Reflecting on Good News and the Expansion of Good Work

In a year marked by economic challenges and deepening inequalities, Arlington County’s RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community Grant program is helping to strengthen the jurisdiction’s landscape of local support services. Earlier this year, the program awarded $2.4 million to 22 nonprofits focused on addressing community needs. Among those recipients were two NVHF grantees, Arlington Free Clinic (AFC) and Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS). RACE, which stands for Realizing Arlington’s Commitment to Equity, is part of Arlington County's Equity Resolution, adopted by the County Board in 2019, to close race-based outcome gaps.

“We are pleased to see Arlington County’s continued commitment to racial and social equity through this grant program, and that additional support is going to some of our grantees fighting to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in our region,” says Courtney Rice, President and CEO of the Northern Virginia Health Foundation. “As in much of Northern Virginia, there is an uneven opportunity landscape in Arlington County, and this grant is vital for advancing health equity and strengthening the support systems that families and county residents rely on.”

Recently, the grant program reopened for new applications. We checked in with leaders at these two organizations to learn how the program supports them in making an impact on those they serve. 

Arlington Free Clinic 

The Arlington Free Clinic provides comprehensive medical care to Arlington residents who are uninsured or have low incomes. For many, the clinic is a “one-stop shop,” serving as a vital lifeline in the county by making all of its services available at one clinic, preventing patients from having to go to multiple places for their care. 

“We know that some of our neighbors lack access to health insurance and may delay seeking health care until their needs become critical, which often impacts their ability to work and support their households,” says AFC President and CEO Lesley Daigle. “With the RACE grant as part of our funding stream, we’re able to expand our reach, offering health care and also critical connections to community partners to assist with food, housing and other challenges.” 

Northern Virginia Family Service 

For Northern Virginia Family Service, the award will support its Healthy Families program, which provides home-visitation, tools, guidance and support to new and expectant parents. The program currently offers culturally responsive and trauma-informed services to an average of 120 families each year. 

“Thanks in large part to this grant, we can continue to ensure that all families have the support they need to help their children grow up safe and able to thrive,” says Meredith McKeen, MSSW, Vice President of Programs at NVFS.

We congratulate the Northern Virginia Family Service and the Arlington Free Clinic for this recognition of their value to their communities, and we look forward to seeing how their work continues to grow. 

The FY 2026 cycle of the RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community Grant is now open. Applications are due Friday, December 13, 2024. For more information, visit: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Topics/Equity/Equity-Based-Grant