Tag Archives: Community

Easterns Automotive Group Supports Olney Help in Their Mission to Fight Food Insecurity

Community,

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in uplifting the communities that have supported us for decades. That’s why we were honored to partner with 7News DC for a Helping Hands segment to support Olney Help, a nonprofit that has provided food and financial assistance to local families for more than 50 years.

Recently, 7News’ Kellye Lynn visited Olney Help to see firsthand the dedication of its volunteers, who were busy packing food boxes for families struggling to make ends meet. With rising costs of basic necessities, many of those seeking assistance are doing so for the first time.

“We’re packing non-perishable items for our family clients who are in need of food supplies because they’re short on money, not able to meet their rent or other medical expenses, but are desperately in need of food,” said George Yanisko, a volunteer at Olney Help. “All of this food has arrived because of the community—from churches and scouting groups to individuals—so we don’t have to purchase it.”

Easterns Automotive Group Lends a Helping Hand

Recognizing the tremendous impact Olney Help is making in the community, we wanted to show our support in a meaningful way.

“Because your organization has been making such a tremendous difference since 1969, we wanted to do what we could to assist you,” said Kellye Lynn of 7News. “It’s really a privilege to offer you this check from Easterns Automotive Group in the amount of $1,100.”

Expanding Resources for Families in Need

The need for food assistance has more than doubled in recent years.

“We had 62 families prior to COVID. We are now averaging 128 families per month, so we could use this!” Yanisko shared.

Organizations like Olney Help ensure that families don’t have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. Their work is made possible by volunteers and generous community donations, and we are proud to contribute to their mission.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we are committed to making a difference beyond our dealership doors. If you or someone you know needs assistance, or if you want to support Olney Help, visit their website to learn more.

For more stories on how Easterns is giving back to the community, stay connected with us.

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.

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.

Helping Hands: ZCAF Mobile Woodshop

Community

At Easterns Automotive Group, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that make a positive impact in our community. Recently, we had the pleasure of joining 7News’ Brian van de Graaff on a tour of the Zenith Community Arts Foundation (ZCAF) Mobile Woodshop, a unique program bringing hands-on carpentry skills to D.C. students.

The ZCAF Mobile Woodshop is a 20-foot woodshop on wheels equipped with tools and materials to teach lifelong lessons. It serves students at Ballou STAY High School, other schools, and local events throughout the metropolitan area. The pre-apprenticeship program offers professional skills training to individuals pursuing a career in carpentry. Graduates receive certificates that enhance their competitiveness in union-sponsored apprenticeships or other building trade jobs. This investment in vocational training is crucial as the carpentry workforce faces a significant number of retirements and job vacancies.

“It’s important because, according to the National Association of Homebuilders, 50% of all carpenters are going to be retiring in the next five years. So we’re trying to train a new generation of carpenters,” said Margery Goldberg, founder of ZCAF’s Mobile Woodshop.

ZCAF’s programs focus on enriching hands-on skill development, ensuring that manual skills are preserved in the digital age, especially during a time of acute labor shortages in the building trades.

To support this valuable initiative, Easterns Automotive Group, in collaboration with 7News Helping Hands, presented ZCAF with a $2,200 check. This donation will help ZCAF continue to bring woodworking to more students in the District.

“Joel Bassam at Easterns Automotive Group wanted to make a donation to your foundation so that you can bring woodworking to more students in the District,” said 7News’ Brian van de Graaff.

Margery Goldberg was thrilled to receive the surprise donation, exclaiming, “Oh my goodness, I’m flabbergasted. This is so great!”

We at Easterns Automotive Group are proud to support ZCAF and their efforts to equip the next generation of carpenters with the skills they need for a successful future.

Giving A Lift: City Ranch

Community

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in giving back to our community. That’s why we partnered with Fox 45 News on the “Giving A Lift” initiative, a program dedicated to supporting community groups and non-profits making a difference. One organization we’re proud to support is City Ranch.

City Ranch is a non-profit committed to making horseback riding accessible and affordable for Baltimore’s youth. Through their horsemanship programs, they help children develop self-confidence, responsibility, and pride. Whether through after-school programs, summer camps, Recreation & Parks offerings, or trail rides, City Ranch provides educational and engaging experiences for kids from all walks of life.

Ahesahmahk Dahn, the executive director of City Ranch, shared how the program began. “City Ranch came into existence while I was teaching elementary school in Baltimore City,” Dahn explained. “I taught fifth grade, and when they were getting ready to move to sixth grade, they would have a day off to do things, so I decided let’s do something really different.”

The first horseback riding experience was a hit, inspiring Dahn to expand the program and offer more Baltimore children the chance to ride and learn.

To recognize and support the incredible work of City Ranch, Fox45 surprised them with a $2200 check through our “Giving A Lift” initiative. This contribution will help City Ranch continue its mission of enriching the lives of Baltimore’s youth.

For more information about City Ranch and their impactful programs, visit the City Ranch website. We’re honored to support such a fantastic organization and look forward to seeing the positive impact they continue to make in our community.