Animals & Environment, Community Partners
Madison House
Madison House Volunteers Flock to Hogs and ...

Hogs and Kisses is a micro-sanctuary that opened its barn doors in Charlottesville in 2021. This year, Madison House is partnering with the farm to give UVA students an opportunity to volunteer with the seven pigs, five rabbits, and two turkeys! Click to learn more about Hogs & Kisses and the volunteer experience.

Madison House Volunteers Flock to Hogs and Kisses Farm Sanctuary
COVID-19, Community Partners, History, Volunteer Stories, UVA Students
Madison House
Looking Ahead, and Celebrating Over 50 Years of ...

Madison House’s Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CASH) program works to train and coordinate student-volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low- and moderate-income community members…This year marks 15 years since the launch of the C’ville Tax Aid Coalition — a partnership including Madison House and the University of Virginia Community Credit Union that is coordinated by the United Way of Greater Charlottesville. Since its inception in 2007, the Coalition has generated over $35 million in direct economic impact for the Charlottesville area community.

Looking Ahead, and Celebrating Over 50 Years of Madison House Tax Preparation
Volunteer Stories, UVA Students
Madison House
Student Leadership: Chelsea Li

As a first year at the University of Virginia (UVA), Chelsea Li (CLAS ‘20) wanted to soak up all the opportunities that the University had to offer. She found herself exploring new clubs and classes and was especially eager to be in the community. “In high school,” she said, “I felt as if I was missing a lot of the learning that happens outside the classroom.” This desire to stretch her curiosity across disciplines and interests, along with an intrinsic desire to uplift those around her, was what first brought Chelsea to Madison House.

Student Leadership: Chelsea Li
Alumni, Volunteer Stories, Student Athletes
Madison House
Olympic Silver Medalist Paige Madden’s Madison ...

The House has long been a place where students can come to find or rediscover themselves and their place within the community. This held true for Paige, who shared that “it gives me peace of mind knowing that I am a good swimmer but that's not what defines me. There's so much more to life, like helping others. My time at Madison House has allowed me to see that.”

Olympic Silver Medalist Paige Madden’s Madison House Experience
COVID-19, UVA Students
Madison House
Madison House Youth Mentoring Volunteer ...

Kruse, from Ridgeland, Mississippi, is a fourth-year student in the McIntire School of Commerce. She initially got involved in the program because of her prior experience in advocacy work.

“Ultimately, the goal of the program is for students to learn about environmental science through a native lens,” Kruse said. “Maelee Hearington, another UVA student, and I wrote the curriculum to focus on science, social activism and social justice. We also provide additional resources like workbooks, markers, easels and notebooks.”

Madison House Youth Mentoring Volunteer Inspires Native American Youth Through Science
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Volunteer Spotlight: Julia Hohenstein

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Volunteer Spotlight: Julia Hohenstein

Julia Hohenstein is a third-year in the McIntire School of Commerce, concentrating in Finance and IT and also double-majoring in statistics. Julia is the co-chair of the Madison House Board of Directors, a board that is comprised of five student members and 10 community members. She has also volunteered with Madison House as a tutor and an income tax preparation assistant through the program CASH. Additionally, Julia participated in Alternative Spring Break during both her first and second years. Her first trip was to Portland, OR, where she worked with Portland Parks and Recreation. The following year, Julia attended the Death Valley, CA, trip where she worked with the National Parks Service. Both trips were programs that focused on environmental stewardship. Finally, Julia also serves on the Public Service Programming Board, an organization that strives to provide funding for student-run service projects that benefit the community.

RYAN’S ON THE RUN AGAIN, THIS TIME FOR MADISON HOUSE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

RYAN’S ON THE RUN AGAIN, THIS TIME FOR MADISON HOUSE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

“Running a marathon can be a solitary pursuit, so over the past few years I’ve tried to make it about more than just me,” [President Ryan] said. “In the past I’ve run for teachers, but this time I’ll be running to support Madison House, which does incredible work helping students serve the community. I want to thank everyone who is donating to help them do even more.”

