Pay It Forward: Building Bridges Foundation

Community,

At Easterns Automotive Group, community is at the heart of everything we do. Through our ongoing partnership with WTTG Fox 5’s Pay It Forward segment, we have the incredible privilege of shining a light on local organizations making a lasting impact. This month, we had the honor of recognizing Building Bridges Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit serving female trauma survivors.

Founded in 2008 by Marsha Woodland, Building Bridges Foundation was born out of her own experience as a survivor of domestic violence. After facing unimaginable challenges and struggling to find support, Marsha made a commitment: no survivor should have to navigate the road to safety alone. She built Building Bridges to offer trauma-informed services tailored to the unique and complex needs of women who have experienced domestic, community, or interpersonal violence.

Through their programs, Building Bridges Foundation provides not only resources, but also a sense of community and understanding, ensuring that survivors feel seen, heard, and supported by people who truly understand their journeys.

Marsha and her team are also working to break the cycle of violence before it begins by educating youth about teen dating violence. Through their youth programs, they equip young people with the tools to recognize red flags and warning signs early in relationships. By teaching teens about healthy relationships, they’re empowering the next generation to make safe, informed decisions and understand where to turn for help.

Parents also play a critical role in prevention. Marsha encourages families to pay attention to behavioral shifts in their children — such as losing interest in activities they once loved — as potential signs of isolation or unhealthy relationship dynamics.

Marsha and her team are also working to break the cycle of violence before it begins by educating youth about teen dating violence. Through their youth programs, they equip young people with the tools to recognize red flags and warning signs early in relationships. By teaching teens about healthy relationships, they’re empowering the next generation to make safe, informed decisions and understand where to turn for help

Parents also play a critical role in prevention. Marsha encourages families to pay attention to behavioral shifts in their children — such as losing interest in activities they once loved — as potential signs of isolation or unhealthy relationship dynamics.

At Easterns, we believe in investing in organizations that uplift and empower — and Building Bridges Foundation embodies exactly that. We are proud to stand with them as they continue to create a brighter, safer future for women and youth across the DMV.


Helping Hands: The Sitar Arts Center

Community,

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in giving back to the communities that support us. That’s why we were honored to donate $1,100 to Sitar Arts Center, a nonprofit in Northwest D.C. dedicated to making performing and visual arts accessible to all children, regardless of their cultural or economic background.

Recently, 7News‘ Kelly Lynn visited Sitar Arts Center to learn more about how this incredible organization has been enriching the lives of young people for 25 years. From painting and graphic design to music and theater, Sitar provides a safe space for students to learn, express themselves, and build confidence—all under one roof.

Breaking Barriers to Art Education

For many families, financial constraints can make access to the arts difficult. That’s why Sitar Arts Center ensures that 80 percent of its students come from households below the median income. The center’s mission is simple: no child should be denied the opportunity to explore their creativity because of financial limitations.

“The Sitar Arts Center is a creative community of belonging for youth in D.C.,” explains Maureen Dwyer, Executive Director of Sitar Arts Center. “When they walk in our doors, they have all the arts under one roof… it’s a safe place of learning.”

Easterns Gives a Helping Hand

At Easterns, we understand that investing in the arts means investing in the future of our youth. That’s why we’re thrilled to contribute to Sitar’s mission.

“You’re making such a difference in the community,” said Kelly Lynn of 7News during her visit. “We thought it would be a great idea to give you and your organization a ‘helping hand.’ Today, it’s my privilege to give you this check in the amount of $1,100 from Easterns Automotive Group.”

Expanding Opportunities for Young Artists

As Sitar Arts Center celebrates its 25th anniversary, it is preparing for a major expansion—adding 50 percent more space in an adjacent building. This new creative hub will feature:

  • A recording studio
  • Additional art studios
  • A video production area
  • More career training programs

“We’re going to be able to do even more creative career training there,” says Dwyer. “It’s really going to help our kids grow into young adults and stay in the arts.”

At Easterns Automotive Group, we are proud to support organizations that make a difference. We look forward to seeing how Sitar Arts Center continues to inspire and uplift young artists in D.C. for years to come.

To learn more about Sitar Arts Center, visit sitarartscenter.org.

Helping Hands: The Eastern Ridge School

Community,

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in supporting our community and investing in the next generation. That’s why we teamed up with 7News Helping Hands to surprise The Eastern Ridge School in Great Falls, Virginia, with a special donation.

A Unique Approach to Education

The Eastern Ridge School takes a nature-based approach to learning, giving children the opportunity to explore, create, and grow in an outdoor environment. Even when the snow falls, this school remains open, allowing students to embrace the weather by sledding and building snowmen together.

