Easterns Blog

At Easterns Automotive Group, community is at the heart of everything we do. Through our ongoing partnership with WTTG Fox 5’s Pay It Forward segment, we have the incredible privilege of shining a light on local organizations making a lasting impact. This month, we had the honor of recognizing Building Bridges Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit serving female trauma survivors.

Founded in 2008 by Marsha Woodland, Building Bridges Foundation was born out of her own experience as a survivor of domestic violence. After facing unimaginable challenges and struggling to find support, Marsha made a commitment: no survivor should have to navigate the road to safety alone. She built Building Bridges to offer trauma-informed services tailored to the unique and complex needs of women who have experienced domestic, community, or interpersonal violence.

Through their programs, Building Bridges Foundation provides not only resources, but also a sense of community and understanding, ensuring that survivors feel seen, heard, and supported by people who truly understand their journeys.

Marsha and her team are also working to break the cycle of violence before it begins by educating youth about teen dating violence. Through their youth programs, they equip young people with the tools to recognize red flags and warning signs early in relationships. By teaching teens about healthy relationships, they’re empowering the next generation to make safe, informed decisions and understand where to turn for help.

Parents also play a critical role in prevention. Marsha encourages families to pay attention to behavioral shifts in their children — such as losing interest in activities they once loved — as potential signs of isolation or unhealthy relationship dynamics.

Marsha and her team are also working to break the cycle of violence before it begins by educating youth about teen dating violence. Through their youth programs, they equip young people with the tools to recognize red flags and warning signs early in relationships. By teaching teens about healthy relationships, they’re empowering the next generation to make safe, informed decisions and understand where to turn for help

Parents also play a critical role in prevention. Marsha encourages families to pay attention to behavioral shifts in their children — such as losing interest in activities they once loved — as potential signs of isolation or unhealthy relationship dynamics.

At Easterns, we believe in investing in organizations that uplift and empower — and Building Bridges Foundation embodies exactly that. We are proud to stand with them as they continue to create a brighter, safer future for women and youth across the DMV.