The Chris Atwood Foundation

What The Chris Atwood Foundation does

The Chris Atwood Foundation (CAF) is a 501(c)(3) peer-run nonprofit founded in 2013 in Northern Virginia following the death of Christopher Atwood from an accidental opioid overdose at age 21. Co-founded by his parents Mark Atwood (Board Chairman) and Ginny Atwood Lovitt, the organization delivers a comprehensive suite of free substance use and mental health support services through a multi-modal access network: a 6,700-square-foot Recovery Community Center in Fairfax opened in September 2023, a mobile Comprehensive Harm Reduction (CHR) van operating at four weekly Northern Virginia locations, a 24/7 bilingual Peer Recovery Specialist warm line (phone/text), mail-based naloxone distribution statewide across all 130 Virginia counties in partnership with NEXT Harm Reduction, and a home-based wellness stay program called Chris' Place. Programs span overdose prevention, harm reduction supplies, peer recovery coaching, recovery housing grants via Oxford House, family support (CRAFT/Invitation to Change approach), re-entry services at the Fairfax Adult Detention Center (HOPE), and a DBHDS-approved 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training academy offered quarterly at no cost.

The foundation's underlying technology is not software in the conventional sense but rather an integrated service-delivery platform built on certified peer staff with lived experience, augmented by a lightweight digital infrastructure (Wix-hosted site at thecaf.org, social channels on Facebook/Instagram/X, Network for Good donation processing, and the mail-based naloxone training/enrollment flow). The model explicitly integrates harm reduction and recovery support rather than treating them as alternatives, with reported outcomes including 134,344 naloxone doses distributed, 2,852 overdose reversals, 35,249 people served cumulatively, 2,591 housed through recovery housing grants, and an 8x higher rate of evidence-based treatment receipt among Recovery Community Center participants versus the national average.

CAF's business model is 100% philanthropic with no paid services. Revenue is generated through individual donations (tiered at $50/$100/$500), annual event fundraising (2025 Heroes for Hope Gala raised $172,000; 2026 HopeFest raised $31,000 with Leidos as presenting sponsor), corporate sponsorships, and government grants — most notably from the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funding. Customer segments are horizontal and persona-based (individuals with substance use disorder, people in recovery, families/loved ones, justice-involved individuals), and the organization operates exclusively in Virginia with a Northern Virginia operational core and statewide mail-based naloxone reach.

Name

The Chris Atwood Foundation

Legal name

The Chris Atwood Foundation

Website

https://thecaf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Chris Atwood Foundation is a peer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Northern Virginia that delivers free substance use and mental health support — including naloxone distribution, a Recovery Community Center, mobile harm reduction, peer coaching, family and re-entry programs, and recovery housing grants — to individuals and families affected by opioid use disorder and addiction.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Recovery Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities (623220)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Substance Use Disorder Prevention & Recovery Services (BPAGACAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction Support Services (BPAGAEAO), Peer Support, Recovery Coaching & Sober Living Services (HLAFACAN), Behavioral Health & Substance Use Program Funding (Public Health) (HLAJALAI)

Keywords

• Harm reduction services
• Substance use recovery support
• Peer recovery coaching
• Free naloxone distribution
• Community mental health services

Headquarters

HQ city

Fairfax

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals supporting the mission to save lives and support recovery. Donation tiers include $50 (4 naloxone doses), $100 (warm welcome kits for 2 individuals), $500 (recovery housing assistance).
2. Event Fundraising: Annual Heroes for Hope Gala (raised $172,000 in 2025 with 280+ attendees), HopeFest annual spring fundraiser (raised $31,000 in 2026), and other community events. Includes corporate sponsorships and paddle raisers.
3. Foundation and Government Grants: Major funding from Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for Recovery Community Center operations. Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funding support.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship revenue from companies including Leidos (HopeFest presenting sponsor), Sandstone Care, Oxford House, and others supporting events and programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Chris Atwood Foundation is a peer-run nonprofit delivering free substance use and mental health support services across Northern Virginia. Core offerings include free naloxone distribution, Peer Recovery Support, a Recovery Community Center in Fairfax, mobile Comprehensive Harm Reduction services, recovery housing grants, family support, a Re-Entry/HOPE program for justice-involved individuals, Chris' Place wellness stays, and a Peer Recovery Academy training program. All services are provided at no cost to clients and funded through donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.

