The EYA Foundation held its annual Day of Service, this year partnering with Britepaths in Fairfax, VA. More than 60 EYA team members gathered to assist Britepaths prepare for its annual Holiday Program, which supports local families facing financial hardship by offering a festive and welcoming environment where they can access essential services and choose gifts for their children.
Despite the wintry weather, the energy inside Britepaths was warm and vibrant. Volunteers from EYA transformed the organization’s office space into a magical “Winter Wonderland,” complete with shimmering decorations, blue-and-silver balloon arches, and a toy shop stocked with carefully organized donations. The goal was to create a joyful experience for families visiting the office, particularly for the children who may not otherwise have access to a festive holiday environment.
“This isn’t just about making the office look nice,” said Aisha Ali, Senior Director of Development and Communications at Britepaths. “This is about dignity and respect. Thanks to EYA, families will feel proud and welcomed when they walk through the doors.”
Britepaths has been serving Northern Virginia for over 40 years, offering both emergency stabilization services—such as food, rental assistance, and car repairs—and long-term programs in financial literacy and workforce development. With the support of partners like the EYA Foundation, the organization is able to expand the impact of its work, particularly during the holiday season.
Amanda King, who led the initiative for the EYA Foundation, reflected on the broader significance of the event: “This is a great way to demonstrate EYA’s core values. We’re not just building homes—we’re investing in the neighborhoods and residents that make our communities thrive.”
Throughout the day, EYA volunteers decorated, organized, and collaborated with Britepaths staff. “I can’t wait to see the children’s faces light up next week when they visit,” added Aisha. “Because of EYA, they’ll walk into a space that feels magical.”
At EYA, home building is what we do. But building sustainable neighborhoods is what we love—and that includes giving back to the communities where we build. The EYA Foundation participates in a variety of charitable activities throughout the year—from lending our construction expertise to organizations in need of support to grant giving for local non-profits to the annual Day of Service.
The EYA Foundation is proud to continue its commitment to building not just homes, but stronger communities—one act of service at a time.
