For many residents of Maryland’s Takoma/Langley Crossroads, a diverse, largely immigrant community, food that was fresh, local, healthy, and affordable was simply out of reach – until Crossroads opened its seasonal farmers market in 2007. It was the first in Maryland to accept federal nutrition benefits and match them with tokens of equal value, distributing over $1M to over 27,000 low-income families. This model has since been replicated at hundreds of farmers markets nationwide. Through bilingual food demos for 900+ market visitors of all ages each season, it shares strategies for incorporating local produce into their daily diets. Its Microenterprise Development Program helps entrepreneurs overcome barriers as they develop food businesses, and its shared-use community kitchen provides an affordable means of production. Feeding hungry people and promoting healthy eating while supporting local: Crossroads does it all.

WISH LIST: $100: ingredients for 4 healthy eating demos; $500: a week of Fresh Checks to match SNAP & WIC benefits for 100 families; $1000: 55 hours of Community Kitchen use

Mission of Love helps people in urgent need — those living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless. For many, there is simply no other means of access to food, clothing, laundry, rental and utility assistance, furniture, or referrals for primary, dental, and mental health care. A new on-site clinic provides direct access to both physical and mental health support, along with help navigating SNAP, Medicaid, and stable housing. For those who lost jobs recently, classes in digital literacy, coding, and certification as a nursing assistant or OSHA construction inspector empower individuals with skills for long-term employment. Students who complete the courses have little trouble finding work. Through strong community partnerships and tireless advocacy, Mission of Love bridges the gap between crisis relief and sustainable, independent living.

WISH LIST: $100: school supplies & backpacks for 5 children; $500: monthly supply of food for the food pantry & hot meals; $1000: workforce development classes

Founded in 1992 to address the serious lack of affordable housing in DC’s Latino neighborhoods, Mi Casa helps tenants organize and purchase their apartment buildings when they come up for sale, renovates and builds housing for families, and leases apartments at affordable rates. It also trains clients in the skills they need to keep their homes—balancing a budget, reading financial statements, and hiring and supervising a property manager. One of DC’s most innovative developers, Mi Casa has partnered with the city to pilot programs serving young mothers who have aged out of foster care and seniors living on fixed incomes, as well as innovative housing models such as intergenerational housing, limited-equity co-ops, net-zero historic homes, and permanently affordable rental housing. Won’t you join them and help all DC residents have a safe, affordable place to call home?

WISH LIST: $100: 1 bilingual training for low-income cooperative members; $500: 3 community-building events; $1000: co-sponsor for one community barbecue

Though Fairfax County can be affluent, the high cost of living leaves many families struggling to meet basic needs, especially when they face unexpected financial challenges. For more than 30 years, FFO has been their critical safety net. Its hybrid food bank and pantry are a welcoming, dignified space for neighbors experiencing food insecurity, where clients receive up to 5 days’ worth of food that fits their needs. A growing delivery program ensures clients with little to no accessibility can receive food directly at their doorsteps. An additional weekend meal pack program during the school year, site distributions in high-need neighborhoods, and bulk distributions with community partners expand FFO’s reach, serving more than 3,000 families and 3,900 students each week. FFO ensures that every neighbor has a safe place to turn—because no one should go hungry.

WISH LIST: $100: 1 gallon of milk for 60 families; $500: 5 days of food for 10 families; $1000: weekend meals for 250 children

Poiema is a place of healing and hope, where women and mothers with children in Southern Maryland move from crisis toward stability and restoration. Women come with stories shaped by homelessness, substance use, domestic violence, justice involvement, or trauma. More than transitional housing, Poiema provides long-term care for women and mothers with children ages 10 and under. Across three homes in Waldorf, Maryland, residents live for 12 to 24 months with support: case management, life skills, parenting guidance, recovery support — building toward employment, savings, and stability. Each woman sets her goals and does the work while staff and volunteers walk alongside with encouragement and accountability. Poiema serves women ready to rebuild their lives in a community of faith and dignity. Her past does not have to define her future.

WISH LIST: $100: groceries & personal care items for a new resident; $500: 1 month of vehicle costs for resident transport; $1000: 10 days of care for 1 resident

Thousands of Washingtonians – particularly those living in Wards 7 and 8 – have acutely limited access to the resources necessary for daily life, including affordable, healthy food. DC Greens places racial justice and health equity at the center of its mission to create a city where healthy food is a human right and all residents can shape policies and programs for their own communities. Its award-winning Produce Prescription (Produce Rx) program, a Food Is Medicine intervention, enables medical providers to prescribe fresh fruits and vegetables to DC Medicaid patients with diet-related chronic illness. The Well at Oxon Run, a community farm in Ward 8, promotes healing in green spaces and offers programming that improves food access. DC Greens works to fulfill these three important precepts: “Food is Health,” “Food is Medicine,” “Food is a Human Right.”

WISH LIST: $100: produce bags for 10 families; $500: supplies for a nutrition education workshop; $1000: ten months of produce prescriptions

For three decades, EBOL has supported the long-term well-being of households in DC’s Brightwood neighborhood, where many face food insecurity and economic instability. As a co-owner of the Beacon Center, a 99-unit affordable housing community, EBOL ensures stable housing for more than 270 residents while leveraging the space as a hub for residents and local organizations to gather. It distributes groceries, essential supplies, and nutrition resources, such as simple recipes, twice every month, and provides multilingual signage and transportation support to help seniors access the site. Additional seasonal and large-scale distributions respond to community needs. It also serves immigrant residents by partnering with legal firms to expand access to clinic and case navigation services and offers microbusiness owners and aspiring entrepreneurs an annual cohort program to gain practical business training. A trusted community anchor, EBOL illuminates pathways to hope.

