Visitors' Services Center/DC Jails

Named as one of the Washington Region's "best small charities" by the Catalogue for Philanthropy, VSC provides practical assistance to inmates at the DC Jail.

How do you help people in my community?

At VSC, we know that helping people charged with breaking the law is an unpopular cause in a community that is, at times, overwhelmed with crime.  We offer no excuse for criminal behavior, but we recognize that virtually all prisoners return to the community – to live, to work and to raise their children.  To re-enter the community, many need help.  It is in everybody’s interest to give it to them.

Why do you need my support?

VSC’s annual budget is approximately $350,000.  This budget covers all expenses: a full time staff of 3, all of whom have been with VSC for more than 25 years, a part time staff of 3, expenses for our townhouse office, the mortgage of which has been completely satisfied, and all general operating costs including printing, supplies, telephone, postage etc.  For the last 5 years, our administration and fundraising costs have been under 5%.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Individuals remain our long term and most valuable funding stream.  Many of our individual supporters have contributed to us for more than 30 years.  During that time, government grants have come and gone; some foundations have closed or have limited their funding to 3 years or less. Once on board with a contribution, you will receive our quarterly newsletter, Inside-Out, which provides information on the needs of inmates with a simple lists of their requests – and our response to help in simple, practical and understandable ways.  Supporting men and women as they re-enter the community we all share just  makes sense and we hope that once you learn more and more about the work we do and the practical help we provide, we hope you will continue to support us in the years to come.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Volunteers are the heart and soul of VSC.  They are involved in all aspects of our work and contribute approximately 250 hours each month to VSC.  They serve on our Board of Directors, they work with inmates at the Jail, they respond to inmate requests in our office, they pick up property, process income tax returns, chair fundraising drives etc.  To volunteer, call Betty Gatewood at 202 544-2131