Community Engagement

Volunteer

Community Engagement Separator A slash icon used to separate content For Students Separator A slash icon used to separate content Get Involved Separator A slash icon used to separate content Volunteer
Three students prepare sandwiches for MLK Day of Service.

Community Engagement Opportunities

Thank you for exploring this page and supporting our local Fredericksburg community. Here you will find a range of volunteer activities in our community and beyond. These volunteer opportunities are for UMW students.

Supporting our Fredericksburg Community

person standing next to truck, pointing to it.

Many nonprofit  & government organizations in Fredericksburg seek volunteers. We have highlighted a few organizations here:

  • Hazel Hill Homework Club is a partnership between UMW and the National Housing Trust. We work to provide free afterschool tutoring to Fredericksburg City School students in grades K-8 who live in the Hazel Hill Apartment complex. Hazel Hill is home to an incredible diversity of families, and is a really great way to give back to the youth in the area.
    • commitments to Hazel Hill last one semester
    • volunteers are expected to attend at least one day per week through the end of the semester.
    • Tutoring hours are M-Th, 3:45-5:15. Learn more here.
  • Angel on Wheels Volunteer Delivery Drivers and Virtual Office Assistants Needed: At Angels On Wheels Charity Organization we are dedicated to empowering families and strengthening communities by addressing hunger, hardships, and access to basic necessities. Through our food programs and resource referrals, we connect individuals and families to vital community services. We support Veterans, Homebound Seniors, Individuals with Disabilities, Single Parents, Low/No-Income Families, and Students who are unable or without transportation.
  • FailSafe ERA works with formerly incarcerated individuals and assists with re-entry programs. They have many volunteer positions available. FailSafe-ERA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides reformative strategies to empower and restore hope to families impacted by incarceration.