WISH LIST: $100: groceries & supplies for 3-4 families; $500: food & basic necessities for approximately 15 households; $1000: transportation support to get food to seniors

AfriThrive advances food justice and health equity by pairing culturally relevant food with programs that empower underserved immigrant and refugee families to strengthen their food security, health, and economic opportunity. Since 2020, AfriThrive has served more than 50,000 individuals and distributed more than 2.5 million pounds of healthy, culturally relevant food, improving food security and health outcomes. Across five acres of community farms and gardens in multiple locations, AfriThrive cultivates African indigenous crops while training unemployed and underemployed individuals in sustainable agriculture, food entrepreneurship, and culturally relevant cuisine. Through a Food as Medicine approach, nutrition education and cooking demonstrations help prevent chronic disease. The Community Leadership Program equips emerging leaders to advance food justice, civic engagement, and community resilience.

WISH LIST: $150: 2 weeks of groceries for a family of 4; $750: 2 weeks of groceries for 5 families; $1500: food supplies to serve 1000 meals

The first time someone holds their own house keys marks a transformative milestone. DC Doors sees this in action when they move residents experiencing homelessness into long-term, stable housing. For many participants in its Permanent Supportive Housing program, being safely housed gives them the right to belong somewhere, supported by regular home-based visits, healthcare connections, and individualized stabilization plans. Because many young adults in DC face high living costs, limited affordable housing, and unstable income, DC Doors also addresses youth homelessness through the city’s only 24/7 drop-in center for ages 18-24. DC Doors supports the community through a monthly food pantry open to all District residents, remaining available on an ongoing basis for registered clients. From meeting basic needs to housing, employment, healthcare, and legal support, DC Doors creates pathways to stable futures with dignity.

WISH LIST: $100: a hot meal for 25 young adults; $500: one year of workforce readiness & transportation; $1000: full range of services for one young adult for 6 months

In 2009, after learning that DC had the highest HIV rate in the country, a Georgetown varsity athlete decided to recruit and train his NCAA student-athlete peers to deliver sexual health education at area schools — and Grassroots Health was born. Since then, more than 2,500 athletes have provided more than 500,000 hours of free health education to over 14,000 DC teens. A three-year, sports-based health education curriculum covering sexual, nutritional, and mental health serves middle school students in DC’s highest-need schools. Health communication workshops for parents and caregivers improve conversations about subjects many find difficult to discuss. Community health fairs also connect students with critical youth-friendly clinical and social services. The athletes who volunteer their time at no cost are people whom kids admire, trust, and listen to, making them especially effective messengers.

WISH LIST: $100: training for 5 new PE teachers; $500: Grassroots Connect program for 2 classes of students; $1000: one day of volunteer student-athlete training

Each year, CAFY serves approximately 1,400 individuals affected by crime or trauma in Prince George’s County. For many, the moments immediately following are overwhelming, frightening, and isolating. CAFY acts as a “social services emergency room,” stepping in at the most critical time to provide support, guidance, and a voice when it matters most. CAFY answers urgent questions: “What do I do now?”, “Where can I go for help?”, and “When will I feel safe?” Licensed therapists provide mental health care to help process trauma; advocates secure safe shelter, food, and clothing; and attorneys offer legal representation for protective orders, custody, and other critical matters. Services are available 24/7 in English, Spanish, ASL, and additional languages through the CAFY Helpline. CAFY transforms lives—helping victims move from fear and uncertainty to safety, healing, and justice.

WISH LIST: $100: emergency care kits (toiletries, blankets, clothing); $500: legal advocacy support; $1000: 5 trauma-informed counseling sessions for youth or adult survivors

CFNC was born when a group of mothers in public housing watched 17 of their children fail kindergarten and decided to do something about it. Annually, it serves 139 families earning between 100% and 250% of the poverty level (the average income for a family of four is $47,000). The majority of parents speak English as a second language, compounding the economic challenges they face. CFNC provides, at no cost, high-quality, multilingual preschool education for their children, health and wellness services, and family support (including trauma-informed services), right on site in Alexandria. Workshops help parents advocate for their children in school, support education at home, and help the littlest ones transition to kindergarten ready to learn and grow. This is comprehensive care that children and families need to prepare for success, in school and in life.

WISH LIST: $100: 5 new books for 1 classroom; $500: professional development for 1 teacher; $1000: new school supplies for 1 classroom for half of the year

In the District’s most under-resourced wards, a teen mother facing homelessness isn’t just losing a roof; she’s losing the ability to dream. Healthy Babies Project (HBP) interrupts this cycle for youth ages 16–21 through a continuum of care that moves from crisis to independence. It begins at Muriel House, a 90-day crisis shelter offering the safety and structure young parents need to move out of “survival mode.” The Life Empowerment Program then serves both pregnant and non-pregnant youth, building self-efficacy and health. HBP is also rebuilding its long-term shelter in Northeast DC to provide up to two years of transitional housing—a permanent sanctuary where young families can stabilize, graduate, and transition into self-sufficiency. The results are life-changing: 100% of pregnant youth deliver healthy babies. More importantly, they leave with the confidence to pursue their ambitions.