Product overview

The Chris Atwood Foundation operates as a peer-run community organization offering a comprehensive suite of free substance use and mental health support services across Northern Virginia. The organization functions as a service-based nonprofit rather than a technology platform, providing its programs through physical locations and mobile services. Core offerings include: naloxone distribution (free overdose reversal kits via mail and mobile van), Peer Recovery Support (24/7 certified specialists providing coaching and resource navigation), a 6,700 sq ft Recovery Community Center in Fairfax, the Comprehensive Harm Reduction mobile van program, Chris' Place (peer-led wellness stays), Recovery Housing grants, Family Support services, Re-Entry/HOPE programming, and Peer Recovery Academy training. The organization also facilitates multiple weekly support groups including SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, Mental Health Group, and Family Education & Support groups.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Naloxone (Narcan) Distribution Free naloxone/narcan opioid overdose reversal kits distributed across Virginia, with mail-based delivery through partnership with NEXT Harm Reduction and online training requirements. Available to Virginia residents who cannot access naloxone through other means.
• Peer Recovery Support 24/7 certified Peer Recovery Specialists providing recovery coaching, resource navigation, warm handoffs, relapse prevention, follow-up care, transportation, treatment referrals, and linkage to housing, employment, and legal documentation services. Bilingual services available.
• Recovery Community Center (RCC) 6,700-square-foot physical recovery center in Fairfax, Virginia providing peer support, support groups, family support, recovery housing grants, and education/training programs. Individuals engaging with RCC are 8x more likely to receive evidence-based treatment than the national average.
• Family Recovery Support Program Family education and support services informed by CRAFT and Invitation to Change approaches, offering 1:1 peer guidance and group support for families and loved ones impacted by substance use.
• Re-Entry/HOPE Program Works with individuals during incarceration and post-release from the Fairfax Adult Detention Center, providing peer recovery support, linkage to community resources, recovery housing grants, documentation assistance, recovery literature, and transportation assistance.
• Comprehensive Harm Reduction (CHR) Mobile syringe and comprehensive harm reduction services across Northern Virginia providing sterile syringes, syringe disposal, free Narcan, safer injection/snorting/smoking supplies, fentanyl testing strips, HIV/Hepatitis C testing, and assistance with food, bedding, hygiene products, insurance enrollment, and medical/therapeutic resources.
• Chris' Place Peer-led wellness stay providing home-based wellness retreat for people experiencing elevated distress due to emotional crisis or trauma response; typical stays of 10-14 days with trained peer specialists, offering peer counseling, support groups, arts activities, and soothing activities in a tranquil home-like setting.
• Recovery Housing Grants Housing grants for Northern Virginia residents covering initial move-in expenses and rent to foster safe supportive environment for recovery; funds typically cover move-in fees and 2-3 weeks of rent at Oxford House or supportive recovery residences.
• Peer Recovery Academy DBHDS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training offered quarterly at no cost, designed to equip individuals with knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to support others in recovery from substance use disorders or mental health challenges as a career path.

Quantifiable outcome

• 134,344 doses of free naloxone distributed across Virginia
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.

• LeidosflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Presenting sponsor for HopeFest 2026, which raised $31,000 for recovery programs. Major corporate supporter of the foundation's annual fundraising events.
• Sandstone CareminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Supporting sponsor of Heroes for Hope Gala 2025. Treatment provider offering specialized care for addiction and mental health.
• The Recovery ConnectionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Supporting sponsor of Heroes for Hope Gala 2025. Recovery-focused organization serving Northern Virginia.
• NEXT Harm ReductioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for mail-based naloxone distribution enabling confidential delivery of intramuscular naloxone to Virginia residents who cannot access naloxone through other means. NEXT handles training platform and enrollment; CAF handles fulfillment and community outreach.
• Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services BoardcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor funding partner providing substantial support for Recovery Community Center operations. Co-branded programs including Chris' Place peer-led wellness stay. Primary government partner for community behavioral health services.
• George Mason University MAP ClinicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with GMU's MAP Clinic to create a health hub at Culmore location, streamlining providers and enabling delivery of comprehensive coordinated services for underserved residents.
• Oxford HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAF provides recovery housing grants to individuals accepted into Oxford House residences (1000+ homes nationwide). Oxford House provides peer-run, self-sustaining recovery housing. Grants cover move-in fees and 2-3 weeks of rent.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SAFE Project: National nonprofit addressing addiction through prevention, treatment, and recovery support. Direct peer in addiction support services, family programs, and community education.
• Young People in Recovery: National peer-run recovery organization providing peer support, recovery community building, and advocacy. Direct peer in the peer recovery support and recovery community organizing space.
• SAARA (Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance) of Virginia: Virginia-based substance abuse recovery alliance providing recovery support services and advocacy. Direct peer operating in the same state with a similar peer recovery and community organizing model.
• McShin Foundation: Richmond, Virginia-based peer-run recovery community organization offering peer recovery support, recovery housing referrals, and harm reduction services. Operates a Recovery Community Center with a service mix very similar to CAF, making it the most direct peer in the Virginia recovery ecosystem.
• Faces & Voices of Recovery: National recovery community advocacy organization promoting public policy and awareness for people in recovery. Direct peer in the recovery advocacy and community organizing space.
• National Harm Reduction Coalition: National advocacy and capacity-building organization for harm reduction. Direct peer in harm reduction service delivery, naloxone access advocacy, and syringe services program support.
• Oxford House: National peer-run recovery housing organization operating 1,000+ homes. CAF provides recovery housing grants to individuals placed at Oxford House residences; comparable as a peer-run recovery support and housing organization with a similar lived-experience staffing model.
• NEXT Harm Reduction: National mail-based harm reduction organization providing naloxone and supplies by mail. Direct partner and peer in mail-based naloxone distribution, harm reduction supplies, and confidential service delivery to underserved populations.
• RASE Project: Richmond, Virginia-based recovery community organization providing peer recovery support, harm reduction, and advocacy services. Operates a Recovery Community Center in a model directly parallel to CAF's Northern Virginia footprint.

Broad incumbents

• Shatterproof: National nonprofit focused on addiction treatment access, stigma reduction, and policy reform. Comparable as a major nonprofit addressing substance use disorder, but at significantly larger scale and with a national advocacy orientation rather than peer-run service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/chrisatwoodfnd?lang=en
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheChrisAtwoodFoundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/thechrisatwoodfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles26 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Chris Atwood Foundation