Check out a list of Madison House volunteer programs below that are still seeking a few new recruits for this year! (Last updated: February 24, 2026)

Animals & Environmental Services

Gallastar Farms
- Ranger's Refuge at Gallastar is a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Esmont home to over two hundred rescued farm animals! Volunteers should wear clothes and shoes they don't mind getting dirty and bring a water bottle. Volunteering is outdoors and tasks typically include helping to feed the animals, cleaning animal enclosures, and helping with small equipment repairs. To volunteer, submit an interest form or contact program directors Samuel Baker or Emma Hinson.
Houses of Wood & Straw
- HOWS was created in 2008 to improve the lives and well-being of outside dogs in Charlottesville and surrounding areas. Volunteers deliver dog houses and assemble fences/pens. Sometimes volunteers work events to benefit HOWS at the Ting Pavilion. To volunteer, submit an interest form or contact program director Lilly Lopez.

Parks and Trails
- Partnering with the local Rivanna Trails Foundation, volunteers meet on the second Saturday of each month to work on various projects on a portion of the trail. Past projects have included cleaning up after storms, installing bridges, and setting up a new story walk. To volunteer, submit an interest form or contact program director Sophia Fox.

Education & Youth Services

ACEing Autism Tennis
- Help children on the autism spectrum build confidence, social connection, and lifelong skills through tennis. Trained volunteers are paired up with athletes to support their individual needs. Volunteers are scheduled on Sundays (March 22 & 29 and April 5, 12, 19, & 26) from 12-1pm at Boars Head Resort Indoor Tennis Courts. To learn more, contact program director Mia Seltman.
Music Resource Center
- The MRC provides free music lessons, recording equipment, studio space, and a creative community for local Charlottesville middle- and high-school students. Volunteers give private music lessons, participate in impromptu jam sessions with MRC members, and help monitor the MRC front desk. Volunteer commitment is one-hour per week, days and times are flexible. The site is located at 105 Ridge Street in Charlottesville and is accessible by public transportation. To learn more, contact program director Ella Notis.
SPLASH
- Swimming Protects Lives and Sparks Hope! This organization raises awareness of the need, and provides the motivation, systems, and tools to waterproof our community so that all children have basic swimming skills and are safe around water. SPLASH volunteers help coach children (usually young children) with little to no prior experience in an effort to help them develop skills for water safety. Volunteer commitment is one or more hours per week. The schedule is flexible! Typically shifts can be Monday through Thursday from 4:00-5:00pm or on Sunday between 2:30-4:30pm. Program sites include Crow Hill Pool and the ACAC Albemarle Square. To learn more, contact program director Lily Liau.

Virginia Discovery Museum
- The Virginia Discovery Museum is a small nonprofit museum that centers learning through play. Volunteers help enhance the learning experience of children attending the museum and aid in hands on teaching experiences and imaginative exploration that is community-centered. Volunteer roles include gallery worker (playing with kids, tidying up, helping out with programming) and front desk worker (answering questions, checking people in, and other administrative duties). Volunteers commit to one 2.5-hour shift each week and play an important role in creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring learning environment for children and families. The museum is located on the Downtown Mall and provides free parking validation for volunteers or easy access by CAT trolley. To learn more, contact program director Claire DeBusk.

Health & Medical Services

Charlottesville Area Riding Therapy (CART)
- Join an inspirational team providing adaptive riding and equine assisted services in the Charlottesville community. No prior equine experience is necessary! To learn more, contact program directors Lily Ji or Cadence Layne.
UVA Health Summer Programs
- Visit this page of the Madison House website to learn more about volunteer opportunities this summer.

Human Services

Meals on Wheels
- Seeking drivers to deliver meals Monday - Friday between 10:30am and 12:30pm. Must have own transportation. To learn more, contact program director Anay Upadhyay.