WISH LIST: $100: 1 month of baby essentials; $250: one-on-one case management & life-skills coaching for 1 resident; $1000: 1 month of transitional housing

In a world that devalues and threatens Black boys and young men, LPTM provides a refuge. Its flagship after-school program engages Ward 7 and 8 elementary, middle, and high school youth in arts, education, and character development. Apprentices work on unique acrylic-on-sewn-canvas paintings, write poetry and prose, and learn movement, music, and cinematography to break through negative self-images, tell authentic stories about their lives, build bonds of brotherhood, and become catalysts for change. Younger children receive rigorous tutoring in literacy and math, while older youth experience academic support, college and career readiness, Black male development, leadership training, and more to prepare them for postsecondary success. One hundred percent of last year’s seniors went on to college, all received partial or full scholarships, and all are sewing “life pieces” into “masterpieces.”

WISH LIST: $100: gas for 1 week of transportation for all Apprentices; $500: after-school program meals & snacks for 1 week; $1000: summer program supplies for one class

The Charles Koiner Center is a land trust sustaining two urban farms in Montgomery County, Maryland—building stronger communities, encouraging healthier living, and supporting a more stable food system in a place facing steep housing costs and too little health coverage. Koiner Farm, a one-acre plot in downtown Silver Spring established in 1983, and Loiederman Farm, a public school farm in Wheaton-Glenmont launched in 2024, are more than growing space: they’re where friendships take root. Residents linger at weekly farm stands for food and conversation; staff deliver produce and vouchers to nearby apartments. Young adults with disabilities learn farm management; K-8 students make hot sauce; neighbors gather for free concerts. It’s all sustained by donations, market sales, grants, and county contracts.

WISH LIST: $100: 1 week of fresh produce; $500: materials for 6 interns in a 12-week urban farmer internship; $1000: one community liaison for 48 hours

All families deserve a better future—whatever their race, ethnicity, or zip code. But financial resources, or the lack thereof, are often passed down from generation to generation, and decades of racial inequity and underinvestment have kept some families trapped in poverty. LIFT-DC’s mission is to break this cycle by investing in parents. Its holistic, one-on-one coaching helps build families’ well-being, financial strength, and social connections to lift two generations at once. Parents discover LIFT through trusted partnerships such as community colleges and early childhood centers, as well as through parent-to-parent referrals. Using action plans created with their coaches and wraparound supports like direct cash assistance, parents set and achieve goals such as returning to school, improving credit, eliminating debt, or securing a living wage. Since 2001, more than 10,000 LIFT-DC parents have achieved greater financial stability.

WISH LIST: $100: 4 hours of coaching for 1 member; $500: 6 months of coaching for 1 member; $1000: a year of cash assistance for 1 member

Jubilee JumpStart prepares young children (ages 6 weeks – 5 years) from families with low-incomes for success in school and life. Its center in Adams Morgan provides dual-language early childhood education in a nurturing, evidence-based environment. In every classroom, three trained educators focus on language development, social-emotional well-being, and kindergarten readiness, with onsite support from early intervention and mental health specialists. Recognizing that children thrive when families are supported, its whole-family approach includes a 12-week parenting program, family learning activities, and referrals to housing, legal, and community resources. Through free pop-up markets and distributions, enrolled families and neighbors access fresh groceries, diapers, and other essentials. By combining affordable early learning with family support, mental health care, and community partnerships, JumpStart breaks cycles of poverty two generations at a time.

WISH LIST: $100: 1 month of parent engagement & education supplies; $500: 1 month’s supply of take-home diapers for five families; $1000: 1 year’s supply of milk

Founded in 2005 to provide scholarships, the NWFCU Foundation has awarded $2.6 million in scholarships and expanded to invest in programs and resources that transform young lives. Students from low-income backgrounds across 40 schools receive wellness and hygiene products, weekend meal bags, and new coats. They participate in workshops, seminars, and hands-on learning experiences focused on financial management, job readiness, and career exploration—recent field trips include visits to the credit union and the Washington Commanders training camp. Dedicated volunteers provide 1:1 mentoring to build students’ confidence. While students apply for annual scholarships, schools apply for funding and hands-on project support to address needs such as creating a STEM lab, installing a book vending machine, or providing vision and dental care for uninsured students, with the Foundation offering guidance and mentorship to help bring these initiatives to life.

WISH LIST: $100: 20 weekend meal bags; $500: healthy dinner for a small group career readiness workshop; $1000: shoes & socks for one classroom

As youth sports become increasingly privatized, many low-income families are priced out of participating, so FFC unites local business, education, government, and philanthropic leaders to ensure more kids can access the life-changing power of sports. FFC coordinates a member network of the city’s 37 top youth-serving programs, supplying them with grant funding and operational support to scale their work. At Youth Sports Days and Town Halls, member organizations convene with pro sports teams, policymakers, businesses, funders, and community members to share resources and solutions to common challenges. Students try a wide range of sports for free and can seek additional injury prevention, rehabilitation, and mental health support at FFC’s Sports Medicine Center. By backing the teams behind the teams, FFC aligns leaders and expertise for systems-level change so that all young people can thrive.

WISH LIST: $100: Early Access to Sports before-school sampling sessions for 1 child; $500: training for 1 coach; $1000: equipment for the Early Access to Sports program

POH partners with DC families from low-income backgrounds, including many immigrant and multilingual households, to build paths to multi-generational success. Its cross-disciplinary approach brings some 50 families each year into cohorts to build community and share resources as they address family success in affordable housing, asset building, child development, arts, education, health, and wellness. Families set their own goals in bilingual coaching sessions, work on self-identified needs like financial skills and parenting in workshops, and build social capital across cohorts at regular peer gatherings. Alumni families often stay engaged, leading workshops for the wider network. Continued partnerships with Jubilee Housing, Mary’s Center, Sitar Arts Center, and Jubilee JumpStart ensure POH remains uniquely positioned to navigate and expedite access to services for families across different fields, addressing systemic barriers as a community.

