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.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Margot Greenlee, Executive Director, and Paula Manion, Founding Chair, of Our Stomping Ground (OSG).

For many adults with developmental disabilities (DD), the transition into adulthood can feel like "falling off a cliff," often leading to social isolation and a lack of affordable housing options. Our Stomping Ground is changing that narrative in Northern Virginia. By partnering with affordable housing developers, OSG creates inclusive, "interdependent" communities where people of all abilities live, work, and play together.

Margot and Paula share the inspiring story behind OSG’s "Housing First" model and how they provide over 100 hours of free monthly programming—ranging from supper clubs and fitness classes to advocacy training—to ensure that no one has to live a life of isolation.

Learn more about their mission, view their event calendar, or make a donation at: https://osgcommunities.org/

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