Get to Know Teens Opposing Poverty
Teens Opposing Poverty (TOP) is dedicated to empowering youth to lead the charge against hunger and poverty.
Our Story
Teens Opposing Poverty (TOP) began its journey at a church in Virginia. It all began in 1987 when a group of young people noticed how the church was lending a hand to those in need. Inspired by this, they decided to take action after seeing the struggles of homeless individuals in Washington, DC.
They started off by handing out bags of clothes to the homeless in November 1987. From that spark, TOP grew big time. By 2003, it became an official nonprofit (501(c)(3)), and now it’s spread its wings all over Virginia.
With over 1,000 volunteers on board, TOP is making a real difference by giving food, clothes, toiletries, and even home repairs to those in need.
They started off by handing out bags of clothes to the homeless in November 1987. From that spark, TOP grew big time. By 2003, it became an official nonprofit (501(c)(3)), and now it’s spread its wings all over Virginia.
With over 1,000 volunteers on board, TOP is making a real difference by giving food, clothes, toiletries, and even home repairs to those in need.
Our Mission
TOP’s mission is to empower youth to make a meaningful impact by addressing the basic needs of those living in poverty and offering them hope, friendship, opportunities, and encouragement. We believe in integrating this commitment into people’s daily lives, rather than just as a one-time event.
Our Vision
We envision a future where youth play a leading role in the ongoing battle against hunger and poverty. Through their dedication and leadership, we aim to create a more compassionate and equitable society where everyone’s basic needs are met, and where young people are catalysts for positive change in their communities.
Core Values of Teens Opposing Poverty
Empowerment
We believe in empowering youth to take leadership roles in addressing poverty and hunger.
Compassion
We treat everyone with respect and empathy, recognizing the dignity of every individual.
Service
We are dedicated to providing essential services, including food, clothing, toiletries, and home repairs, to those in need.
Community
We foster a sense of community among volunteers and those we serve, encouraging collaboration and mutual support.
Commitment
We are committed to long-term solutions and sustained efforts in the fight against poverty and hunger.
Faith
Faith is the foundation of all we do. We encourage our clients and volunteers to discover the beauty of a relationship with God.