WISH LIST: $100: school supplies for 1 family; $500: 4 hours of interpretation services; $1000: bilingual childcare & activities at a Family Saturday Gathering

As the federally recognized domestic violence coalition for the District, DCCADV has helped shape major policy reform since 1986, from workplace safety laws to establishing a 24/7 confidential victim hotline. It coordinates a comprehensive, survivor-centered response by supporting a network of 16 member organizations that provide the services survivors rely on, convening them regularly across multiple work groups to identify service gaps, align best practices, and address systemic barriers. A robust training and technical assistance program educates advocates, member organizations, partner agencies, and government entities on confidentiality, accessibility, domestic violence dynamics, prevention, and compliance. DCCADV staff also lead advocacy to secure funding for services and elevate survivor needs in policy discussions, while additional outreach efforts raise awareness of available resources in schools and communities. DCCADV strengthens the entire ecosystem of care.

WISH LIST: $100: financial assistance for transportation & childcare; $500: translation support for survivors with limited English proficiency; $1000: supplies for child-parent yoga

Together We Bake serves women with low incomes who face barriers to employment and economic mobility – homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, recent immigration, domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse – in finding opportunity and community through an innovative program that revolves around a small baking business. Participants develop the skills and confidence to gain and sustain employment by mastering commercial food production, food safety, and business administration. Participants also build soft skills – communication, teamwork, relationships – through personal empowerment and life skills groups, and work with a volunteer job counselor to develop a meaningful career plan. Post-program support includes outreach, connections to livable wage employment, and access to critical resources through community partners. Alumni gatherings allow women to maintain connections and support with their all-important TWB family.

WISH LIST: $100: ServSafe Certification study book & exam fee; $500: transportation stipends for 12 program participants; $1000: lunch for 12 for an 8-week cohort

WPA was founded by Yurani Sandoval, whose experience as a Latina Mompreneur in traditional entrepreneurship programs revealed a critical gap in supporting an entrepreneur’s holistic well-being. Alongside other Latina mothers, she launched WPA to provide Spanish-language entrepreneurial and emotional education. Its science-based La Comunidad Women Palante program integrates business education, well-being, mindfulness, yoga, and connection to build a community for Latina women and their families. Through a community program, a cohort of 15 Latina women engages in bilingual training to develop business acumen, participates in wellness practices supporting personal and professional growth, and builds community through shared experience and inspiration, with access to experts and Builders Studio, an AI-powered platform that helps them move from idea to action with support from experienced founders. WPA empowers Latina women to redefine entrepreneurial success.

WISH LIST: $100: business or wellness class resources for 1 Latina entrepreneur; $500: 1-on-1 business mentoring session; $1000: seed funding for 1 Latina entrepreneur

AiA was founded by a DC mom following the stillbirth of her daughter and, today, partners with hospitals and maternal health organizations to support families after loss. Every year, it distributes hundreds of trauma-informed bereavement support kits to women and birthing people following miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss. For many, these grounding self-care items, bilingual resources, and pathways to follow-up support bridge a critical gap in their experience of maternal and perinatal care. AiA supplements its kits with a virtual resource hub that includes culturally responsive and evidence-informed guidance on grief and navigating postpartum recovery and provides support books for partners and living children. It also works directly with hospital staff and healthcare providers to strengthen trauma-informed and culturally competent bereavement care. AiA provides tangible resources for families the moment they are needed most.

WISH LIST: $100: bereavement support for 2 families; $500: hospital bereavement support for 1 DMV hospital; $1000: bereavement support kit for 2 hospitals

For over 100 years, YWCA NCA has advocated for racial and gender justice for women and girls in the region. Today, it helps them gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials that they need to succeed, serving more than 3,500 women, girls, and families in under-resourced communities each year. Out-of-school-time programs provide mentorship, academic support, social-emotional learning, and leadership training for middle and high school girls, helping them explore postsecondary options, connect with peers, and build resilience. A Career Education and Training Center helps under- and unemployed adults gain credentials in high-demand fields, including starting their own small businesses, while strengthening their financial literacy. Through its Empowered Communities Center—including a food pantry, legal workshops, and resource and relief events—YWCA meets the community where it is, removing barriers to stability and success.

WISH LIST: $100: transportation to job site for 30 adult learners; $500: food support for five families; $1000: STEAM summer camp program for one girl

Founded to promote knitting as a form of wellness and resilience among ante- and postpartum women, PK has since grown to introduce knitting to a variety of communities facing challenges, from cancer patients and caregivers to refugees and people experiencing homelessness. As a well-documented therapeutic tool, knitting helps reduce anxiety and promote both physical and psychological healing. Its portability makes it particularly accessible for those who cannot otherwise access wellness services, so PK provides every participant with a starter kit that includes a beginner resource guide and yarn with several rows already started on needles. In one-on-one settings or online classes, this ensures participants have everything they need to continue their practice independently. PK further engages participants through six-week sessions at various partnership sites. For PK, even a brief introduction to knitting can be transformative.