As Director Julie Liddle explains, their philosophy is simple:

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”

Rather than relying on traditional manufactured toys, Eastern Ridge encourages students to play with natural elements like wooden planks and tires—materials that foster creativity, problem-solving, and physical strength. This hands-on approach allows children to develop coordination, teamwork, and an appreciation for the natural world around them.

The Helping Hands Surprise

7News’ Kellye Lynn recently visited The Eastern Ridge School to learn more about this incredible learning environment. During the visit, she had a special surprise in store—a Helping Hands donation of $1,100 from Easterns Automotive Group!

“It’s so impressive to us that we want to support your mission here and share what you’re doing with our viewers, as well as offer you a little bit of financial help,” said Lynn as she presented the check.

Director Julie Liddle was beyond grateful, sharing that the donation will help rebuild their art barn, making it more accessible to children. It will also allow the school to offer workshops for public school teachers, spreading their unique educational philosophy to even more students.

Investing in the Future

At Easterns Automotive Group, we’re honored to support organizations that are making a real difference. The Eastern Ridge School is shaping young minds in an innovative way, and we’re excited to be a part of their journey.

To learn more about this incredible school and their mission, visit The Eastern Ridge School website.

Stay tuned for more stories of community impact as we continue to give back through Helping Hands!

Helping Hands: It Takes a Village

Community,

As the new year inspires many to focus on self-improvement, one local nonprofit is taking the lead in empowering women throughout the DMV to prioritize holistic health. It Takes a Village Collaborative is making a meaningful impact by fostering community conversations and raising awareness about wellness.

7News’ Joy Wang recently interviewed the leaders of this inspiring organization to learn more about their mission and the stories behind their work.

“[My sister and I] co-founded the organization in 2019. I’m younger than her, and we were both going through life transitions, and it was centered around our health without us knowing,” shared co-founder Shoareged Phillpotts. “We were both like, ‘We need to do something about this.’ We wanted to do something for our community because we have colleagues who are struggling and friends who are going through the same thing.”

It Takes a Village Collaborative is dedicated to promoting wellness habits, particularly among historically underrepresented groups in the DMV. Through retreats, wellness circles, and community cohorts, the organization provides safe spaces and resources to help individuals navigate their mental, physical, and emotional health.

“It is very important for us to focus on our mind, body, and spirit in a holistic way as individuals in this community, where we have a lot of trauma, stress, lack of community, and lack of communication,” said Sydni Turner, the organization’s board chair.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in supporting organizations that uplift and strengthen our community. When we learned about the impactful work of It Takes a Village Collaborative, we wanted to show our support by making a $1,100 donation to their cause.

“This is the perfect start to our year,” said Phillpotts. “We have a goal to transition and fully lean into this work, so this is a great kickstart for us and just motivating to know that the work we’re doing is important, and that we have to keep doing it.”

At Easterns, we’re proud to contribute to the important work being done by It Takes a Village Collaborative. Their commitment to fostering holistic health and supporting underserved communities aligns with our belief in creating a better future for everyone.

We look forward to seeing how their efforts continue to transform lives across the DMV. If you’re inspired by their mission, we encourage you to learn more about how you can support their work or get involved in your community. Together, we can all make a difference.

Here’s to a healthier, stronger, and more connected DMV in 2025!

Helping Hands: Nueva Vida

Community, Uncategorized

At Easterns Automotive Group, giving back to our community is a core part of who we are. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we were inspired by the incredible work of Nueva Vida, a local non-profit dedicated to empowering Latinas affected by cancer in the Washington, D.C., area.

Founded 25 years ago, Nueva Vida is rooted in compassion. As Executive Director Astrid Jimenez explains, the organization was started by breast cancer survivors who recognized how challenging the journey can be, especially for those who face additional barriers like language, lack of insurance, or limited support systems. Their mission is clear: to inform, support, and empower, ensuring that no one is denied access to critical cancer care due to physical, financial, or structural obstacles.

In honor of their impactful work, we teamed up with 7News to offer a Helping Hand to Nueva Vida. Victoria Sanchez of 7News joined us to surprise the organization with a $2,200 donation in unrestricted funds to support their lifesaving initiatives.

“I’m speechless,” Jimenez said upon receiving the donation. “This was totally unexpected, and I do have a message to all women during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Do not delay going to the doctor. Do not delay getting your mammogram. Check yourself out and know your body because cancer is an equal opportunity offender.”

We are humbled by Nueva Vida’s dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring that cancer care is accessible to everyone. Their work serves as a reminder of the power of community and compassion in creating new opportunities and, quite literally, new lives.

