Volunteer

• 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 and sign up here.

• Tutors Needed for Stafford Junction: 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 with 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 (PDF). This form will be submitted to Stafford Junction.
  • Complete a free background check (link will be sent upon request).

• Volunteers Needed – Stafford County 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. If you are interested in volunteering or applying for a position, please fill out this form, or contact Hunter at berryha@staffordschools.net.

• Volunteers Needed: Fredericksburg City Schools. Fredericksburg City Public Schools is looking for volunteers this year to help in the classrooms. They are eager to find students to help out in the Kindergarten classes at Hugh Mercer Elementary School, but have other opportunities available as well. Please fill out this form and we will be in touch to set up your volunteer times.

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  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.

• Bookmobile of Fredericksburg: The Bookmobile of Fredericksburg has many volunteer opportunities. You can assist with events, sort books, or sign up to read to children.

• 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. 

• Tutoring: 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 here and sign up here. 

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

  • 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 MHAF website. Students do need to complete a volunteer training (they hope to have the next volunteer training in March). 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. To learn more about volunteering, please contact volunteers@jamesriverhh.com .

• 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.

• The Alzheimers Association is hosting a Walk to End Alzheimers in Fredericksburg and would love to get some UMW students involved! They are currently recruiting 2-3 new committee members and would like to invite any students who have an interest in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, event planning, or community outreach/engagement. They ask for a 1 hour commitment/month from March until Walk day (11/2/24). To get involved or learn more, contact Tanya at  tcelgin@alz.org.

• Angels on Wheels: The Angels are on a mission to “Love Thy Neighbors” by providing support such as food, clothing and resources to improve the lives of our at-risk and hungry neighbors who are in need, while filling gaps within our community by providing volunteer support to community agencies.  Angels On Wheels Charity Organization is looking for volunteers to: Manage Website, Deliver food to disabled veterans and homebound seniors, Cook meals to serve the homeless community, but also Data Input, Spreadsheet Development, and other such tasks. Apply here: Volunteer Application Form. You can also visit us at https://angelsonwheelscharity.org/. If you have questions or problems with the form, please email us at angelsonwheelsorg@gmail.com.

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. Visit their Volunteer Page to learn more.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• Volunteer with the 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

• The Fredericksburg Food Bank has many volunteer opportunities. Visit their webpage to explore your options and sign up.

• 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. Email eagleresourcecloset@gmail.com to volunteer with the Gwen Hale Resource Center.

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

• 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.

• Volunteer Tax Prep: Help people prepare their taxes with the local United Way. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at United Way conducts trainings for volunteers. To volunteer, you need to complete a training and take an online certification test. If you are interested, email Teresa Jenkins at tjenkins@rappahannockunitedway.org (or call (540) 373-0041 x319) and you will receive more information.  A Volunteer Tax Preparer will conduct client interviews, help clients complete accurate tax returns, and distribute client surveys. Volunteer Tax Preparers must be comfortable speaking with people, reviewing tax documents for information, and using a computer-based tax software to help clients complete tax returns. Volunteer Tax Preparers may be asked to help with reviewing tax returns that have been completed by other volunteer Tax Preparers prior to filing (Quality Reviews).

• 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.

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: 1) Office Work – help with filing, phone calls, or mailings; 2) Non-clinical patient care – Work in a Hospice facility and provide conversation and companionship for patients; 3) 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.

• 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. If you are interested, reach out to FGP’s Program Coordinator at pc@fairygodmotherproject.org.

• 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.

• Moss Free Clinic: Moss Free Clinic has a mission to improve the health and wellness of low-income, underserved people through quality healthcare delivered in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Pre-health majors from local universities can provide support services while getting experience in a community-based healthcare delivery system. To sign up visit their volunteer page.

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

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.