Easterns Automotive Group is a family-owned Used Car Dealership that opened in 1988. With the slogan Where Your Job is Your Credit®, Easterns became one of the DMV’s premier Car Dealerships. Easterns has sold over 140,000 used vehicles in its over 30-year history. They operate seven retail locations around DC, Maryland, and Virginia with a 120,000 sqft corporate headquarters and centralized reconditioning facility in Sterling, Virginia. At Easterns, giving back isn’t optional it’s part of their DNA. Easterns makes it their job to give back to the community that has kept them in business for over 30 years. Easterns Automotive Group is proud to be a force for good in our community.
The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) is the nation’s oldest life community for veterans. The Armed Forces Retirement Home was founded in 1851 for veterans offering a vibrant retirement community. The campus provides wellness and life enrichment programs, advanced medical care, a golf course, and much more. The foundation relies on community support so to help further its mission. Easterns Automotive Group wanted to lend a hand by donating $2,000 to the foundation.
ScholarCHIPS is a DC-based non-profit that provides college scholarships, mentoring and a support network for children of incarcerated parents, inspiring them to complete their college education. ScholarCHIPS’ goal is to empower youth with incarcerated parents to graduate college, establish upwardly mobile careers, and contribute to their communities. Easterns Automotive Group was honored to donate $2,000 to this inspiring organization.
Operation Earnie's Plate's mission is to provide food and resources to Washington, DC and Maryland's homeless and food "insecure" communities by partnering with local churches, businesses, social service organizations. OEP provides direct services with weekly mobile food deliveries and family grocery programs.
New Futures propels underserved young people through certifications and community college degrees and into rewarding careers across the Washington, DC region. New Futures believes in the unwavering potential of our region’s young people, and they place their Scholars first in everything they do. They value data, diversity, and the power of human capital. Facing the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, New Futures pivoted to fully virtual programming and established a Scholar Emergency Fund, disbursing more than $150,000.
A Wider Circle is helping families in our local area. Since 2001, its staff members and volunteers have provided vital services to more than 260,000 children and adults. This year, one of the main priorities is helping kids and parents get ready for the school year. The average family will spend $850 on school supplies. With many still struggling during the pandemic, getting all the necessities can be difficult. Easterns Automotive Group was happy to donate $2,000 to this organization to aid in filling more backpacks and help kids have a great academic year.
Legacy Farms in Leesburg, Virginia is growing more than just flowers and vegetables. It's growing a community of inclusion. Established in 2012, the nonprofit set out to offer custom-designed apprenticeships to neurodiverse individuals who perform essential organizational tasks in the garden, in the community, and for organizational management. The young individuals who work at Legacy Farms learn a new skill set and grow more confident. Legacy Farms relies on donations to support its mentorship program. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate $2,000 to this inspiring organization.
It takes a village to raise any family. For LGBTQ+ families, it can be harder to find that village. Rainbow Families educates, connects, and supports LGBTQ+ families and parents-to-be. The nonprofit was founded in the 1980s and touches over 10,000 family members each month through social and educational programs. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate $2,000 to this exceptional organization.
Addiction affects many people from different walks of life. The hospitality industry has been especially hard hit by this issue. 1 in 5 restaurant workers experiences substance abuse. But help is out there. Ben's Friends was created in 2016 as a safe haven for people in the industry suffering from addiction. It's a community of sober chefs, line cooks, servers, bartenders, hosts, managers, and more who are committed to helping others find the path forward. Easterns Automotive Group was happy to donate to this group to help those get the help they need.
Everyone deserves a second chance. Not everyone is fortunate enough to receive one. This is especially true for formerly incarcerated women. Perfect, Inc. is a local nonprofit specializing in helping these women find jobs and rebuild relationships with family members. "Most programs are geared towards men...However, women need programs that deal with the emotional, psychological, and physical portion of being incarcerated," says Alyson McNair, Founder & President of the organization. Easterns Automotive Group was honored to donate $2,000 to help with job training and other costs.
Mental health has been a struggle for everyone recently. Teenagers are no exception. Virtual learning and isolation have put a new kind of pressure on students. Luckily the organization Our Minds Matter is helping teens get the help and coping skills they need during the pandemic. The Foundation’s goals are to equip teens with mental health education, resources, and support. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate $2,000 to this cause.
We've all had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit Just 1 Inc. has not been an exception to this rule. The organization was originally founded to provide aid globally to underserved children. Since traveling has been heavily restricted during the pandemic, Just 1 Inc shifted its focus locally. With headquarters in Bethesda, the nonprofit began delivering food and clothing to seniors who couldn't leave their homes and to shelters. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate $2,000 to the organization to help more people get the supplies they desperately need in these times.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Easterns Automotive Group is doing its part to help the cause. Easterns donated to Step Sisters, an organization that strives to improve the quality of life of those affected by breast cancer. "We fund things like house cleaning, food delivery, transportation to and from treatment," says Angela Fuentes, founder of the group. "If we can alleviate a little of the stress these women are going through, then we've done our job."
