Dear PoPville – What is a DC organization that is REALLY helping youths in the city?

Photo by PoPville flickr user antisocialtory

“Dear PoPville,

I am a federal employee trying to decide on my 2011 Combined Federal Campaign (the group giving campaign for federal employees) charities. I do a payroll deduction of about $20 per pay period and want my money to go towards DC area charities. I’m considering allocating some of my deduction to the United Way of the National Capitol Area, because I know they filter funds down to smaller specialized organizations that are doing great work while also providing resources and extra accountability.

However, one issue in the city that has touched me is the number of young people in the city who are homeless, unemployed/underemployed, or undereducated, including but not limited to those who are also in gangs/crews. I want to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak, and give directly to one or two other organizations but I need some help deciding. What groups do you or your readers see out there that are actively and most importantly, successfully, addressing these issues? Some of my choices in the Combined Federal Campaign are the YWCA, YMCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Salvation Army, Capital Peers, Capital Partners for Education, Covenant House, Boys Town, the Latin American Youth Center, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Metro TeenAIDS, Boys and Girls Clubs, and many smaller independent charities. Most of the groups listed above are also part of the local United Way.

I would prefer an organization that is secular, but am not opposed to programs run by religion-based organizations as long as proselytizing/missionary activities are not funded via my donations. Or, another question is whether I better off giving through the United Way entirely?

Thanks so much for any advice you can provide. The CFC drive ends December 15th.”