WISH LIST: $100: yarn for one program for a year; $500: session to teach volunteers to work with vulnerable populations; $1000: yarn & needles for 250 participants

For over a decade, SWT has used the barbershop model to create trusted spaces where Black adults in DC can return again and again to feel safe, seen, and supported. Many are working adults, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who live in historically under-resourced communities and navigate the daily realities of economic pressure, health inequity, and limited access to culturally responsive support. SWT brings licensed Black therapists and professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and financial experts, into Black barbershops to facilitate conversations about mental health, relationships, and well-being. A separate monthly gathering at hair studios focuses on reflection and resource-sharing with wellness practitioners, while community game nights serve as social spaces. Additional pop-up events and digital programming keep community members connected. SWT strengthens the health and economic stability of some 650 people every year.

WISH LIST: $100: healthy snacks & supplies for one wellness gathering; $500: one MyHairAppt or Shape Up session; $1000: data software & budgeting software for the year

PAL harnesses the power of the human-animal bond to enrich people’s lives. It screens, trains, and registers volunteer therapy dog-handler teams who make more than 2,000 visits a year, serving 7,000 people monthly in the DC metro area. Therapy dog teams connect with older adults and veterans in senior housing and assisted-living facilities to reduce loneliness and promote well-being. Hospital frontline workers, police officers, and school staff take a joyful break at their workplaces while K-12 and college students receive mental health support on campus. Therapy dog teams complement health professionals’ therapeutic services for clients, including comforting hospice patients and their families. From providing safe spaces for families in crisis to building children’s confidence by listening to them read without judgment, PAL’s therapy dog-handler teams strengthen our communities.

WISH LIST: $100: onboarding kit for a therapy dog team; $500: support & training for 1 therapy dog team; $1000: annual visits at 1 school, library, hospital, or retirement facility

Teen suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15-19. Our Minds Matter was founded by the Anderson family after losing their son, Josh, to suicide at the age of 17. Using the power of peer influence, its teen-led clubs are designed to reach all teens within a school community. Teens receive hands-on support to lead activities, facilitate discussions that improve their own well-being, and organize school-wide campaigns that raise awareness, share resources, and build coping skills and social connectedness. Through this peer-driven model, students become active participants in fostering healthier, more supportive school environments. OMM staff also involve teens in decision-making at the school district level to create more resilient systems. Reaching over 100,000 middle and high school teens each year, OMM empowers teens to shift their school cultures, making mental health the new normal.

WISH LIST: $100: supplies & snacks for one middle school club; $500: Teen Advisory Council member support; $1000: Because You Matter campaign boxes for 20 DCPS high schools

ANV allows older adults to age safely in their homes and remain connected within a caring community. Its network of 300+ volunteers provides practical assistance to over 500 seniors every year, including rides to medical appointments, grocery pickups, tech support, household chores, and other errands. Along the way, they also serve as friendly visitors, walking buddies, and phone companions, building authentic relationships that counter senior loneliness. ANV’s robust social calendar engages seniors in a weekly speaker series, tai chi, book club sessions, holiday potlucks, and more, while staff oversee small groups of volunteers in leading Care Circles to provide personalized support to seniors on limited incomes or without family nearby. Since its founding, ANV volunteers have donated some 92,450 hours to help seniors in need, proving that a village model of care can sustain dignity and autonomy.

WISH LIST: $100: transportation to appointments for 5 older adults; $500: full year of membership for one lower-income senior; $1000: background clearance for 20 volunteers

Since 1967, Reach has been promoting equity and self-sufficiency in Rockville and throughout Montgomery County, expanding and adapting to meet the changing needs of underserved groups. Its Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic (MKHC) provides healthcare for uninsured, Medicare, and Medicaid adult patients, while its Senior Reach program ensures that seniors receive the home care and services they need to safely and comfortably age in place. During a crisis, it offers families and individuals emergency financial assistance to prevent them from experiencing foreclosures, evictions, and utility terminations. Immigrants participate in English language classes and citizenship test preparation, and formerly unhoused individuals are placed in permanent housing with support systems. Together, these five interconnected programs form a coordinated, culturally responsive safety net unlike any other in the region. Serving some 3,500 individuals every year, Reach truly embodies community.

WISH LIST: $100: a semester of language class & 2 semesters of books for 2 students; $500: an MRI for 1 patient at MKHC; $1000: rental support

With Northern Virginia home to an estimated 200,000–250,000 residents with hearing loss, NVRC works toward a future where inclusive communication access is the standard. Serving thousands of individuals across the full spectrum of hearing loss each year, it offers affordable and sliding-scale ASL interpreting and CART services to increase access in workplaces, community meetings, healthcare settings, and beyond. Low-income individuals and veterans receive free assistive technology; residents seek early intervention through free hearing screenings; and visitors can try equipment at its center before purchasing. Community presentations, ASL classes, and workshops on Deaf culture raise awareness among the broader public. As the only organization in Northern Virginia offering this integrated suite of services, NVRC is a bridge between Deaf and hearing communities.

WISH LIST: $100: one-hour training for first responders or public service personnel; $500: outreach at health fairs; $1000: Deaf-led ASL interpreter mentor/apprentice initiative

Eating disorders affect nearly 30 million Americans in their lifetimes. Yet less than 20% of them can access care due to limited treatment options and stigma. Rock Recovery bridges the gap, offering treatment to adolescents and adults on a sliding scale and focusing on individuals who need more than a weekly session with a therapist, but less than full-time treatment. Clients access affordable outpatient programs – individual therapy, group therapy, group meals, nutrition counseling, and community education. Additional outreach educates and empowers individuals to find recovery for themselves or their loved ones, increasing understanding of disordered eating while reducing the stigma surrounding it. Since 2009, Rock Recovery has provided life-changing treatment to more than 700 individuals and families and reached over 22,000 community members, fostering a network where clients feel supported on their journey toward better health.

