Our History

Though many refugees and immigrants come to the United States eager for new opportunities, learning English is one of their biggest barriers to integrating into life here. This need is even more pronounced in Northern Virginia, where 29% of the population in Fairfax County and 25% of the population in Alexandria are immigrants.

In response to this need and with the desire to show the love of Jesus to our newest neighbors, we founded For the Nations DC in 2018. 

We were inspired by the proven model of For the Nations Refugee Outreach in Dallas, TX. This organization serves their local refugee community by providing educational services and meeting other practical needs. Hallmarks of their English language program include classes that meet multiple times per week and free childcare. 

With dedicated support from local church partners and volunteers, we welcomed our first class of 35 students in the fall of 2018. A local church allowed us to use their space, while volunteers generously gave their time to teach English classes and meet the practical needs of our students. 

As more students have come to our doors, we have changed locations and adjusted programming to meet their needs. For example, we welcomed more than 100 students from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in 2021, providing them with customized literacy-level classes.

Since 2018, we’ve served more than 623 students. Though locations and student needs have changed over time, our mission remains unchanged: we provide quality English classes to refugees in Northern Virginia, and we help our new neighbors to integrate into their new home.