To learn more about Nueva Vida and find ways to get involved, click here. Together, we can make a difference.

Giving A Lift: The Marching Elite

Community, Uncategorized

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in giving back to the communities that support us, and we are always on the lookout for inspiring organizations making a difference in the lives of young people. One such group is The Marching Elite, a non-profit based in Baltimore, dedicated to empowering youth through instrumental music and dance.

Led by Executive Director Dennis Lee, The Marching Elite was founded with a powerful mission: to provide students with the opportunity to engage with the arts and use it as a pathway to higher education. Dennis was inspired to create this program after recognizing how the marching arts could bridge the gap in Baltimore’s school system, offering students more artistic outlets while preparing them for college.

“There are plenty of youth here in Baltimore that would like those opportunities,” Dennis shared, underscoring the importance of connecting students with future opportunities they might not otherwise have.

For young people like Kamari, a drummer who has been with The Marching Elite for four years, the group has been life-changing. Kamari was first introduced to the marching arts when The Marching Elite visited his school, and from there, his passion for drumming took off. Another member, Kiki, reflected on the value the program brings: “It teaches me leadership. It taught me things I haven’t learned before.”

Despite recently losing almost half of their participants, The Marching Elite remains resilient and has successfully relocated, continuing to offer competitive performance opportunities to a variety of age groups.

At Easterns, we were so moved by the work of The Marching Elite that we decided to surprise them with a donation, recognizing their incredible impact on the Baltimore community. We are honored to support an organization that fosters leadership, creativity, and discipline in local youth while providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed.

We look forward to seeing The Marching Elite continue to thrive, and we are proud to play a part in their journey.

Giving a Lift: Charm City Trykers

Community

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe every child deserves the joy of riding a bike, regardless of any challenges they may face. That’s why we’re thrilled to support Charm City Trykers, a Baltimore-based organization that is making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities through customized bicycles.

In a recent segment on Fox45 Morning News, Alex Parra-Mann, President of Charm City Trykers, shared how their work brings confidence and smiles to children who need it most. We were honored to present them with a $2,200 donation, supporting their mission to empower young riders in our community.

Catch the full interview with Fox45 to learn more about this inspiring organization, and tune in every weekday from 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for more stories like this on Fox45 Morning News.

Pay It Forward: We Are Artistic

Community
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMg3ZCij7_M

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in making a difference, and through our partnership with FOX 5 Washington DC’s Pay It Forward initiative, we have the opportunity to spotlight amazing organizations doing impactful work in our community. Recently, we had the pleasure of meeting Edie Young, the inspiring founder of We Are Artistic.

We Are Artistic is a vibrant community dedicated to supporting artists, art enthusiasts, and individuals who believe in the power of art to uplift others. Founded by Edie Young in 2019, the organization partners with Cards for Hospitalized Kids, hosting card-making events that spread joy to children in hospitals. Edie, now preparing for her senior year of high school, has built a nurturing space where art is not only appreciated but used to bring positivity to those who need it most.

Edie’s passion for both traditional and digital art fuels her creativity, allowing her to experiment and share her love for artistic expression. Supported by dedicated friends and teachers from her school, Edie leads a movement that extends beyond just making art—it’s about making a difference. However, the organization faces challenges in keeping up with the demand for art supplies, often running out of materials during their events due to limited donations.

During her visit to the FOX 5 studio, Edie was surprised with a $2,200 donation as part of the Pay It Forward program. Her joy was undeniable as she enthusiastically exclaimed that the funds would be put to great use, particularly for their upcoming card-making event at Mount Pleasant’s Art All Night. This event invites the community to join in and help create cards that will brighten the lives of hospitalized children.

Easterns Automotive Group is proud to support Edie and her organization as they continue to harness the power of art to spread kindness. We encourage everyone to get involved and attend the Art All Night event to experience firsthand the impact that creativity and compassion can have.

Stay tuned for more stories of local heroes as we continue to Pay It Forward, one act of kindness at a time!

Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments!4o

Pay It Forward: Mother of Light Center

Community
https://youtu.be/OJfYbsp39eU?si=2Rir3SevG_Egaqax

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in giving back to our community and supporting organizations that make a real difference. Recently, we had the pleasure of partnering with Fox 5’s Maureen Umeh to visit Mother Of Light, a remarkable non-profit founded in 2019 in Alexandria, Virginia.

Mother Of Light is dedicated to providing food, supplies, and love to those in need in the Alexandria area. Founder Matilde Alvarado shared their mission with us, emphasizing the importance of serving food, family, and faith to their neighbors. They assemble packages to deliver directly to people’s doors, provide clothing, and find ways to best meet the needs of their community. Beyond these essentials, they offer a safe space and strive to build a strong, supportive community.