With an increased number of students preparing for distance learning, internet access is more important now than ever. Britepaths is an organization based in Fairfax, VA seeking to give students the tools they need to excel at school. 13,000 households in the Virginia county lack internet access. With help from the community, that number can be greatly reduced. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate $2000 to the organization. More Fairfax students will be on their way to a successful school year.
Communities need help now more than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how many people do normal, everyday things. A trip to the grocery store used to seem run of the mill but has larger implications for the eldery and immunocompromised. Akshath Mahajan and Maneesh Vallurupalli started Project Support Initiative for this very reason. This group deploys volunteers to gather supplies for those who can't. Akshath and Maneesh initially started in their neighborhood but began helping others in Northern Virginia. Now Project Support Initiative has 19 chapters across the US and two worldwide. Although the group doesn't request monetary donations, volunteers are in need of PPE to help wipe down the groceries and keep themselves safe. Easterns Automotive Group was honored to provide 1000 units of PPE to Project Support so they can continue doing this valuable work.
Breast cancer touches so many lives. Carolyn Cole-Rodenburg is an 18-year breast cancer survivor. Her experience with the physical and emotional toll of breast cancer inspired her to create an organization to lend support. The IIIB's Foundation provides immense care along with baskets to patients filled with helpful items. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate 15 baskets to women on this journey and help ease their recovery.
Giving back means more now than ever. Healthcare and frontline workers are risking their lives to fight the spread of COVID-19. Nurses Natalie Crawford and Lauren Bickel founded #WECARE in an effort to support their colleagues. The movement distributes food from local businesses to workers in need. Easterns Automotive Group is proud to donate to this campaign and support these workers keeping us safe.
Helping people of all abilities is imperative to Easterns Automotive Group. The company was thrilled to donate recently to Easterseals. This nonprofit gives comprehensive care to more than 1.4 million people of all ages nationwide. From a child development program to senior care, Easterseals is committed to making sure people of all abilities feel are given the chance to shine.
Washington, DC has a storied history. Photographer and filmmaker Don Baker has captured hundreds of moments over the years. He's compiling his work into a documentary called "The Trappe." The work commemorates the Foxtrappe; the famous private club that became a DC staple after the 1968 riots. Making a film is no small financial feat. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate to Baker to insure this story of DC's history gets told.
Year after year Habitat for Humanity of DC builds safe places for people to live. Currently, the team is building a multi-unit home on 28th Place in the southeastern quadrant of DC. This is a huge undertaking for the volunteers and will change the lives of 14 different families. To get the job done right, help is needed from the community. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate items from the Habitat's wish list and gift cards to make sure these 14 families all get the housewarming they deserve.
In Fairfax County, Virginia, there are 60,000 people who are food insecure. The food bank Food for Others has been collecting goods for the community since 1995. The holidays can especially be a tough time of year for those in need. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate to the organization in time for Thanksgiving 2019.
Horseback riding is thought of as a hobby only a few lucky people get to do. But there are tremendous benefits to the sport. LiftMeUp! is a therapeutic horseback riding inclusion program dedicated to teaching children and adults of varying abilities. Lessons are adapted to each rider's cognitive and physical needs. The strong bond between the rider and the horse is essential to boosting self-confidence. The riders build their strength physically and emotionally. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate to this organization in October 2019.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many people are affected by this disease and it can take a toll physically and emotionally. While Sonya Keshwani was recovering from her chemotherapy treatments, she started designing headwraps. She had no interest in wearing hot, uncomfortable wigs to cover up her hair loss from the treatment. Other women fighting the disease started wearing them as well and Sonya's hobby turned into the business StyleEsteem Wardrobe. Joel Bassam, Director of Marketing at Easterns Automotive Group, has had family members fight breast cancer and was proud to donate to this worthy cause.
Cancer affects more than the just person it afflicts. Family members often feel as though they're fighting the disease as well. When parents have been diagnosed with the disease, it takes a tremendous toll on the children. At Camp Kesem kids are given a chance to just be kids. They are surrounded by peers going through the same hardship, and together they're able to focus on typical camp activities and have fun. Easterns Automotive Group donated to this great charity in August 2019.
Second Chance Wildlife of Gaithersburg has been rehabilitating injured wild animals since 1986. The animals are given essential care so they can be returned to their natural surroundings. The organization also strives to educate on how to coexist with wildlife and not disrupt their habitat. This amount of care and outreach requires a highly trained, dedicated staff. Easterns Automotive Group was proud to donate to this organization in May 2019.
