Non-profit work eventually pays for itself. After a few months or years of volunteer work, job applicants can truthfully say they “have experience.” To an employer, non-profit work also means that an applicant has a heart.

What follows is a list of charitable organizations in Washington, DC, divided up into focus areas. Choose an area that looks particularly interesting, and research the non-profit groups within it.

Children and Youth Services
These organizations focus on families and children, offering services like counseling for children and parents, foster care placement and free health care.

     Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area: http://www.bbbsnca.org/
     Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington: http://www.bgcgw.org/

Community
These organizations work with community members to provide community resources and support services in a variety of areas, including education, housing and employment, to help them overcome social and economic difficulties.

     Afro-American Counseling & Psychotherapy Institute, Inc.: http://www.afroamericancounseling.com/
     Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington: http://www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete Washington, DC, guide.