Working with Youth

  • Hazel Hill Homework Club is a partnership between UMW and the National Housing Trust to provide free afterschool tutoring to Fredericksburg City School students in grades K-8 who live in the Hazel Hill Apartment complex. Hazel Hill is home to an incredible diversity of families, including refugees from Afghanistan, and is a really great way to give back to the youth in the area.
    • Commitments to Hazel Hill last one semester, and volunteers are expected to attend at least one day per week through the end of the semester. Tutoring hours are M-Th, 3:45-5:15. Learn more here.
  • Volunteer with Bigs in Schools: Bigs in Schools is a mentoring program sponsored by the local Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization. UMW students (“Bigs”) are partnered with an elementary or middle school student (“Littles”) and meet with them weekly at the school. Transportation is provided. If you are interested in learning more and volunteering, fill out this form.
  • Stafford Junction Tutors: Stafford Junction is seeking volunteers to help with their Brain Builders program. Brain Builders is an after school program designed to aid in homework and with a focus on fostering intellectual achievement by giving kids the tools they need to succeed in school. Stafford Junction offers in-person tutoring programs at area elementary schools, a high school and a middle school. Interested students should fill out this form. Volunteers will be asked to:
    • Print and fill out a volunteer application form. This form will be submitted to Stafford Junction.
    • Complete a free background check (link will be sent upon request).
  • Stafford County Public Schools: Stafford County Public Schools is seeking volunteers to serve as assistants in classrooms. They are flexible regarding hours and school locations. They are also seeking students to work as substitutes and/or paraprofessionals.
Two women pose with a class of pre-school students.
  • Fredericksburg City Public Schools: Fredericksburg City Public Schools is looking for volunteers this year to work with students. To volunteer in Fredericksburg City Schools, please fill out the forms on their volunteer page, and review the Volunteer Expectations Guidelines Presentation slides.
  • Before you can begin volunteering, please complete the following steps:
  • ✅ Volunteer Application Form
  • ✅ TB Risk Assessment Screener Form
  • ✅ View the Volunteer Expectations Guidelines Presentation
  • ✅ Complete the Acknowledgement Form (located on last slide) to confirm you’ve reviewed the guidelines.
  • All completed forms must be submitted to the main office at Gladys West Elementary School, 1 Learning Lane, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; phone (540) 372-1140. The Acknowledgement Form will be submitted and tracked online.
Logo for LoisAnn's Hope House
  • Tutoring and Mentoring at Hope House: Loisann’s Hope House serves families transitioning out of homelessness. Volunteers spend time with youth during “mom’s time.” Volunteers spend time with youth outdoors on the playground and help with homework if needed.
  • If interested, please sign up using this form.
  • Work at the Library! Central Rappahannock Regional Library welcomes volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks. Many of the tasks involve working with children during Fabulous Fridays, etc., but there are other volunteer opportunities as well. Visit their volunteer page and click on the volunteer link to sign up.
  • Step Up Tutoring is a non-profit that provides high-impact tutoring to help close the opportunity gap. Step-Up Tutoring provides virtual tutoring opportunities. They are dedicated to supporting elementary school students from 3rd to 6th grade by pairing adults and high school students (16+), with students to volunteer their time as virtual math tutors. The program offers flexibility, allowing volunteers to contribute from home at their convenience, and requires no prior tutoring experience (training is provided).
This is a picture of youth and says "give back to you community, become a Germanna Mentor"
  • Mentoring Germanna Community College Students. Germanna is offering three mentoring programs:
    • Great Expectations: Be a mentor for individuals who are current or former foster youth (currently or formerly in foster care) who are also Germanna students. Mentors meet with their mentees over Zoom (“face time”) and also communicate over email and text. Weekly meetings and conversations with mentees are encouraged. Volunteer mentors receive training, a free background check, and an ACES training.
      • An application is required. After completing the application and a brief interview, mentors may be asked to provide information for a free background check. More information about the Great Expectations program is on their website.
    • Gladys P. Todd Academy: Be a mentor for high school students who are getting their Associate’s Degree at Germanna Community College. Mentors meet with their mentee over Zoom (“face time”) and also communicate over email and text. Weekly meetings and conversations with mentees are encouraged. Volunteer mentors receive training, a free background check, and an ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) training.
      • An application is required. After completing the application and a brief interview, mentors may be asked to provide information for a free background check. More information about the Gladys P. Todd program is on their website.
    • Germanna M.E.N. is a two-year retention- focused mentoring program for African-American men to help foster intellectual, personal, and professional growth through relationships in the community. Germanna M.E.N is designed to create a deeper appreciation for excellence in education, service, and brotherhood. Mentors meet with their mentee over Zoom (“face time”) and also communicate over email and text. Weekly meetings and conversations with mentees are encouraged. Volunteer mentors receive training, a free background check, and an ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) training.
      • An application is required. After completing the application and a brief interview, mentors may be asked to provide information for a free background check. More information is on their website.
  • Tutoring at The Knowledge Exchange, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving Fredericksburg, is looking for volunteers to help them provide tutoring services and work with area youth. Visit their webpage to learn more.

Working with the Elderly

  • At Home Care Hospice serves patients of all cultures, faiths, and socioeconomic statuses in the greater Fredericksburg community. Patients are individuals with a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less. There are opportunities are for companionship, admin support, respite care for the patient’s family members, light housekeeping, Tuck-In calls, etc. Patients and their families greatly appreciate volunteers for companionship (reading, puzzles, cards, conversation, or anything they enjoy), brief periods of caregiver respite (perhaps a caregiver needs to run out for groceries), and even light housekeeping. Although these gestures may seem small, they make a HUGE impact for our families. Students will experience hospice care first hand, making this an ideal opportunity for students going into healthcare of a human services field.
    • For more information about volunteering, visit their webpage.
  • Conversations to Remember: Conversations to Remember offers a virtual volunteering opportunity by connecting college students with senior citizens for online conversations to combat the epidemic of loneliness. Putting a smile on the faces of seniors, including those experiencing cognitive decline, creating a bridge between seniors and youth.
    • You can find out more information and sign up here.

Healthy Generations/Area Agency on Aging: HGAAA has several volunteer opportunities available. Fill out this form if you are interested.

Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging
  • Telephone Reassurance – Checking: Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging (HGAAA) is seeking a volunteer candidate to provide regular, pre-scheduled calls to homebound older adults to reduce isolation and provide routine safety checks. Must be 18+ and pass a background check.
  • Senior Cafe Assistant Volunteer: Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging (HGAAA) is seeking a volunteer candidate to assist in one of our Agency’s Senior Cafés. Must be self-motivated, energetic, excellent people skills, and warm demeanor. Candidate must be flexible and have compassion for the older population. Responsibilities include food handling, socializing, cleaning up after meals, and assisting with activities and crafts. We seek volunteers who are free primarily during business hours. Bilingual volunteers are also appreciated. Must be 18+ and pass a background check.
  • Street Team Member: Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging (HGAAA) is seeking a volunteer candidate to help pass out flyers, post information on community boards, and distribute event and program information throughout the community. Must be self-motivated, energetic, excellent people skills, and warm demeanor. Candidate will drive own vehicle (if required). Must be 18+ and pass a background check.
  • VICAP (Medicare) Counselor Volunteer: Healthy Generations Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging is seeking a volunteer candidate to become a part of the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program. VICAP offers free, unbiased individualized counseling, community outreach, and public education about Medicare and other related health insurance topics. Volunteers for this position must have strong communication skills, be able to work independently with limited direction and supervision, be responsible and dependable to complete assigned tasks promptly, able to report and input requested data on a daily basis.
  • Senior Visitors Program: Mental Health America Fredericksburg (MHAF) is looking for students to provide social connection for seniors by connecting over phone or computer, sending notes/cards, or dropping off items to their senior on the doorstep.
    • To become a volunteer, students can fill out an application that is available on the website. Students need to complete a volunteer training. MHAF prefers volunteers to make a 6-month commitment to the program. Students can take a break between semesters or over the summer and then return to volunteering, or can stay in touch over the summer with phone calls and notes. For more information about volunteering for the Senior Visitors Program, please contact the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2704 or email mhafsv@mhafred.org.
  • James River Home Health and Hospice: Volunteers are needed at James River Home Health and Hospice, a hospice company dedicated to providing compassionate care to individuals in our community who are facing end-of-life challenges. James River Hospice is currently looking for dedicated individuals who are interested in volunteering their time and talents to make a difference in the lives of our patients throughout the Fredericksburg area. Training will be provided.
  • Charter Senior Living: Charter Senior Living of Fredericksburg is seeking volunteers to help with a range of tasks that provide opportunities for increased wellbeing and quality of life for our elderly residents. The overall program addresses the physical, intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, purposeful and adventurous needs of the residents utilizing Charter Senior Living’s Grow, Thrive, Flourish Lifestyle Categories.
    • For more information and to volunteer, contact Kate at ed@charterfredericksburg.com
  • Volunteer with Gentiva Hospice: At Gentiva Hospice, volunteers play a vital role in bringing comfort, dignity, and compassion to patients and their families during one of life’s most important journeys. Whether you’re offering companionship, assisting with administrative tasks, or sharing a special skill, your time can have a lasting impact. Join our team of dedicated volunteers and become part of a community committed to providing care from the heart. Flexible opportunities and training are available—no medical experience required.
    • If interested, please fill out our volunteer application at this link. For questions or assistance, please call Gentiva Hospice at (540) 684-1544.

Working with Diverseability

  • StepVA: StepVA has a mission to empower people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration. Interested in theater or performing arts? Step VA offers one and two day workshops periodically during the year for children with intellectual, physical, or social disabilities. Workshops are designed to foster creative expression through sensory exploration with dance, music, art, and theater.
    • If interested in volunteering, visit their webpage or email stepvainc@gmail.com for more information.
  • DisAbility Resource Center: The DisAbility Resource Center provides a range of programs and service to community members. Their mission is to assist people with disabilities to achieve the highest potential and benefit of independent living by providing them, those who support them, and the community, with information, education and resources.
  • Volunteers for the Blind: Volunteers for the Blind is looking for volunteers to help with office work, grant writing, transportation, and other tasks. Please contact Holly at 540-899-8847 or holly@volunteersfortheblind.org for more information about how to volunteer.
  • Best Buddies: Best Buddies is a non-profit organization that builds one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded.  Through their participation, people with IDD form meaningful connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences and activities that many other individuals enjoy. UMW’s Best Buddies club plans events and outings.
    • Contact them through MyUMW to find out more about their events and activities.
UMW votes logo and says student voter

