Mission Statement :

To provide community outreach by educating the whole child through homework assistance, mentoring and enrichment activities that assist children in meeting the challenges of growing into adulthood.

Goals: 

• Provide a safe environment where children can develop skills that include tolerant, respectful social interaction with other individuals
• Provide a learning environment where children can seek assistance with homework and projects, expand their academic skills, and develop into lifelong learners
• Provide a nurturing environment where students can develop competency, resiliency, and resourcefulness

• Provide a supportive environment to foster civility, integrity, and compassion

Organizational History: 

Herndon community leaders Darryl Smith, Jorge Rochac, and Les Watts were original members of the Hispanic Community Task Force charged with identifying and resolving critical concerns within the Hispano-American community. In an effort to address the educational needs of local area youth, an after-school homework assistance program was created.

Located in a small donated Herndon apartment with a non-existent budget and a group of dedicated volunteers, Vecinos Unidos opened its doors for the first time on April 17, 1997 to two students. As the word spread and the number of students quickly grew, the program needed to find a larger facility. Vecinos Unidos moved into its new and present-day home at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center in December 2001.  Originally formed to address the needs of Hispanic students, the program expanded to assist all who are in need of homework assistance.  The evolving program today offers homework assistance, a summer program, and a cultural enrichment and sports program.

In 2001, Vecinos Unidos was awarded a five-year grant from the Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation for the operation of the Quantum Opportunities Program (QOP).  The after-school assistance program included a computer-based academic program, individual mentoring and tutoring, community service opportunities, and life-skills training. 

Four years later, Vecinos Unidos received an additional grant from the Eisenhower Foundation to establish a youth Safe Haven in Herndon. The program provided services to local youth until April of 2008.

Vecinos Unidos has expanded and improved its services because of generous donors and grants. Recent donors include Cox Communications and The Northern Virginia Ethical Society. Generous grants have been received from: the Reston Giving Circle of Hope, The Gannett Foundation, and The Ruth and Hal Launders Charitable Trust.