In Japan older people are officially designated Living Treasures. The Japanese recognize that with age come life experience and wisdom. Many organizations in Charlottesville specifically seek senior volunteers because of their knowledge, skills, and talents. Many volunteer positions available in the community are listed here. If you are interested, please contact Coordinator of Volunteer Resources Bobbi Hughes at 434-974-7756 or via email.
Mentoring at K-12 schools has been an increasingly popular choice by caring adults and older peer relationships to the lives of more youth for several decades. Albemarle County Schools is searching for Academic Coaches (Mentors) to meet weekly with individual students in the 5th grade to connect, fuel motivation and ensure attendance. Volunteers, or possible paid position, should be creative, a problem-solver, and the schedule is flexible. Program runs from January through mid-May 2019.
Start something BIG for a child today! Why not share one hour a week or several hours two times a month with a young person? Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable things you’ll ever do. Not to mention, one of the most fulfilling volunteer experiences in Charlottesville. You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering them to achieve. It’s easy, too. Your Little can join you for the kinds of activities you already like to do, such as read, bowl, play sports, hike, go to a game, enjoy a meal. Or just give some advice and inspiration. The only thing that you are required to be is yourself. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge are looking for sincere and caring volunteer adults who want to be that extra support needed by some children in our community.
Make a difference in the lives of students from preschool to High School through JABA’s school based mentoring program. Areas of help needed include mentoring, reading fluency, lunch buddies, STEM labs, Maker Rooms, English Language Learners, SOL & homework help, School Gardens and afternoon activities. Serve an hour each week during the academic year and experience the joy of helping a child succeed!
Cville TimeBank is searching for an individual(s) that will be a liaison with the senior community and build membership. TimeBanking is a way of giving and receiving to build supportive networks and strong communities. One hour helping another earns one TimeBank Hour (also called time credits, service credits or time dollars.) TimeBanking builds on the magic of “pay it forward,” one good turn leading to another and another. This volunteer will need to be adept at email, Facebook and other social media websites; and providing two to four hours a week.
Do you have a passion for art, architecture, decorative arts, or museums in general? The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia promotes an appreciation of unique attributes and creates an environment to study art. Volunteer docents are needed to lead engaging and interactive tours with the public, school and community groups. Docents also assist with special programs, including the Writer’s Eye competition. Docents are critical to the education mission of the museum, and work alongside Fralin museum educators and UVA student docents. Docent training is required; participants in the course learn how to teach in the art museum using observation, inquiry, and dialogue. Previous experience in a small museum environment is a plus, but volunteer protocols are in place to guide a new volunteer through the experience.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville is searching for Receptionist Volunteers to serve in the affiliate office on West Main Street. Each receptionist responsibilities are to greet visitors make them feel welcome and heard; then connect them with the appropriate Habitat staffer. Shifts are three hours, 10 am – 1pm or 1 – 4pm, Monday through Friday, and volunteers are expected to conduct one shift per week. Receptionist volunteers are critical because they ensure a positive first experience for visitors and callers while also performing other tasks to help operations run smoothly. Habitat hopes that you will enjoy your experience and want to make a commitment. Each position requires the volunteer to be willing to drive. If you’re looking to get involved in the community and not sure where to begin, here is the perfect position with Habitat. Please contact Kimberly if you are interested in this opportunity.
Hospice of the Piedmont is searching for several volunteers to conduct Front desk duties to cover lunch hours during work-days and cover vacation times during the year. Duties include answering phones, taking messages, transferring calls, accepting payments, greeting customers and other administrative tasks. Hospice of the Piedmont is located in Pantops on Peter Jefferson Parkway. The schedule is flexible and will work with your availability.
Jefferson School African American Heritage Center is searching for volunteers to help with two different opportunities: 1) Greeter; and 2) Guide. Both positions are for history enthusiasts that wish to work with general audiences and school groups. Days and shifts vary dependent upon position. Each position requires the volunteer provide their own transportation. The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center strives to be a strong history museum with outstanding collections that explore significant events and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans.
A neighbor near you could benefit from your friendship and helping hand. Just an hour a week and compassionate heart award an isolated adult peace of mind. Make a new friend and share common interests, provide transport to appointments, pick up groceries or help with small home upkeep tasks through JABA’s Neighbor to Neighbor program.
