A Vienna nonprofit organization spreading love through education and service in our Northern Virginia community
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide compassionate mentorship to underserved children and youth in our community, sharing God’s love and fostering personal growth, academic achievement and a sense of belonging.
Our Vision
A loving and inclusive community where all belong and have equal opportunities for social, spiritual, educational, and economic success.
Our Programs and Services
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Belong! News & Events
January 2025
Exceeding Our Matching Challenge Goal: Thank You!
We’ve surpassed our Matching Challenge Goal thanks to your incredible generosity! This milestone reflects the strength of our community and our shared belief in empowering underserved children and youth. Your support enables us to nurture academic achievement, personal growth, and a sense of belonging.
Together, we’re making a lasting impact. Every child has the opportunity to thrive, and it's all thanks to you. We appreciate your vital role in this success!
January 2024
Expanding Horizons: A New Mentoring Site at George C. Marshall High School!
Exciting news! We're happy to launch a new mentoring site at George C. Marshall High School, reaching out to children from Freedom Hill Elementary School. This addition, fueled by your support, showcases the powerful impact on our community's growth. Join us in creating pathways for success for our youth. Your ongoing support is our catalyst for success!
March 2024
Two Days of Enrichment at Belong
During spring break, Belong arranged two days of enriching activities for our mentees. Activities included exploring Lincoln's Cottage and the Lincoln Memorial, with a scavenger hunt and historical learning, followed by a specialized reading session for students needing extra support. These experiences reflect Belong's dedication to holistic learning beyond the classroom, aiming to shape brighter futures for students. Thanks to staff and volunteers for organizing these activities!
December 2023
Exciting Partnership to Unveiled in 2024
Belong is thrilled to announce new partnerships! Starting in January, our Tuesday and Thursday afternoon mentoring program will now be hosted at Vienna Baptist Church (VBC), strategically located to better serve local children in need.
February 2024
Belong and Social4Good Unite. An Unforgettable Evening of Connection and Gratitude
Belong extends heartfelt thanks to Social4Good (S4G) for hosting a memorable evening bringing together 52 mentors and mentees. The event was filled with heartwarming moments, laughter, and creativity. Special recognition goes to S4G project leaders Melissa Elam Zelinger and Brigit Orozco for their dedication. A standout feature was a poster board where children proudly displayed pictures with their mentors, symbolizing the strong sense of community. Belong is deeply appreciative of S4G's impactful work and looks forward to more moments strengthening community bonds.
See how we put your donations to work
86
K-8th students currently receive weekly after-school tutoring during 2023 - 24 school year
6
Students admitted to our College Career Success Program
$10k
awarded in scholarships to low-income high school students to attend community college
80
volunteers currently serve as mentors to K-8th grade students in 2023-24 school year
Testimonials
--3rd grade student
"I'm thrilled about Thursdays! In school, I start learning new things, but coming here, my mentor teaches me more, and I understand them better. That's why Thursdays are the best!" ​
--Parent of reading clinic student
"I was thrilled to hear her teacher from Cunningham Park say that [my daughter]had made great progress in writing and reading...Thank you for helping our community to progress."
–A Belong Volunteer
I’ve worked with kids through other organizations, but Belong has been the most impactful by far. They are so detailed and thoughtful with the activities they plan and the mentees they match us up with, and there is no limit to both the resources and kindness that Belong provides to kids. While I’ve only been a mentor for a couple of years, I can say that I’ve grown so much mentally and emotionally and it’s truly a delight to see my mentee grow and thrive as well.
