WASHINGTON, DC (March 10, 2026) – TOA Waters, the bold self-care company redefining wellness without stereotypes, is proud to announce the Wanda Alston Foundation as its 2026 nonprofit recipient through the company’s 1% for Equality initiative. The Wanda Alston Foundation provides housing and comprehensive support services to at-risk and homeless LGBTQ+ youth in Washington, DC, helping them build pathways toward stability and economic independence.
The partnership arrives at a critical juncture for the District. According to the 2025 Point-in-Time count, 37% of homeless youth in Washington, D.C. identify as LGBTQ+, a statistic that highlights a widening gap in safety and resources for queer youth. The Wanda Alston Foundation is the region's frontline response to this crisis, providing housing and comprehensive support services to at-risk and homeless LGBTQ+ youth to help them build pathways toward economic independence.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods, and when they choose to give back, it truly matters,” said Cesar Toledo, Executive Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation. “At a time when LGBTQ+ young people need community support more than ever, we’re deeply grateful to TOA Waters for showing up with intention, heart, and a genuine commitment to our queer and trans young people.”
Launched in 2025, the "1% for Equality" program is TOA Waters’ commitment to donate 1% of net sales to organizations that fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. The initiative reflects the company’s belief that self-care and social responsibility belong together; for many of the youth served by the Foundation, finding a safe space to exist is the ultimate form of self-care.
“The rise of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness in DC is an urgent issue,” said Javier Folgar, Owner and Founder of TOA Waters. “The Wanda Alston Foundation is tackling it head-on by providing holistic support that creates meaningful change. We launched 1% for Equality because we believe in breaking barriers and building a world where everyone is free to be themselves.”
Founded in 2008, the Wanda Alston Foundation honors the life and legacy of Wanda Renita Alston, a fearless LGBTQ+ activist, feminist, and organizer who dedicated her life to justice and representation. She played a pivotal role in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility in Washington, DC, including helping establish the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and securing greater representation for the community in local government. Her legacy lives on through the Foundation’s mission to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ youth.
For more information about the Wanda Alston Foundation, visit wandaalstonfoundation.org. For more information about TOA Waters’s 1% for Equality Initiative, visit 1percentforequality.com.
About the Wanda Alston Foundation
The Wanda Alston Foundation provides housing, support services, and pathways to economic mobility for at-risk and homeless LGBTQ+ youth in Washington, DC. Formed in 2008, the Foundation carries forward Wanda Renita Alston’s legacy of justice, advocacy, and empowerment. Learn more at www.wandaalstonfoundation.org.
About TOA Waters
TOA Waters provides self-care for the bold. Unique scents, clean ingredients, and zero stereotypes. Their bubble baths, liquid bath bombs, body wash, and room sprays are organic, vegan, and handcrafted with no nasty chemicals. This is self-care, redefined for body, bath, and home. Learn more at www.TOAwaters.com.
Media Contact:
Javier Folgar
Tel: 240.285.9459
Email: info@toawaters.com
www.TOAwaters.com