WISH LIST: $100: a single group therapy session for one client; $250: one community education workshop; $1000: group therapy session for 8-10 clients

Mercy Health provides a safety net for Montgomery County residents who are low-income or uninsured, removing their barriers to care by providing interpreters and never charging a copay. Patients access a wide range of services, including primary care, exams, lab tests, X-rays, medications, chronic disease management, mental health care, and specialty care across more than a dozen medical specialties. Health and nutrition education programs focus on preventive care, and a partnership with Adventist Healthcare works to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and ER visits. Serving over 2,500 patients annually, it is also the medical home for 200 adolescents and is supported by numerous hospital and lab partners, as well as volunteer physicians, nurses, and interpreters. In a community where access to decent healthcare is a serious problem for too many, Mercy puts people back in control of their health.

WISH LIST: $100: insulin program for 5 patients; $500: medication & follow-up for 1 patient for 6 months; $1000: primary care for 40 uninsured patients for 1 year

Rising for Justice provides free, high-quality legal and social work services to low-income DC residents facing housing instability and other civil legal challenges. Each year, its clinical programs bring law and social work students from area schools together with experienced advocates to represent clients, receive hands-on training, and offer trauma-informed, wraparound support. Students and attorneys conduct intake, provide client consultations, and participate in emergency hearings, representing tenants while connecting them with rental assistance and housing counseling. Staff attorneys partner with hundreds of additional pro bono attorneys to remove the criminal records that create barriers to many residents’ long-term financial stability. Serving more than 250,000 residents since its founding, Rising for Justice’s community-embedded approach ensures everyone can access resources and legal representation when their housing, employment, and economic security are at risk.

WISH LIST: $100: legal consultation & case assessment; $500: legal representation for a civil legal challenge; $1000: integrated legal and social work services for one family

As unemployment rises in the District and job losses disrupt thousands of families, many—especially Black and Latino residents—face increased financial strain. Tzedek provides free legal help to DC residents with low or moderate incomes navigating financial challenges such as debt collection, medical debt, credit report problems, and identity theft. Its attorneys and pro bono partners provide legal counsel and direct representation, negotiating affordable payment plans, stopping unlawful collection actions, and securing debt forgiveness so families can regain stability. Since 2017, Tzedek has served more than 6,000 households harmed by debt-related problems. Through financial empowerment, counseling, and policy advocacy, it has improved protections for more than 300,000 DC residents, safeguarding their rights and building long-term economic security. In moments of financial crisis, Tzedek helps families move forward with dignity.

WISH LIST: $100: investment account launch for a Financial Empowerment Program graduate; $500: 5 financial counseling sessions; $1000: representation for a crime victim

As the only organization in DC with party status in court proceedings involving youth in child welfare and juvenile justice, CASA DC is uniquely positioned with confidential information and legal standing to speak on behalf of the youth they serve. Many are deeply impacted by generations of systemic disinvestment: food insecurity, unstable housing, under-resourced schools, exposure to violence, and limited access to mental health support. CASA DC matches each young person with a trained volunteer to build stable, 1:1 relationships, develop skills, and strengthen health, moving them toward lasting homes and academic success. Additional specialized programs decrease recidivism among justice-involved youth, provide trauma-informed advocacy to youth who have experienced abuse, support family reunification in cases of substance misuse, and serve unaccompanied refugee minors. At CASA DC, every court-involved child deserves to thrive.

WISH LIST: $100: transportation support for court hearing; $500: materials for Know Your Rights training; $1000: supplies for youth transitioning out of foster care

Since 2019, HNB has helped over 10,000 refugee and forced migrant families thrive and feel at home in the DC region. Many are newly resettled refugees, special immigrant visa holders, and asylum seekers, mostly from Afghanistan but some from El Salvador, Myanmar, and Ethiopia. Waning federal support for refugees means HNB fills critical gaps, providing families with culturally appropriate groceries as well as household furnishings and items that help make an apartment a home. A program for refugee artisans pays them to make items for new homes, while mentorship, skills-building, and cash assistance ensure newcomers can establish independence by turning a job into a career. Through storytelling training and coaching, refugees process their trauma and share their stories with the greater community — so we can better understand the refugee friends and neighbors among us.

WISH LIST: $100: toiletry supplies & water for community members; $500: 10 outreach events (legal information & know-your-rights training); $1000: legal advocacy for 4 homeless families

Many African immigrant and refugee families raising children with developmental disabilities face language, cultural, and systemic barriers to accessing services. EESNC provides culturally responsive education and support to help families advocate for themselves and their children. Through a 12-session Caregiver Skills Training Program, families learn evidence-based strategies for communication, behavior management, daily living skills, and navigating education and healthcare systems. Interactive workshops, group discussions, one-on-one consultations, support groups, and expert Q&As let families share experiences and build a strong support network. Children build peer connections through social and cultural activities, while older youth and adults receive mentorship, job-readiness training, and individualized guidance exploring career pathways. Having served more than 700 families, EESNC plays a unique role in engaging African immigrant families and helping individuals with disabilities and their families thrive.