Voting/Policy/Civic Engagement

  • Legal Aid Works: Interested in helping a Legal Aid organization? Visit the website for Legal Aid Works. You will be asked to submit a resume, writing sample, application form, and list of 3 references. Contact LawFred@legalaidworks.org with any questions.
  • The Office of Voter Registration and Elections located at 601 Caroline Street, Suite 500, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 has volunteering opportunities from September 19th to November 4th including outreach events, early voting, and election day.
  • Virginia21 is seeking students who would like to learn more about state policy. Virginia21 empowers college students and young Virginians to be engaged citizens and advocates for issues important to them and Virginia’s future. Email Kate at kate@virginia21.org for more information about how to join.
  • UMW Votes is seeking volunteers to help register student voters and educate students about upcoming elections. UMW Votes is a non-partisan program dedicated to educating the community about all aspects of the voting process, with a mission is to create civically-engaged students passionate about participating in our democracy. Sign up to learn more.
  • Become an Officer of Election: Visit the webpage for the Fredericksburg Registrar’s office to learn more about becoming an Election Officer. Election Officers are paid to work at the polls on Election Day and help people with the voting process.

Museums/Historic Preservation

  • Volunteer at Historic Ferry Farm: Opportunities abound at George Washington’s Ferry Farm for volunteers. Visit this page to learn more. Volunteer opportunities include:
    • EDUCATION AT SPECIAL EVENTS – Assist with set-up/take-down, work with children making craft projects, pass out brochures/maps, talk with guests.
    • CLERICAL WORK – Duties may include answering the phones, filing, organizing, database entry, mailings, and other small projects as needed in various departments.
    • GRAPHIC DESIGN – Design materials for the marketing of special events, as well as digital graphics for use on our website and social media.
    • SPECIAL PROJECTS – work with staff on special projects such as creating steps and benches at Ferry Farm, painting (murals and walls), research, and updating scripts for educational programs.
    • TOUR INTERPRETERS – lead tours at Kenmore and at Ferry Farm. Lead school tours and children’s activities at both sites.
  • National Park Service: Fredericksburg has several National Parks in the City of Fredericksburg, some of them within walking distance. The National Park Service is seeking volunteers to help with both interpretive work (public history) and with the maintenance and natural resources departments. For more information or to learn how to volunteer, email Rebecca Toy at rebecca_toy@nps.gov.

Mental Health

  • Micah Ministries is a faith-based program that helps homeless individuals in Fredericksburg. They have a downtown Homeless Hospitality Center and are seeking volunteers to help with a range of tasks. They need volunteers during the day at their Hospitality Center to work at the front desk to greet members, respond to requests, and help clean the facility. In addition, volunteers are needed in their Respite Center, a center for individuals with medical conditions checking out of the hospital.
    • If you are interested in volunteering with Micah Ministries, please create an account on their volunteer platform. You will be contacted for a short (1.5 hour) training, and then will have access to the volunteer sign up page.
  • Mental Health America Fredericksburg Region has a mission to address the behavioral health needs of our diverse communities across the Fredericksburg region by identifying gaps in local services and creating unique programs and partnerships to address them. Mental Health America Fredericksburg Region has volunteer positions and internships available each semester.

Refugee Services

  • Refugee Resettlement Program: Fredericksburg is a Refugee Resettlement City and volunteers are needed to help newcomers adjust to life in our city. You have a chance to build a lasting relationship with an immigrant family, learn more about social services in Fredericksburg, and learn more about the refugee resettlement program. Training is required and a background check is conducted (process can take 2-3 weeks, start early). To receive more information and learn about available opportunities, sign up with this form. The following volunteer opportunities are available:
    • Office Work: Work in the local office in Fredericksburg and help with a range of projects.
    • Job assistance: Help individuals create a resume and cover letter, and navigate the online application systems for large retailers like Wal-Mart, etc.
    • Case Management: Help newcomers register for social services and enroll their children in school.
    • Conversation partner for elders: Spend some time with seniors for conversation and socializing.
  • Two internships are also available:
  • Rappahannock Area Regional Adult Ed program: The Rappahannock Area Regional Adult Education program needs volunteers to work with adult English language learners, individually in tutoring settings and also as classroom aides.
    • Classes meet two days per week for 2 1/2 hours, some in the daytime and some in the evenings. Currently, evening classes are held at James Monroe High School (close to campus), Rodney Thompson Middle School in north Stafford, and at the Spotsylvania Career and Tech Center. There are also daytime classes held at various locations throughout the region.
    • They have English classes for beginners and advanced learners, and also GED prep classes. Some of the GED students are native English speakers, but many of the GED and all of the English language learners are immigrants from countries all over the world.
    • They are looking for any volunteer over age 18 who would like to work with adult education students to supplement their classroom instruction. For many of the English language learners, extra help with basic literacy skills is needed to help them keep up with written assignments in class. Tutors may work one on one with learners or as classroom aides.
    • Training will be provided for volunteers.
    • Contact sctcae@spotsylvania.k12.va.us for more info.