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El evento “Celebración de Servicio” remarca a las organizaciones estudiantiles y sin fines de lucro durante el Fin de Semana Inaugural

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El evento “Celebración de Servicio” remarca a las organizaciones estudiantiles y sin fines de lucro durante el Fin de Semana Inaugural

“El día de hoy es para celebrar tanto el servicio como la comunidad y cuando se trata de la comunidad, lo que a mí me parece increíblemente importante es construir puentes”, dijo el presidente de la Universidad, Jim Ryan.

Como parte de la celebración inaugural del presidente de la Universidad Jim Ryan este fin de semana pasado, se llevó a cabo un evento de “Celebración de Servicio” el sábado en el McIntire Amphitheater [Anfiteatro de McIntire] para enfatizar el compromiso de Ryan como el noveno presidente de la U.Va. al servicio público y para devolver a la comunidad local.

El evento público gratuito acentuó las organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro dirigidas por estudiantes y en el área de Charlottesville, incluyendo Madison House [Casa Madison] y otras organizaciones independientes contratadas.

La Casa Madison es una organización de voluntarios sin fines de lucro, la cual no está afiliada con la Universidad, y ubicada en 170 Rugby Road, cerca del Museo de Arte Fralin.

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Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Newman

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Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Newman

Rachel Newman is a fourth-year in the School of Engineering, majoring in biomedical engineering. She is the head program director for the Madison House recreational therapy program. Through the recreational therapy program, volunteers interact with individuals with physical or mental disabilities, helping others learn and develop essential life skills.

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Volunteer Spotlight: Sam Powers

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Volunteer Spotlight: Sam Powers

Sam Powers is a third-year in the College, majoring in Statistics and Religious Studies and the Masters in Public Health program. Sam is involved in Center for Global Health research and community-based research with the Legal Aid Justice Center. He also volunteers through the Madison House Music Mentoring program and is the Vice Chair for First Years on the University Judiciary Committee. Sam spent this summer in Rwanda as a Center for Global Health Scholar researching the relationship between faith-based and public healthcare systems and disparities in malnutrition.

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Madison House and Charlottesville Nonprofits Launch #DearYoungPerson Campaign

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Madison House and Charlottesville Nonprofits Launch #DearYoungPerson Campaign

“After the horrific events of Aug. 11 and 12 at the University and in downtown Charlottesville, Athena’s first thought was how to reassure area youth that they are loved,” said Madison House Executive Director Tim Freilich. “I’m happy that Madison House volunteers can help deliver that message.”

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Volunteer Reflections: The People in Need of Assistance

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Volunteer Reflections: The People in Need of Assistance

Madison House's 2017 Volunteer of the Year, Jamie Cranmer, asked three Loaves and Fishes volunteers from Madison House's Hoos Assisting With Life Obstacles (HALO) program to share the one thing they wish more people knew about clients in need of food assistance. Read Jamie's reflections and find out what these volunteers shared.

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One BIG day: Madison House student leaders and volunteers ready for The BIG Event on April 8

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One BIG day: Madison House student leaders and volunteers ready for The BIG Event on April 8

“The BIG Event furthers Madison House’s goal of building partnerships with individuals and organizations throughout the area,,” said Madison House Executive Director Tim Freilich. “We are proud to bring hundreds of individuals together in a day of service to build relationships and make tangible differences in the community.”

Sewing Change: Madison House alumnae co-found fashion line with focus on social justice

Sewing Change: Madison House alumnae co-found fashion line with focus on social justice

“We’re using the success of Mollie’s designs and product to help raise awareness for, and ideally, help support organizations that have a bigger cause beyond a clothing line,” says co-founder Taylor. She and head designer Mollie credit the experience of public service with organizations like Madison House as integral to their development as entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and creatives.

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Graduates give back: Madison House Alumni Network continues spirit of community service

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Graduates give back: Madison House Alumni Network continues spirit of community service

The Madison House Alumni Network (MHAN) recently hosted two regional community service events for Madison House alumni in the Fairfax, VA and Atlanta, GA areas. The mission of the MHAN is to support and strengthen Madison House's tradition of volunteer service.