WISH LIST: $100: materials for one caregiver training session for 4 families; $500: one month of support for the Parent Café; $1000: one month of parent consultations for 20 families

LVA-PW has spent 35 years teaching adults to read, write, speak, and listen in English – skills that open doors to jobs, healthcare, and community life. Founded by librarian Dona Swanson, who saw neighbors shut out simply because they couldn’t read a paycheck or write a letter home, it remains rooted in practical, learner-centered instruction. As the county has grown more diverse, including refugees and a large Hispanic community, LVA-PW has expanded beyond basic literacy into conversation, digital skills, workforce readiness, citizenship prep, and health literacy. Last year, it served 700 adult learners, 95% of them with low incomes, through more than 9,000 hours of free instruction. For learners like Marcela, a construction worker once hesitant to speak up on the job, that instruction means new confidence and a model of perseverance for her daughter.

WISH LIST: $100: Workforce Readiness English workbooks for 10 adults; $500: 1 session of class materials for 15-20 adults; $1000: Title I parent conversation programming for 1 school year

As the oldest community-based organization serving the Vietnamese American community in Maryland, MVMA continues to care for those who arrived after the Vietnam War in 1975 and for newly arrived Vietnamese. Staff assist with applications for government programs, translate important documents, and provide critical immigration information. As the original Vietnamese American community has matured, MVMA has evolved to provide a space for these seniors to socialize, participate in group activities, exercise, and share meals together. A transportation program dispatches bilingual drivers to drive seniors to appointments and visits with family and friends. Remaining responsive to its community’s needs, MVMA also teaches English, tutors at-risk Vietnamese American high school students, assists with Know Your Rights campaigns, and organizes cultural celebrations. MVMA empowers and unifies generations of Vietnamese Americans.

WISH LIST: $100: appointment with bilingual dentist; $500: physical with bilingual doctor; $1000: mental health therapy sessions for seniors

Many students from low-income or first-generation households lack the guidance, social capital, and resources needed to navigate college and career decisions, so GWNCR empowers them to transition successfully from high school into high-paying career fields. Through a rigorous 8-week summer program, students gain tangible business, technical, and professional skills in areas such as project management, public speaking, and networking. Guest lectures and interviews with business and STEM professionals further broaden their horizons, leading to paid year-long internships with corporate partners. Summer program alumni continue to earn professional Google certifications through a partnership with Coursera and work with GWNCR staff to select, apply to, and plan for college. Each year, 100% of participants graduate from high school. With a median alumni income of $70,000, GWNCR provides youth with a clear pathway to success.

WISH LIST: $100: 1 year of certification courses for 1 student; $500: 1 laptop & tech support for 1 student; $1000: 2 months of internship transportation for 1 student

Long before they enter the workforce, young people’s career trajectories are often shaped by race, income, school quality, and access to professional networks. On-Ramps programs remove these structural barriers for over 300 high school and college students each year, connecting them to meaningful STEM opportunities. Students as early as 9th grade engage in skills training, gaining exposure to potential opportunities. In 11th grade, they apply to be matched and placed in paid internship programs at technology, cybersecurity, data, and engineering companies. Throughout their internships, On-Ramps staff and volunteers check in and host workshops on resume and interview preparation, workplace professionalism, and emerging technologies. On-Ramps sees 95–98% of interns complete their placements, and many continue receiving job placement support as alumni. On-Ramps is a pipeline for economic mobility you can invest in.

WISH LIST: $100: one career-readiness workshop; $500: one paid internship experience; $1000: alumni career advancement support for one program graduate

At Legacy Farms, neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals work side by side as equals. Serving individuals 16+ with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and anxiety, its mentorship and apprenticeship programs empower neurodivergent individuals to contribute to thriving neurodiverse workplaces. Staff and trained mentors guide apprentices as they practice garden, entrepreneurial, and communications skills, delivering bouquets and other products to market. As apprentices advance into an immersive year-round program, they learn additional product development and related business skills. All complete the 7-Step employment process (application/interview to invoicing to performance review), experiencing a real-world work environment. Many arrive having recently left school and struggling to find or keep employment, and leave ready to see themselves as capable, proud members of the workforce and community.

WISH LIST: $100: tools, gloves, & work shirts; $500: compost & materials for bouquet making; $1000: research & training opportunities for apprentices

SFC uses professional attire and workforce development to assist clients seeking financial security. It works with 100 partner organizations to arrange suiting appointments with women (over 1,000 annually) facing high barriers to personal and professional success. In a one-hour, confidence-building session with stylists, they receive two fashionable, work-appropriate outfits – available for women whose preferences reflect a spectrum of gender identities – along with interview preparation and job coaching that ensure they are ready for their next interview. Additional outfits are added when clients secure employment. A professional readiness program provides workshops and an individualized coaching program tailored to clients’ interests and needs: trained volunteers draw on personal experiences, skills, and networks to foster positive woman-to-woman relationships. SFC’s welcoming environment offers a respite from the challenges of gender, race, size, physical ability, income, and language faced outside its walls.

WISH LIST: $100: interview suit & styling session for one; $500: career coaching & skills workshops for multiple clients; $1000: wardrobe & career development for one woman

Following a groundswell of interest in organizing after the 2016 elections, Rising Organizers emerged to fill the gap in providing accessible, high-quality training in community organizing and leadership development. Across nine sessions, its intensive Community Organizing Fellowship equips new and emerging leaders with the tools to assess power, build a base, and design effective campaigns. Community members participate for free, learning and practicing tangible skills such as relationship-building and campaign development, while staff at organizing and advocacy organizations enroll in an affordable bootcamp-style version of the program. More than 350 alumni continue to organize across the region and, through its latest DC Organizing Lab program, further sharpen their political analysis by designing and executing organizing experiments. An organizing festival and free public trainings elevate the activism of hundreds more, building a future where everyday residents hold the power.

