The Virginia Home
359-4093 or thevirginiahome.org
This long-term care facility assists adults with physical disabilities, focusing on improving the quality of life of its residents by hosting events and creating programs. Volunteers advance this mission by engaging residents in activities like walks, reading and participating in arts and crafts projects.
Museum of the Confederacy
649-1861, ext. 11, or moc.org
The Museum of the Confederacy contains an amazing collection that includes the provisional constitution of the Confederate States, the uniform and sword worn by Gen. Robert E. Lee when he surrendered at Appomattox Court House, the pen of surrender and the flag draped over Stonewall Jackson when his body was lying in state. Volunteers at the museum act as guides to the White House of the Confederacy, serve as living-history interpreters and assist research in the library.
Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services
545-6289 or cccofva.org
Serving victims of persecution and civil war, this program run by Commonwealth Catholic Charities assists relocated people from all over the world, including Iraq, Vietnam and parts of Africa. The group helps families and individuals resettle and get acclimated to life in America. Volunteers provide family mentoring, employment assistance, transportation, ESL and homework tutoring to immigrants.
Meals on Wheels
673-5035 or mowdelivers.com
With meals being delivered to 1,800 homebound, elderly and disabled Richmond residents, Meals on Wheels requires a lot of help, and volunteers are the key to its success. MOW has more than 200 volunteers dropping off fresh, nutritious meals on a daily basis to clients. The agency's largest distribution center serves 37 routes.
In addition to the meal delivery, volunteers check on clients daily to see how they are doing. MOW clients are given a connection to the outside world by each visit.
Hospice of Virginia
281-0451 or hospiceofva.com
The Hospice of Virginia serves patients with terminal illnesses and their families, focusing on comfort care instead of curative treatment. Volunteers visit with patients, offer emotional and spiritual support, and assist with shopping and errands.
The READ Center
288-9930 or readcenter.org
The READ Center provides tutor training for volunteers who want to help adult learners improve their reading and communication skills. Tutor trainees receive eight hours of training and have an opportunity to observe students in a classroom before practicing their newly acquired skills. Experienced teachers are available to support tutors as they work with individual adult learners. READ's service area includes Amelia, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond. Last year more than 379 adults seeking reading instruction came to The READ Center for help.
Bon Air Juvenile Correction Center
Housing residents who have been convicted by the state's juvenile courts, the center serves a co-ed population. Volunteers can help by serving as academic tutors and mentors, and by supporting residents involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. They also can assist with recreational and arts programs, provide musical instruction, and get involved with faith-based efforts.
