap into professional talent:

🧾 8. Public Recognition & Storytelling

People stay involved when they feel valued

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

The majority of funds directly support community programs:

Food Access & Farmers Market

Youth Development (Ages 5–18)

Aging in Place (Senior Support)

CARE, Inc. invests charitable dollars where they matter most—directly into people, programs, and community solutions—while maintaining lean operations and measurable impact.  We work mostly with volunteers and pay stipends for our Interns.

Information provided March 2026

OAR of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church

EIN: 54-1024562

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

OAR Upstream:

Racial Justice + Liberation 

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

OAR Downstream: 

Reentry Services 

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

Alternative Sentencing + Diversion 

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

Impact Statement

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

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

Information provided March 2026

Rosie Riveters

EIN: 47-4710197

Mission Statement

Rosie Riveters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, works to close the gaps in today’s workforce by increasing participation in STEM, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop the innovators of tomorrow.

Program Summary

Rosie Riveters offers hands-on STEM programs that foster confidence through productive struggle, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Designed for flexibility, its K-8 projects adapt to various settings—whether a 45-minute classroom lesson or a two-hour group experience—making STEM learning accessible in classrooms, military family programs, and community events. The high school program, Rosie Innovators (9-12), builds on this foundation, deepening STEM engagement and preparing participants for future education and careers.

Impact Statement

Since our inception in 2016, we have had the privilege of serving over 20,000 participants, witnessing remarkable outcomes with 96% of our participants enjoying the program and 89% being inspired to further explore STEM.

What ways can the public get involved?

You can get involved with Rosie Riveters in a few impactful ways! Volunteer your time by helping with quarterly STEM programs, packing STEM kits, or supporting events. If you’d rather contribute financially, donations go a long way in expanding programs and reaching more girls. Businesses and organizations can also partner by sponsoring programs, matching employee donations, or getting teams involved in volunteer activities. Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our mailing list for updates and event info. However you choose to help, you’ll be making a real difference in inspiring the next generation in STEM https://rosieriveters.org/volunteer/

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

At Rosie Riveters, every charitable dollar goes directly toward providing hands-on STEM experiences for students. Thanks to generous donations, we’ve served over 35,000 participants, giving them the opportunity to build confidence and critical thinking skills through engaging STEM projects. Your support helps fund program materials, STEM kits, educator resources, and expansion efforts to reach even more future innovators. Every contribution makes a tangible impact in inspiring the next generation of women in STEM!

Information provided March 2025

Specially Adapted Resource Clubs (SPARC)

EIN: 20-5513060

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

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

Impact Statement

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

What ways can the public get involved?

SPARC welcomes volunteers to join our centers!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information provided January 2026

Read Early and Daily (READ)

EIN: 82-3345797

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impact Statement

In 2025, over 500 babies and toddlers from economically vulnerable families participated in our cornerstone program READ With Me, allowing their families to choose and receive a new, quality, age-appropriate, culturally relevant book every month. Our 2024 parent survey indicated:

One family’s story

Lucas, age 33 months, has received 38 books from READ: five prenatally and monthly books via READ With Me. READ books have supported Lucas’ early brain development and helped him build key skills. He now:

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

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

Information provided March 2026