One of their standout programs is Shine and Read, which provides children with books and bean bags to create a comfortable and encouraging reading environment. This initiative fosters a love for reading and supports the educational development of young minds in the community.

In partnership with Channel 5, we were thrilled to surprise Mother Of Light with a $2,200 donation to support their Shine and Read program. Matilde was not expecting it at all, thinking they were only going to be part of a news spotlight. Her reaction was heartwarming and reinforced the impact of their work.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we are proud to support Mother Of Light and their incredible efforts to serve the Alexandria community. Together, we can help them continue to spread love, support, and opportunities for growth.

For more information about Mother Of Light and how you can help, visit their website. Join us in supporting this amazing organization and making a difference in our community.

The Estimated Total Cost to Own a Lincoln MKZ

Different Vehicle Makes

Owning a Lincoln MKZ offers luxury, performance and comfort. However, like any vehicle, it’s important to be aware of the total cost of ownership, which includes various expenses beyond the initial purchase price.

Opting for a pre-owned Lincoln MKZ from Easterns Automotive can provide more savings without sacrificing quality and reliability. Easterns Automotive offers a rigorous inspection process and certified pre-owned options so that you get a vehicle that meets strict performance and safety standards.

Initial Purchase Price of the Lincoln MKZ

The initial cost of a Lincoln MKZ can vary significantly based on whether you opt for a new or pre-owned model. New Lincoln MKZ models come equipped with the latest features and technologies, providing peace of mind with warranties and lower initial maintenance costs.

However, new vehicles depreciate quickly. Pre-owned MKZ models, especially recent model years with relatively low mileage, can offer substantial savings and many of the same cutting-edge technologies and features as new models. These vehicles have already absorbed the most significant depreciation, making them more affordable upfront while still providing luxury and performance.

Depreciation

The Lincoln MKZ, like most luxury cars, experiences rapid depreciation in the first few years. However, purchasing a pre-owned MKZ allows buyers to avoid this and have a vehicle that retains its value. Because of this, a pre-owned Lincoln MKZ is more cost-efficient than buying new.

Insurance Costs

Insurance is a critical aspect of vehicle ownership. The premiums for a Lincoln MKZ can vary based on several factors, including the driver’s profile (age, driving history, location) and the vehicle’s age and condition. Generally, newer vehicles might have higher insurance premiums due to their greater value and the cost of repairing advanced technologies.

However, the MKZ’s numerous safety features, such as advanced driver assistance systems, can help reduce insurance costs. Pre-owned MKZ models generally come with lower insurance premiums because they have a lower market value compared to new ones. This lower value translates to lower replacement costs for insurers, resulting in reduced premiums.

Fuel Costs of the Lincoln MKZ

Fuel expenses are a significant consideration for any vehicle. The Lincoln MKZ is known for its fuel-efficient engines, which help keep fuel costs manageable.

To estimate the annual fuel cost, you need to consider your average mileage as well as current fuel costs:

  • Average Fuel Efficiency: The MKZ’s average fuel efficiency is around 24 miles per gallon combined for standard gasoline models.
  • Annual Mileage: Assuming an average annual mileage of 12,000 miles.
  • Current Gas Price: With the current average gas price of $3.50 per gallon.
  • Estimated Annual Fuel Cost: The estimated annual fuel cost would be approximately $1,750.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

For a Lincoln MKZ, annual maintenance and repair costs are typically around $8,378 during the first 10 years, or about $840 annually. As the vehicle ages, repair costs might increase. Newer models generally have lower maintenance costs initially, thanks to manufacturer warranties and the use of new parts, but advanced technology can become expensive to repair and replace after warranties expire.

Well-maintained pre-owned MKZs, especially those that are certified pre-owned, can offer reliable performance with a lower risk of high-cost repairs.

Financing Your Lincoln MKZ at Easterns Automotive

Financing your Lincoln MKZ at Easterns Automotive is a seamless and stress-free experience. With our flexible financing options, we cater to a wide range of credit profiles, ensuring you can find a financing solution that fits your situation.

We’re the pre-owned auto dealership “Where Your Job Is Your Credit”, ensuring that your financial history does not stand in the way of owning a luxury vehicle.

Looking for a Pre-Owned Lincoln MKZ? Easterns Automotive Is the Dealership For You!

If you’re considering purchasing a pre-owned Lincoln MKZ, Easterns Automotive in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. has you covered.

With a wide selection of high-quality pre-owned vehicles and flexible financing options, we make it easy to drive away in the car of your dreams. Start by visiting our online inventory or giving us a call at (240) 200-5256.