Homelessness is a nationwide problem that's very prevalent in Maryland. Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services serves the homeless community and low-income families in Howard, Anne Arundel, and Prince George's counties. LARS has been providing access to food pantries, short-term financial assistance, and vouchers for medical aid and clothing for 32 years. The group will be able to help more families thanks to Easterns Automotive Group's donation.
Excelling at any sport takes discipline. Metropolitan Tennis & Education Group has found that by teaching diverse youths how to play tennis, they have more success in school. Nicole Hammond was awarded a full athletic scholarship to the University of Michigan. She honed her skills at MTEG and is on the path to a first-rate education. Easterns Automotive Group proudly donated to this organization and looks forward to seeing more young adults thrive.
Buck Lodge Middle School in Adelphi, MD is certified green. The students have been growing produce in the school's greenhouse since last year. "The children see that fruits and vegetables can taste delicious, especially if they've grown them from scratch," says Deborah Branch, Buck Lodge science teacher. "At the end, they actually have some food that they and their family can eat." Easterns Automotive fully supports the mission to get kids on a healthy path.
The Congressional Award Foundation is the United States Congress's official charity established in 1979. This organization strives to empower youths to achieve academic and civic goals. For various hours of volunteerism, the foundation awards different levels of achievement. This instills the importance of volunteering in youths and lets them find their passion in the community.
Passion for Learning is an organization that helps students in low-income communities develop the skills they need for a technology-rich society. Through the program GRRL Tech (Girls Really, Really, Love Technology) young women learn such marketable skills as coding, and developing websites and video games in after school workshops. Easterns Automotive Group is proud to present this organization with $1500 to aid in the empowerment of our future tech leaders.
Mobile Hope of Loudoun is an organization that strives to improve the lives of homeless youths in the county. It began in 2011 when Donna Fortier was running the Mobile Health program of Inova Loudoun Hospital in the area and noticed the issue of displaced youths. Fortier ended up leaving the hospital to found Mobile Hope in 2014. Its mission is to improve the lives of young adults age 24 and younger who are disadvantaged, precariously housed, or homeless in Loudoun County. Mobile Hope conducts up to 60 events each year to provide food, clothing, and hygiene items to more than 2,400 youths. Easterns Automotive Group has been a fixture in Loudoun County for years and is proud to help this inspiring organization with a $2,000 donation.
The Latin American Youth Center strives to empower and educate a diverse population in D.C. The Stripes Program at the center ensures that all LGBTQ teens are welcome and have a safe space to express themselves. Part of that expression includes media advocacy training that focuses on LGBTQ issues. The teens are taught to use radio broadcasting to tell their powerful stories, and how to digitally distribute the content. By finding their voices at the youth center, the teens learn to become powerful future leaders, and that they matter. Easterns Automotive Group is proud to help this organization by donating $2000.
Popular Spring Animal Sanctuary is a 400-acre non-profit refuge in Poolesville, MD that rehabilitates neglected and abused farm animals. It's also a protected habitat for wildlife. The organization strives to educate the public on farming and wildlife issues. With the help of volunteer workers and generous donations from the community, Popular Spring has been able to build new barns and fences to house its growing animal family. Easterns Automotive Group is proud to donate $2500 that will to towards supplying hay, food, and other supplies to help these animals thrive.
City Dogs Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that has saved cats and dogs from high-kill shelters since 2011. Sadly many of the animals are just days if not hours away from being euthanized for no reason other than lack of space at the shelters. City Dogs Rescue strives to find forever homes for these loving pets. The non-profit relies on help from volunteers and generous donations to provide the animals what they need until they're adopted. Easterns Automotive Group is proud to give City Dogs Rescue $2500 to help more cats and dogs find the caring families they deserve.
Many LGBTQ youths face isolation or bullying from their peers. It's imperative that they have a safe space where they feel empowered. SMYAL (Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League) is an organization based in D.C. that has created leadership development opportunities, after-school programs, and counseling services to help these teens prosper. They also offer a coveted scholarship to graduating high school students that can be used at their discretion (for books, housing, etc). Easterns Automotive Group is proud to donate $2500 to this inspiring organization.
5000 animals make their way through the two locations of Humane Rescue Alliance every year. The organization protects animals and supports people through the adoption process. Housing these animals is no small feat and requires many resources. Easterns Automotive is a proud supporter and has donated $2500 to the organization.
Approximately 8 million children worldwide live in orphanages. By 2040, The Miracle Foundation is hoping that number will be nonexistent. The non-profit organization strives to place orphans back with members of their birth family, or to keep them safe, healthy, educated and loved until a suitable permanent family is found. The Miracle Foundation relies on help from governments, other non-profits, and donors to keep these children happy and nourished. Easterns Automotive Group proudly donated $2500. With this gift, the non-profit is closer to meeting its ultimate goal.
