Britepath's goal remains unchanged: help clients overcome financial crises – first stabilizing them (providing food and financial assistance) and then encouraging them to enter financial literacy and workforce development programs. Since COVID-19, the demand for food and financial assistance has tripled. The food pantry has transitioned to a grocery gift card program (gift cards can be mailed) and the financial assistance program continues to provide help with rent, utilities, car repair, and pharmaceutical needs. The Financial Empowerment Center's online appointment system connects clients with a financial coach via computer or phone and now includes classes like the popular Coping Financially During COVID-19: Tips, Tools & Strategies. Workforce development services, including one-on-one job coaching, professional network mentoring, and job training – designed to help clients on the path to self-sufficiency – are all conducted virtually ... until the world rights itself.
Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County
Where They Operate: VA-Fairfax County; VA-City of Fairfax; VA-City of Falls Church
Age Groups Served: All
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members
- Number of hours of volunteer work we record annually:
8,100 - Number of volunteers who work with us annually:
2,800 - Clients receiving financial mentoring, counseling or budget classes annually:
670 - Students receiving school supply assistance annually:
2,500
Awards & Recognition
Non-Profit of the Year, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce's Greater Washington Good Business Awards, June 2019
Best Charity in Northern Virginia, Virginia Living Magazine, June 2015
Human Rights Award, Fairfax County Commission on Human Rights' 32nd Annual Human Rights Award Ceremony, April 2010
Honorable Mention for Heritage Award, City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority, May 2009
Press
- Our Families Need Internet Access Now
Fri Sep 4 2020, Fairfax Connection
Article informs community members about Britepaths' Back to School Digital Access campaign to help families get internet access.
- Breaking the digital divide with Britepaths
Mon Aug 31 2020, Great Day Washington, WUSA9
Exec. Dir. Lisa Whetzel spoke about our Digital Access campaign and received a surprise $2,000 grant from Easterns Automotive Group
- Nonprofit Seeks Donations For Justice High Pyramid
Wed Jul 29 2020, Falls Church News-Press
Article informing community members about Britepaths' Back to School supplies campaign.
- Combating Unemployment Through Workforce Development
Wed Jul 8 2020, United Way NCA The Way Forward Podcast
Britepaths' Sally Meyer, Workforce Development Manager at the FEC of South County, discusses options for displaced workers during COVID-19.
- What You Can Do If You're Laid Off From Your Job in the DMV
Mon May 11 2020, United Way NCA The Way Forward Podcast
Britepaths' Maria Jose Cantoni, Director of the FEC at South County discusses resources for those unemployed or underemployed due to COVID.
Budget (FY2015)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- The current budget for Britepaths is: $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
About the Catalogue for Philanthropy
Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.
The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!