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 their new home. 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, meeting practical needs, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hallmarks of their English language program include classes that meet multiple times per week, free childcare, and a daily Bible lesson. 

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 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. We also launched a Kids’s Club reading program in October 2023 at a local apartment complex to provide literacy support to refugee families. 

Since 2018, we’ve served more than 623 students in northern Virginia through quality English programming and practical assistance. As we’ve grown and adapted to meet needs in our community, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to offering hope and help for our newest neighbors.

Sources : “Our Immigrant Neighbors”. Fairfax County Virginia. 2021. Accessed 19 March 2024. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/demographics/our-immigrant-neighbors. “Alexandria City, Virginia”. United States Census Bureau. 2022. Accessed 19 March 2024. https://data.census.gov/vizwidget?g=050XX00US51510&infoSection=Native and Foreign Born