What is really happening in our community beyond the headlines—and how can we make a difference?

In this special episode of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s Nonprofit Spotlight Podcast, we bring you State of Our Community: Trusted Messengers in Troubled Times, a candid conversation with nonprofit leaders working on the front lines of some of the Washington, DC, metro area’s most pressing challenges.

Hear firsthand perspectives on food insecurity, homelessness, refugee and immigrant support, access to healthcare, and the growing needs of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern Virginia and the greater DC area. Our panelists discuss the realities facing local nonprofits, how changing policies and limited resources affect the people they serve, and what meaningful community action can look like today.

Featuring leaders from Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, Food For Others, The Lamb Center, and Falls Church Community Service Council, this conversation offers a closer look at the challenges our neighbors face—and the organizations working every day to meet those needs.

Whether you’re looking for ways to help, interested in local community issues, or simply want to better understand the people and needs behind the headlines, this episode invites you to listen, learn, and discover how we can build a more compassionate and connected community together.

About the Nonprofit Spotlight Podcast: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Falls Church, Virginia, highlights the people, organizations, and initiatives making a difference in our community.

About the Nonprofit Spotlight Podcast: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Falls Church, Virginia, highlights the people, organizations, and initiatives making a difference in our community.

Lifting Up * Reaching Out.
Learn more about Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

In this inspiring episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Anees Merzi, Founder of 703 Warriors, an incredible Arlington-based nonprofit that is completely rewriting the playbook for youth sports.

For too many families, the traditional "pay-to-play" model puts competitive youth sports completely out of financial reach, sidelining talented and passionate young athletes. Anees shares how 703 Warriors is breaking down these barriers by providing elite travel soccer coaching, top-tier tournament opportunities, and high-quality uniforms for players at absolutely zero cost to their families.

But it’s about so much more than just what happens on the pitch. Anees dives into "The Warrior Way"—their holistic approach to building resilient leaders of character. From neighborhood street soccer to community fitness, 703 Warriors combines rigorous training with mentorship, life skills, and accountability to set kids up to win both on the field and in life.

Tune in to hear how this dedicated organization has already served over 1000 children, powered by thousands of volunteer hours and a deeply supportive community. It’s an uplifting conversation about passion, purpose, and the game’s power to change lives and build lasting confidence.

For more information, to register a player, or to support their mission, visit: https://www.703warriors.com/

Lifting Up * Reaching Out.
Learn more about Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

High atop the Catoctin Mountains in Jefferson, Maryland, lies a place dedicated to the transformative power of the outdoors. In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Diana Edelblute, Executive Director of Mar-Lu-Ridge Summer Camp & Retreat Center to explore their mission of providing sanctuary, service, and community.

As a year-round outdoor ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Mar-Lu-Ridge serves as more than just a summer camp. We dive into the heart of their "With Open Arms" capital campaign, a major initiative focused on radical hospitality and accessibility, ensuring that their 500+ acres of sacred space are truly welcoming to all people, regardless of religion or physical ability.

Whether you’re a former camper looking for a bit of nostalgia or a nonprofit leader interested in how a mission-driven organization maintains its values across decades, this conversation captures the spirit of "going in peace" and serving others.

Learn more about Mar-Lu-Ridge, its programs, and how you can offer support on their website: https://www.mar-lu-ridge.org/

Lifting Up * Reaching Out.
Learn more about Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.