A new venture: Former UVA faculty, Madison House board member invests in future of volunteer service

A new venture: Former UVA faculty, Madison House board member invests in future of volunteer service

“I saw a picture on the front page of The Daily Progress of UVA students camped out in the rain waiting to sign up to volunteer at Madison House,” Karin remembers. “It was so far beyond anything that I understood about students. It was amazing.”

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Building leaders: Madison House alumnus helps develop unique new volunteer program

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Building leaders: Madison House alumnus helps develop unique new volunteer program

“It gives students the opportunity to refine both their construction skills and leadership skills,” says Program Director Tessa. “As a Crew Leader, students will use the skills they obtain during training to eventually help other volunteers on a site.”

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Madison House, UVA Career Center, and UVA Learning in Action Present Serving Society Conference

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Madison House, UVA Career Center, and UVA Learning in Action Present Serving Society Conference

In an effort to advise Madison House volunteers and UVA students on careers in public service, Madison House partnered with UVA Career Center and UVA Learning in Action to present the first annual Serving Society Conference.

Spring 2017 UVA Course Designed for Madison House Volunteers

Madison House and the UVA writing department will be partnering in the spring of 2017 to offer a unique one-credit liberal arts course to current Madison House student leaders and student volunteers.

Titled, "Words Matter: Writing, Leadership, and Community Engagement" (LASE 2559) and taught by Kate Stephenson, the course will explore the relationship between the written word, being a leader and being actively involved in the community. Madison House student leaders will draw on their current experiences to reflect on their involvement with community programs and their role as liaisons between the University and the Charlottesville community. 

"We are excited to partner with the UVA writing department to offer an opportunity for Madison House leaders and volunteers to connect their experiences in the community to their academic and professional pursuits," says Director of Community Engagement Rachel Winters. "Participating in a course with ample opportunities for writing and reflection will provide students a dedicated space to make meaning of their community engagement experiences, and the potential effect it has on them as students and citizens." 

Students will collaborate with a community partner and the professor to develop a writing project that explores the intersections between social issues, politics and civic engagement. These projects range from research papers to photo essays, oral histories or digital writing. Participants will also learn how to present leadership experiences on a resume and in a professional interview—demonstrating how writing lives beyond the classroom and evokes change in the community. 

For more information on the course, please contact instructor Kate Stephenson at sks9h@eservices.virginia.edu, or our Director of Community Engagement Rachel Winters at rwinters@madisonhouse.org

New Director of Development Joins Madison House

We are thrilled to announce that Melissa Fountain will be joining Madison House as our new Director of Development!

Melissa comes to Madison House after nearly ten years of experience working with UVA Advancement. Most recently, she served as the Associate Director of Reunion Giving at the University. 

Melissa brings a wealth of development experience to the Madison House team, and we look forward to her official start the week of November 21. 

You can reach Melissa at mfountain@madisonhouse.org.

Be a Sponsor for Madison House's Holiday Sharing

Madison House's annual Holiday Sharing program kicked off with "Falliday Sharing," a festive "tailgate" on The Lawn. Each year, with the help of students leaders, volunteers, organizations and individuals from across the community, Holiday Sharing partners with the Salvation Army of Charlottesville to provide holiday gifts and three full meals for over 100 low-income families. 

Now, Holiday Sharing needs your help! Sign up to sponsor a family in need. 

"Sponsoring a family with Holiday Sharing provides the opportunity to make a huge impact on the lives of people in our very own Charlottesville community," says Head Program Director Emily Brown. "Many recipients have expressed that without Holiday Sharing, celebrating the holidays in their household just wouldn't be possible."

The deadline to sign up to sponsor a family is November 18. On December 3, or "Distribution Day," volunteers will be able to give their donations directly to the gift recipients in a special celebration of giving and the holiday spirit. 

For more information, please email holidaysharing@madisonhouse.org, or read an overview of our Holiday Sharing program.