Merry Market

Arlington Bridge Builders is an interdenominational network of churches working with each other, individuals, non-profits, businesses, and civic agencies to seek the flourishing of our community. Funding to assist in to hiring a Care Coordinator to work with clients on a pathway tailored to meet their needs. This organization is a network of churches in Arlington that provides a food pantry to over 1000 people each week. The hope is to grow the services they offer through the Care Coordinator. https://www.bridgebuildersva.org/

The goal of After School Enrichment Matters is to raise funds to offset the cost of after-school programming in the eight Title 1 elementary schools in Arlington County. Title 1 schools have a high number of students receiving free or reduced lunch, which is a generally accepted measure of poverty levels, and in these eight schools, free or reduced lunch is offered to at least half the student population. The fundraising aims to provide equitable access to after-school programming for elementary school students across the county, so that every student has the chance to feel pride, community, and representation come graduation season (and every season). Funding will cover the annual amount of student scholarships for enrichment programs for between 125-250 students in APS Title 1 schools.

https://www.arlcf.org/news-events/equity-in-after-school-activities/

BU-GATA developed and created the Buckingham Youth Brigade (BYB), an after-school program for teenagers, ages 14-18. BYB began to function in 1998. BYB was founded to provide the teens of the Buckingham Neighborhood apartment complexes a weekly after-school activity and a way to focus their creative and intellectual energies towards their community.  The program serves to build self-esteem, civic responsibility, and leadership skills among youth. Funding will assist with educational opportunities, civic engagement, enrichment opportunities and more. https://www.bu-gata.org/

L'Arche Greater Washington, D.C. is a residential service provider and community of people with and without intellectual disabilities sharing life together. The relationships we build will continue to extend like a wave into our neighborhoods, changing attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors. L'Arche brings people together across differenceswe offer a sign for what's possible in our world.

Funding will support the general operating budget to continue to provide homes for life and meaningful connections in the community for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This money would help 18 adults with intellectual disabilities and 1000 members of the community who find a place of welcome and support through interacting with L'Arche. 3 of the 5 homes owned by L'Arche are in Arlington. Two are in DC.

https://larche-gwdc.org/

For more than 100 years, Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) has provided the breadth and depth of services needed to help individuals and families thrive at every stage of life. From housing and health care to workforce development and early childhood education, NVFS delivers the essential building blocks of financial, emotional, and physical well-being. Each year, NVFS empowers more than 40,000 of our neighbors to achieve their goals--strengthening families, fostering resilience, and building a connected community for generations to come.

Funding to support their Child and Family Wellbeing programs including Court Appointed Special Advocates and Family Programs: Parent Education and Abuse Prevention.

These programs ensure the NOVA children who have experienced abuse or neglect have a consistent, trained advocate in court while working with families to build skills needed to create safe, stable and nurturing homes.

https://www.nvfs.org/

Women Giving Back supports women and children in crisis on a first step to stability by providing quality clothing at no cost, assisted by a caring and committed community. The foundation of everything we do is to ensure families receive the basics in life. Finding the perfect outfit for a job interview, starting fresh with a new look, or fitting in with peers can increase self-esteem, leading to fortified resilience in progressing forward.

From grassroots humble beginnings, they have grown into an organization that serves more than 32,000 women and children in need every year. They amassed nearly 5,000 dedicated volunteers and 1,300 referral partners throughout the Greater Washington Metro area. Over the past 16 years, Women Giving Back's programs have grown to meet the expanding and evolving needs of the community it serves.  Funding to assist in the expansion of their on-site location in Sterling, VA.

https://womengivingback.org/