Food Insecurity

  • Gwen Hale Resource Center: Gwen Hale Resource Center is looking for volunteers to help them manage donations, respond to requests for resources, and spread the word about their services. The Eagle Resource Closet has a goal to eliminate food insecurity within the UMW community. Volunteers may come to help organize, collect and take inventory of supplies, as well as help with the numerous projects that go on during the school semester.

Marketing, Social Media, and Administrative

  • Thurman Brisben Center (TBC) is Fredericksburg’s residential emergency homeless center, and is looking for a volunteer to assist with office work. Fill out this form to learn more. Tasks/Skills needed:
    • Be efficient with computer skills to include Word, Power Point and Excel.
    • Support the development and implementation of recreational programs and events to raise awareness and funds for the Brisben Center.
    • Work directly with the Community Relation/Event Manager at the Brisben Center.
    • Flexible hours between 9am till 4pm. Work 3 to 4 hours a day, 2 days a week.
    • Great opportunity to become involved in public relations and community event
students standing by Downtown Greens sign
Downtown Greens, an urban gardening program in Fredericksburg, offers several internships where students learn about running a nonprofit organization.
  • Downtown Greens, a Fredericksburg urban garden, has internships and volunteering opportunities available. They offer several internships where students can learn about running a nonprofit organization.
    • Marketing Intern: Assist with social media.
    • Garden Education Intern: Work with staff on projects.
    • Product Management Intern: Track and manage sales and inventory of Downtown Greens merchandise and garden-related products.
  • Seasonal Roots, an online Farmer’s Market that supports local farmers and provides a delivery service, is looking for interns and volunteers. Interns can help with marketing (both social marketing and other strategies), data analytics, and project management. If interested, email Duane at duane@seasonalroots.com  for more information.
  • Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault (RCASA) is looking for volunteers to help create social media content including writing posts, translating information into Spanish, helping write Public Service Announcements (PSAs), and similar tasks. Volunteers should fill out a volunteer application form, and may have to complete a training program and a free background check. For more information, email volunteer@rcasa.org.

Working with Animals

  • Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program: Hazelwild Farm offers a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program every Tuesday night. They ride every Tuesday at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm (weather dependent) and volunteers help with brushing and tacking the horses and leading the horses in the ring. More information can be found on their website.
    • To apply, you need to download and fill out a volunteer form and email it to hazelwildfarm1897@gmail.com. You can also email hazelwildtrp@gmail.com with any questions and to learn more about volunteering. You must provide your own transportation to the farm (about 10 mins away).
This is an image of two puppies playing.
  • Fredericksburg SPCA: The SPCA is looking for volunteers. There are always a million things to do to provide the animals the shelter with the best care possible. Some of the jobs that are always available to volunteers include laundry, dishes, mopping, cleaning, and general shelter organization. If volunteers would like to volunteer more closely with the animals, they can sign up for one of the dog trainings. This training is completely free of cost. Once you have completed the course, you can walk the dogs at the SPCA and give them some much-needed TLC.
    • If interested, you can find out more information on the SPCA website or email the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@fredspca.org. All volunteers are required to do a volunteer orientation with a staff member at the SPCA.  After completing this, volunteers are able to come back anytime between 9am-6pm 7 days a week.
  • Old Dominion Humane Society is looking for volunteers. The shelter is 100% volunteer run, and they have an awesome group of volunteers who do everything from general clean up, supporting adoption events, reviewing applications, taking dogs on field trips, transporting dogs to appointments, fostering dogs, marketing on social media, fundraising, etc.
  • Re-Tail Thrift Store & Rikki’s Refuge: Re-Tail Thrift Store is looking for volunteers to help in the store. The store is run for the benefit of the animals at Rikki’s Refuge animal sanctuary in Orange, Virginia – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Volunteers can help in all areas of the store from donation intake to pricing, to setting up displays and “niche” corners, store layout and more. Volunteers only need to put in at least four hours each week – they don’t have to all be in one day. There is a FRED bus stop directly across the street from the store (Lafayette and Hill). Gain leadership experience, find your own treasures, and help ensure the dogs, cats, emus, pigs and other animals at Rikki’s have food, medicine, and infrastructure to keep them safe and happy.
    • Contact Volunteers@RikkisRefuge.org for more information.

