The Chris Atwood Foundation

  • Home
  • The Chris Atwood Foundation

The Chris Atwood Foundation Saving lives and supporting recovery with free peer support, harm reduction services and naloxone.

The Chris Atwood Foundation began in 2013 after the Atwood family lost their son and brother, Chris, to an accidentally fatal heroin overdose. He passed away at age 21, following a 6 year battle with addiction. The CAF is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that strengthens the addiction recovery movement through education, stigma reduction, and recovery support services. We do this through:

- Educ

ating the public about the disease of addiction

- Training the public how to administer naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose

- Increasing public access to recovery and harm reduction resources

- Supporting recovery communities on college campuses

- Stigma-reducing educational presentations

- Scholarships to local Recovery Houses

- Advocating for public policy changes that promote recovery

16/08/2026

Connection can change everything.

The Second Chance Group is a place to connect, share experiences, and find support alongside people who understand. Whether you're just beginning your recovery journey or have been walking it for years, you'll find a welcoming community where hope, encouragement, and second chances are always on the table.

Hear from Paul about what makes this group so special, and if you're looking for connection, we'd love to welcome you.

Learn more about the Second Chance Group and all of the recovery support available through the Chris Atwood Foundation at thecaf.org

No matter where you are in your journey, you don't have to face it alone.Whether you're looking for recovery resources, ...
13/08/2026

No matter where you are in your journey, you don't have to face it alone.

Whether you're looking for recovery resources, want to connect with a peer, join one of our support groups, or simply need a friendly face and a welcoming place to brighten your day, the Chris Atwood Foundation is here for you.

Our Recovery Community Center is a space built on connection, compassion, and hope—with services designed to meet you where you are.

Stop by, say hello, and see what our community is all about. Learn more about our Recovery Community Center, including our Drop by for Recovery hours, at thecaf.org/rcc.

Stories like this are why Drop by for Recovery exists.Paul's support made all the difference for one individual, and our...
10/08/2026

Stories like this are why Drop by for Recovery exists.

Paul's support made all the difference for one individual, and our peer recovery specialists are here to do the same for anyone who walks through our doors. Whether you're looking for support, resources, employment assistance, or simply a safe place to connect over coffee, we're here for you.

Stop by anytime during our open hours—no appointment necessary.

🕘 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
🕚 Tuesday: 11 AM–5 PM

09/08/2026

Before our Comprehensive Harm Reduction van ever hits the road, there's an incredible team working behind the scenes, packing supplies, assembling kits, stocking the van, checking inventory, and making sure everything is ready to serve our Northern Virginia community.

Every box packed, every kit assembled, and every item loaded helps ensure we're prepared to meet people where they are with compassion, dignity, and the resources they need. From peer recovery support and naloxone to safer use supplies, hygiene items, referrals, and more, every detail matters.

This is what community care looks like. Thank you to our amazing CHR team for the work you do before anyone ever sees the van roll out.

Learn where to find our Mobile Van throughout Northern Virginia at thecaf.org/chr and sign up for our texts to receive updates on any last minute schedule or location changes by calling or texting 703-653-4221.

There is nothing quite like the great outdoors to refresh the mind and lift the spirit. Thanks to a generous wellbeing g...
07/08/2026

There is nothing quite like the great outdoors to refresh the mind and lift the spirit. Thanks to a generous wellbeing grant from the Northern Virginia Health Foundation, our peers recently enjoyed a fantastic half-day out of the office in the beautiful Burke Lake Park. The goal of the outing was simple: step away from the daily routine, connect with nature, and enjoy each other’s company.

06/08/2026

We hope to see YOU there!

Join the Chris Atwood Foundation on Thursday, October 8 for our Heroes for Hope Gala at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. It's an evening dedicated to celebrating the people and organizations making a lasting impact in recovery and mental health while raising critical funds to expand life-saving programs in our community.

Whether you're a longtime supporter or joining us for the first time, we'd love to celebrate with you.
🎟️ Get your tickets today and be part of an unforgettable evening of hope, connection, and purpose: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0013c00001oFdhzAAC/events/vevt:92c57498-93bc-4eea-a03b-0761ac874c90/home/story

We're excited to shine this month's Volunteer Spotlight on Joseph Kemp! (pictured above holding up the peace sign)Althou...
05/08/2026

We're excited to shine this month's Volunteer Spotlight on Joseph Kemp! (pictured above holding up the peace sign)

Although Joseph has only been volunteering with The Chris Atwood Foundation for the past two months, it already feels like he's been part of the team much longer.

From the moment he walks through the door, he brings a smile, a positive attitude, and an infectious energy that brightens every volunteer session.

Whether he's carefully packing harm reduction kits, lending a hand wherever needed, or chatting and connecting with fellow volunteers, Joseph approaches every task with kindness, enthusiasm, and a willingness to help. His dedication and hard work never go unnoticed, and his encouraging spirit has made our Thursday kit-packing sessions even more enjoyable for everyone!

Volunteers like Joseph remind us that creating a stronger, healthier community isn't just about the work we do, it's also about the compassion, connection, and joy we bring to one another along the way.

Joseph, thank you for sharing your time, generosity, and heart with us. We're so grateful to have you as part of the CAF family, and we can't wait to see the impact you'll continue to make.

Calling all future peer recovery specialists! The CAF is hosting a completely free PRS training from August 17–28, 2026,...
02/08/2026

Calling all future peer recovery specialists! The CAF is hosting a completely free PRS training from August 17–28, 2026, right here at our Recovery Community Center (10301 Democracy Ln, Ground Floor, Suite 150, Fairfax, VA 22030). If you've been waiting for the right moment to turn your passion for recovery work into a career, this is it. Head to vaprs.org to apply using training ID 3103 — but don't wait too long, since seats are limited and they'll go fast. Questions? Reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to have you!

Address

VA

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Chris Atwood Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to The Chris Atwood Foundation:

Shortcuts

  • Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization?

Share