Provide cultural learning and enrichment to your Charlottesville neighbors by volunteering at the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of Uva, the only museum of Indigenous Australian art in the U.S.! Volunteering at the Kluge-Ruhe Collection is an opportunity to connect with the world beyond Charlottesville - all the way to Australia! Two opportunities are available to help: Docent (provide tours, Saturday shifts) and Gallery Attendant (greets visitors and answer questions, Tuesday through Saturday, 3-hours). Each volunteer role offers a unique opportunity to learn about Aboriginal art and share your knowledge and skills with the community.
“Every revolution needs an army.”
Linden House, Branchlands, is searching for volunteers. A positive and uplifting atmosphere can set the tone for a resident’s stay. Linden House is in need of volunteers to assist with activities: Bridge, Bingo, Games, Outings, Movies and more. Looking for outgoing and friendly individuals to create and conduct social programs and activities. We know your time is valuable and it is our goal to make your volunteer experience fulfilling and enjoyable. We are flexible and can accommodate most any schedule. Come join our team.
We are seeking compassionate and enthusiastic volunteers to tutor adults in reading, writing, or speaking English. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, and they are hoping to acquire the skills they need to independently pursue life goals, support their families, and contribute to their communities. Help our students achieve their goals and register for our New Tutor Training, every few months, 9:30am - 4:00pm. No teaching experience is necessary—only a desire to make a difference in someone else’s life. Learn more at http://literacyforall.org.
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US as a volunteer in our service at the Charlottesville location. Whether you come as a regular or on a one time basis, your time and services are invaluable to our agency. You will have a hands-on experience each time you volunteer. Volunteer positions available:
Intake – use computer, Greeters – assist with sign-in, Packers – carry 5 to 10 lbs, Cart loaders – be able to lift 25 lbs, a lot of repetitive motion, Parking attendants, Food delivery drivers – need vehicle – 2nd or 3rd Saturday.
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry provides free food -- fresh produce and baked goods, frozen meats, and non-perishables -- to help people in need in the greater Charlottesville area feed their families. More than 17% of Charlottesville residents have to choose between paying for housing, utilities, transportation, medicine - or food to feed their family. With food from the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and many local grocers, Loaves & Fishes gave out 2.3 million pounds of food to 59,082 people (averaging 1,467 families/month) in 2017. Loaves & Fishes’ client choice model allows pantry visitors to shop for the foods their families will eat, allowing clients to select the best foods for dietary restrictions and adding dignity to the process of seeking aid.
Loaves & Fishes relies on significant volunteer labor to give out food four days each week; in 2017, more than 1,200 volunteers provided 19,010 hours of volunteer labor, the equivalent of 9 full time employees.
Meals on Wheels is currently seeking weekly and “on-call” substitute drivers, along with meal packers for its food delivery program serving Charlottesville, Albemarle, Crozet and Scottsville. We deliver over 250 lunchtime meals each weekday to homebound neighbors who are unable to cook for themselves. Your commitment for driving or packing meals would be only 1-2 hours per week from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Training is minimal and can include delivering with another driver until one feels comfortable with the route. Please join their team and have fun serving the local community.
Do you enjoy engaging with people and have an interest in history? Then volunteering at Monticello might be for you!
Monticello's Education and Visitor Programs (EVP) department is looking to grow our dedicated team of volunteers. EVP volunteers serve as friendly, informed ambassadors in our Visitor Center galleries, hands-on discovery room, mountaintop activity center, and at times as an assistant within the historic house. Jefferson was a public official, historian, philosopher, and plantation owner, he served his country for over five decades. Come join our team to explore and educate on this significant individual and home of history.
‘Be a part of the difference between ordinary and extraordinary’
Our Lady of Peace is searching for Program Leader volunteers. The volunteers leaders are for: Music Appreciation, Art Appreciation and Basic Watercolor painting. Looking for patient and friendly individuals to produce and present the programs. Our goal is to build a fulfilling volunteer experience and enjoyable learning for our residents. Commitments: 1) Music Appreciation is once-a-month, 2:00 – 3:00 pm; 2) Art Appreciation is once-a-month, 2:00 – 3:00 pm; 3) Basic Watercolor is weekly (Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, one-hour, 10:30 – 11:30 am or 1:30 – 2:30 pm time slot). Come join the team.