WISH LIST: $100: travel or meal costs for a fellow; $500: one public training for up to 50 emerging leaders; $1000: 3-month community organizing fellowship for one

Restaurant Organizing Collective (ROC-DC) builds power with local restaurant workers to create a more sustainable and equitable industry for low-wage workers of color. Many restaurant workers continue to face low wages, poor working conditions, wage theft, and normalized sexual harassment, and women, immigrants, and workers of color disproportionately occupy the lowest-paid jobs with increasingly unsafe work environments. Using a member-led model, ROC-DC serves as an umbrella for its worker-members to build relationships, shape big-picture strategy across the industry, and develop as leaders. Through bilingual programming, workers build trust at free, kid-friendly yoga classes and movie nights while receiving training in how to enforce their workplace rights and defend their coworkers against ICE. A new worker-curated zine uplifts their stories, breaking down the silos between workers that have historically kept them powerless. ROC-DC is truly by and for workers.

WISH LIST: $100: food for a monthly community event; $500: interpretation for a membership meeting or training; $1000: stipends for leadership development training

The 51st is a worker-led nonprofit news source for DC, producing local journalism through a weekly newsletter meant to make people’s lives better. It was co-founded by six former DCist and WAMU employees after the closure of DCist in February 2024. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, The 51st published hundreds of news stories on local happenings, explainers that demystify local politics, roundups of ways to volunteer and enjoy the city, and features that highlight people and places that make DC tick. The 51st’s Community Connector program centers communities that are frequently marginalized by mainstream media and positions them as active participants in their newsmaking process. With local news shrinking, The 51st ensures that a newsroom, when run by journalists, can truly serve a community’s needs.

WISH LIST: $100: 4 gift cards for completing information needs surveys; $500: one news story explaining a widespread local issue; $1000: one local accountability story

DC has the highest per-capita LGBTQ+ population of any state, with 9.6 percent of the population identifying as LGBTQ+. The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center is a trusted, affirming hub for LGBTQ+ DC community members, supporting, connecting, celebrating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people through health, wellness, safety, basic needs, cultural, and community programs. Services include behavioral health support, case management, and more than 20 peer support groups, alongside harm reduction and sexual health resources. The Center meets basic needs through food and clothing support, showers, laundry, mail services, and lockers, and connects people to trusted referrals and aging programs. Through art events, workshops, and performances, individuals tell their stories and celebrate their community’s vibrant creativity — fostering spaces where LGBTQ+ people feel healthy, safe, and affirmed.

WISH LIST: $100: containers for Meals to Go; $500: screening rights for a film screening; $1000: emergency wellness support (transportation, meals, essentials)

WABA believes in a safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation system so that all neighbors can travel around our region without a personal vehicle. Its bike education programs teach new riders of all ages to ride safely and confidently, while staff work on DC trails year-round to improve conditions and offer assistance. An after-school program and community bike shop train youth to repair bikes, earning them their own bikes and providing affordable used bicycles to others in need. In coalition with others, WABA organizes community members and youth leaders to advocate for safer street design, improved transportation access in neighborhoods, and completion of a regional network of multi-use trails. From inspiring new legislation to introducing people to the joys of bicycling, WABA helps shape our region’s streets into public spaces that welcome everyone.

WISH LIST: $100: bicycle riding lesson for 1 adult; $500: summer Bike Camp for 1 child; $1000: advocacy training for 10 to launch a neighborhood safety improvement campaign

Black women in DC’s Wards 7 and 8 experience higher rates of cancer and later-stage diagnoses. Historic disinvestment has shaped this community’s experience of healthcare, and health and economic mobility are deeply intertwined. In response, BWTEotR works to transform employment and health care outcomes so Black women can live long, healthy lives. It embeds a Black Women’s Cancer Patient Bill of Rights at key clinical sites and hosts community conversations in housing communities, places of worship, and other trusted spaces, normalizing conversations about women’s health to save lives. Its Healthcare Pathways & Possibilities Programs increase exposure to healthcare careers through tuition assistance, career coaching, and expanded networks. BWTEotR then partners with employers to advance equity-centered hiring, retention, and advancement practices that sustain living-wage employment and improve community health. At BWTEotR, health and wealth rise together.

WISH LIST: $100: 4 professional development workshops for a fellow; $500: community health education for 25 women; $1000: provider training to help eliminate medical bias

A long-term movement hub in DC’s Adams Morgan neighborhood, the Festival Center provides the infrastructure needed to nurture people and programs for social change. Nonprofits, grassroots organizers, coalitions, and community members gather at its meeting, event, and coworking spaces, which also houses tenant offices for over 40 nonprofits. Many count on the Center as a fiscal sponsor, receiving financial oversight, coaching, and administrative guidance that enable them to focus on mission-driven work rather than back-office logistics. Staff and community co-create strategy that is reflected in how the space is used, strengthening cross-movement relationships for shared problem-solving. Through Healing Hubs, retreats, and an in-house catering program serving affordable, healthy food, it addresses burnout among community leaders and builds resilience and sustainability. The Festival Center is where justice, faith, and community meet.

WISH LIST: $100: meals & supplies for a community gathering; $500: technology tools & training access; $1000: support for training movement leaders