Two people stand by the river in front of three kayaks.

Environment

  • Friends of the Rappahannock: Friends of the Rappahannock has a mission to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River. They support the river through education, restoration, and advocacy. Visit their volunteer page to learn more.
  • Seasonal Roots, an online Farmer’s Market that supports local farmers and provides a delivery service, is looking for interns and volunteers. Interns can help with marketing (both social marketing and other strategies), data analytics, and project management. If interested, email Duane at duane@seasonalroots.com  for more information.
  • National Park Service: Fredericksburg has several National Parks in the City of Fredericksburg, some of them within walking distance. The National Park Service is seeking volunteers to help with both interpretive work (public history) and with the maintenance and natural resources departments. For more information or to learn how to volunteer, email Rebecca Toy at rebecca_toy@nps.gov.

Medical and Pre-Health 

  • UMW Red Cross Club: The UMW Red Cross Club sponsors a Blood Drive on campus each month. Find more information on MyUMW on their organization page.
  • Volunteer with Mary Washington Hospice: Mary Washington Healthcare’s Hospice Program is looking for volunteers to help in one of three areas:
    • Office Work – help with filing, phone calls, or mailings
    • Non-clinical patient care – Work in a Hospice facility and provide conversation and companionship for patients
    • Bereavement Responsibilities: Learn about how Hospice manages the bereavement process. This mostly involves social support through sending cards, making phone calls, and weekend “tuck in” phone calls to families to check on their needs for the weekend.
    • Mary Washington Hospice volunteers can provide patient care services for up to four hours a week per patient in the home or a facility. Examples of what patient care volunteers offer include: Family/Caregiver Relief; Friendly Visitor/Companionship; Reading or playing music; Light housekeeping; Care for children in the home; Support to patient and/or caregiver. Additional Opportunities: Pet Therapy (pet must meet department guidelines); Vigil Volunteers (sit with patient who is alone and close to death in the hospital, long-term care facility or patient’s home); Weekly check in or bereavement calls; Administrative support.  Volunteers will never be asked to take the place of the primary caregiver or clinical staff. The Mary Washington Hospice main office is located at 2300 Fall Hill Ave. and has flexible hours.
    • For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please contact Kathy Wall at kathrynj.wall@mwhc.com
  • Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services: FAHASS is committed to improving individual and community health through inclusive services and support. Our volunteer program offers meaningful ways for students to engage with public health, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and community outreach. Key opportunities include:
    • LGBTQ+ Community Center Support: Roles include event coordination, workshop facilitation, and participation in our Community Advisory Board (CAB), which helps plan events like our annual Pride Prom.
    • Clinic Receptionist: Ideal for nursing students, this role involves greeting clients, managing check-ins, and supporting front-desk operations at our Mosaic Care Center. It offers valuable exposure to clinical environments and patient interaction.
    • HIV/AIDS Testing Events: Volunteers assist with event setup, participant registration, and educational outreach.
  • Volunteers must be 18 or older, complete an application and orientation, and comply with confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines. All hours are tracked and reported by the Development Manager.
  • Volunteer with Gentiva Hospice – Make a Meaningful Difference: At Gentiva Hospice, volunteers play a vital role in bringing comfort, dignity, and compassion to patients and their families during one of life’s most important journeys. Whether you’re offering companionship, assisting with administrative tasks, or sharing a special skill, your time can have a lasting impact. Join our team of dedicated volunteers and become part of a community committed to providing care from the heart. Flexible opportunities and training are available—no medical experience required. If interested, please fill out our volunteer application at this link. For questions or assistance, please call Gentiva Hospice at (540) 684-1544.
  • Volunteer with Legacy Hospice: Are you looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join Legacy Hospice’s dedicated volunteer team and bring joy, comfort, and support to those who need it most. Contact volunteer@legacy-hospice.com  for more information. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that cater to different skills and interests. Whether you enjoy direct interaction with patients, supporting behind the scenes, or sharing your special talents, there’s a place for you here. Explore the different ways you can make a difference and find the perfect volunteer role for you!