The PB&J Fund is a local nonprofit whose mission is to connect Charlottesville youth with the resources and knowledge necessary to develop a healthy diet. They are looking for volunteers that will mentor students during a weekly shift. Assist children in learning about nutrition, culinary skills, while learning about math skills in a different way than they would in a classroom, and learning about food safety, while doing it with their friends. The classes take place at several locations throughout the city. An orientation is required on culinary and nutrition training. Bring your unique perspective on food and cooking and volunteer with the children today!
Piedmont Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is looking for caring, motivated, and objective individuals who are committed to helping abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers conduct an independent investigation to understand the child’s circumstances, report to the court, and monitor the case to assure the child receives needed services and remains safe. No legal background or special experience required. Training is provided.
The Haven Day Shelter and Resource Center for people facing homelessness is seeking caring individuals to volunteer in several capacities. The shelter relies heavily on volunteers to keep the facility running and ensure a smooth operation. Volunteer opportunities available: breakfast crew, food prep, welcome desk, and guest task assistance. Shifts range from 2 to 5 hours and from 6:30 am – 3:00 pm, dependent upon the position; and every volunteer experience be a little different.
Volunteers provide the opportunity for guests to have positive interactions in a supportive environment. The Haven serves as the front door for services and resources that help guests who are ready to take the necessary steps to transition out of homelessness. Volunteers are critical to The Haven's ability to provide nutritious meals, mail services, laundry, showers, computers, and most importantly, a safe and supportive environment. Help provide these vital resources and provide dignity to a population that is overlooked.
ReadyKids is searching for ‘play partners’ program to teach pre-school age kids early literacy skills. Child care providers and volunteers work together, as a two-person team, on this October – May program. Sessions are one-hour long, between 9 – 11 am, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. All supplies provided; along with training. Encourage a child to listen actively, follow instructions, and use these skills throughout their lives.
Will you answer the call? SHE needs volunteers
Do you want to answer calls for help? Are you the person your family and friends turn to when they need to talk? Can you remain calm in stressful situations? Can you listen to someone and empathize with them without passing judgment? If you can answer yes to these questions, Shelter for Help and Emergency needs your help!
They are seeking volunteers to support their hotline. SHE helps people who are in an abusive situation or those who want to report the abuse of another. This includes support of residents, answering the hotline and conducting intakes. Shifts are 4 hours a week. SHE assists people who have experienced trauma, including survivors of domestic or sexual assault, with the support they need. We provide hope for a better tomorrow.
Do you like clothes and shopping?
Twice is Nice store creates a sense of community for staff, volunteers and their clients. Volunteers are needed every day, in two-hour shifts, Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm to help process, sort, tag, shelve merchandise, sales, straighten up the store and do other duties. Volunteers work one-shift, 2 hours once a week, with shifts available from 10 to 12, 1 to 3 and 3 to 5, and training is available. Come out and spend time in this great resale boutique.
The UVA Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop in the main lobby offers flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, gift items, books & magazines, snack foods, toiletries, and sundries. If you enjoy volunteering in a boutique style retail shop, this is for you! Volunteers run the cash register, stock items, provide excellent customer service to shoppers, as well as periodically deliver items to patient rooms. Afternoon substitutes are needed. The Gift shop is a great place to enjoy retail and make a difference for UVA Hospital patients, their families, guests and our staff.
Have a little spare-time and not sure what to do with it? We know! Volunteer at Virginia Discovery Museum! This is your chance to get involved with the excitement at our local children’s museum. Share your time and talents with our littlest citizens while fostering learning and creativity. Volunteer positions are open for the front desk, programs, special events, and exhibit construction/maintenance. Come join the fun and share our enthusiasm!
YMCA is searching for volunteer child care providers for ‘stay and play’. From seed to sprout to tree, we know that for children to bloom the must first have strong, healthy roots. At the Y, our volunteers are dedicated to combining child care with social importance to bring your child to their full potential. You can connect, play and teach toddlers, average age 1 to 3 years. This voluntary role requires hard work, but it is rewarding for people who enjoy interacting with children and guiding them as they grow and learn. Flexible schedule, 30 minutes to 2 hours, dependent upon availability. Monday-Friday 8:30-10:30 am and 5:00-7:00 pm.
