Great Non-Profits Making a Difference in Arlington

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With school vacation approaching next week, what better time is there to give back to the Arlington community? Earlier this week we asked you to share your favorite non-profit organizations and you responded with a wide variety of fantastic groups that are dedicated to making a difference to those living both in Arlington and around the world. 

Here are five non-profit organizations Patch readers love. 

• Arlington Children’s Theatre: Budding young actors and actresses have a place to explore their theatrical talents thanks to this non-profit, which is dedicated to providing local children the opportunity to take the stage, and local families the chance to enjoy quality productions close to home. Children ages 4-18 are invited to participate in this group’s performances; upcoming productions include The Wizard of Oz March 3-6.  
• Arlington Education Foundation: This foundation, created when the Arlington Schools Foundation and the Arlington Educational Enrichment Fund merged, is committed to supporting the public school system in Arlington. The organization hosts an annual Trivia Bee each spring, coming up on April 10 this year, and provides grants for teachers to help support classroom initiatives.  
• Arlington-Teosinte Sister City Project: Teosinte, El Salvador was named one of Arlington’s official sister cities in September of 1988, and this volunteer-based non-profit is dedicated to nurturing the relationship between the two communities. The main goals of the partnership are to foster communication and connections between these two cities, raise funds to support development in Teosinte and the surrounding area, a profitable sewing cooperative for the women of Teosinte and education and political advocacy about the situation in El Salvador.  
• Housing Corporation of Arlington: In an effort to promote social and economic diversity, this non-profit organization is committed to providing affordable housing for low-income families. One of the group’s main goals is to ensure that affordable housing mixes well with the surrounding neighborhood. The organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.  
• The Friends of Spy Pond Park: Spy Pond provides recreational opportunities to Arlington residents of all ages, and this non-profit is committed to preserving and enhancing this vital natural and community resource. The group’s work includes protecting and beautifying the park, preserving open space and wildlife within the park’s boundaries and reducing and removing pollution and litter.