    • Become a Patient Care Volunteer: Visit patients to offer companionship and give caregivers a break. Activities include reading, hobbies, and running errands. Make a difference in someone’s day!
    • Share Your Talent as a Musician Volunteer: Use your musical gifts to brighten patients’ days and provide comfort to our healthcare staff. Your music can be a source of peace and joy.
    • Bring happiness as a Pet Therapy Volunteer! Share the love of your Certified Therapy Pet with patients. No hospice experience is needed, just a certified and vaccinated pet. Your visits can bring immense joy and emotional support.
logo for Fairy Godmother Project
  • Fairy Godmother Project: The Fairy Godmother Project has a mission to ease the burden of day to day life for families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis. They are seeking volunteers in their Fredericksburg office, which is close to campus, to assist with office work and working with donors.
  • Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC): Student volunteers provide needed assistance to clinical and operational staff as well as to patients and their families. The Volunteer Program works to make your volunteer experience a valuable asset toward career goals, regardless of what your specific career choice might be. Our various positions offer opportunities for students to explore clinical settings, business operations, and the extremely important role of customer service in a health care environment.
  • Gwyneth’s Gift: Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation was founded in 2015 by Joel and Jennifer Griffin in honor of their oldest daughter, Gwyneth. The mission of Gwyneth’s Gift is to raise awareness of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Through the Foundation’s work, Gwyneth’s spirit of caring, compassion, and community lives on as we create a world where everyone can save a life.
    • For more information about volunteering and internships, visit their webpage.
  • At Home Care Hospice serves patients of all cultures, faiths, and socioeconomic statuses in the greater Fredericksburg community. Patients are individuals with a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less. There are opportunities are for companionship, admin support, respite care for the patient’s family members, light housekeeping, Tuck-In calls, etc. Patients and their families greatly appreciate volunteers for companionship (reading, puzzles, cards, conversation, or anything they enjoy), brief periods of caregiver respite (perhaps a caregiver needs to run out for groceries), and even light housekeeping. Although these gestures may seem small, they make a HUGE impact for our families.
    • Students will experience hospice care first hand, making this an ideal opportunity for students going into healthcare of a human services field. For more information about volunteering, visit their webpage.
Student drilling into a frame of a house
ASB students on a trip in Palm Bay, Florida.
  • Thurman Brisben Center: TBC is looking for nursing students who would like to help administer health screenings for clients of the Thurman Brisben Center, a full service, year-round, residential emergency homeless center. Health screenings include blood pressure and other assessments. If you are interested, please contact info@brisbencenter.org.
  • Help with Vaccination Efforts: The State of Virginia is recruiting individuals for the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). You do not need a medical background to volunteer in the Medical Reserve Corps. Volunteers in the Medical Reserve Corps are helpful in many ways – they can assist at vaccination sites or may be asked perform clerical support tasks. To start the registration process, please fill out this form. We will be in touch with more information.

Working with the Homeless Population

  • Micah Ministries is a faith-based program that helps homeless individuals in Fredericksburg. They have a downtown Homeless Hospitality Center and are seeking volunteers to help with a range of tasks. They need volunteers during the day at their Hospitality Center to work at the front desk to greet members, respond to requests, and help clean the facility. In addition, volunteers are needed in their Respite Center, a center for individuals with medical conditions checking out of the hospital.
    • If you are interested in volunteering with Micah Ministries, please create an account on their volunteer platform. You will be contacted for a short (1.5 hour) training, and then will have access to the volunteer sign up page.
  • Community Canvas: Spend time with community members on art projects. Join on Mondays from 10 to 2 PM, and on Thursdays from 12 to 4 PM at 1016 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, 22401(Baptist Church downtown). With the help of the Fredericksburg Arts Commission and Micah Ministries, the Community Canvas program offers much-needed art-making opportunities to Fredericksburg neighbors experiencing homelessness.

This information is provided as a service of the UMW Center for Community Engagement but we do not endorse specific opportunities. CCE assumes no responsibility for information posted on this website. In no event shall the Center for Community Engagement or the University of Mary Washington be liable for any damages related to listed opportunities.

Community Engagement