Madison House Programs, UVA Students
Madison House
Get Involved with Madison House at UVA

Whether you're passionate about health care, education, environmental sustainability, or animal welfare, Madison House offers a wide range of programs to match your interests. Discover how to become a volunteer in one of our programs!

Get Involved with Madison House at UVA
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
COVID-19, UVA Students
Madison House
Hoos Helping (Virtually!)

On March 11, 2020, all Madison House in-person volunteering was suspended in an effort to slow the emergence of COVID-19. Shortly after, a Spring Action Team headed by Madison House student volunteers Simmy Bhatia, Caroline Hallowell, and Mikaela Rirchardson worked in coordination with Dr. Rose Cole, the Madison House Director of Community Engagement, to begin developing a virtual volunteering initiative called "Hoos Helping."

Hoos Helping (Virtually!)

Meet Student Representatives on the Madison House Board of Directors

Meet Student Representatives on the Madison House Board of Directors

Madison House is guided by a Board of Directors that brings together University leaders, community members, and students united by a shared commitment to service. The Board helps steer the organization’s mission, offering insight on everything from community partnerships to student engagement. Among its sixteen members are six student representatives who ensure that the undergraduate perspective remains central to Madison House’s work.

These students—Ashwin Durvasula, Abba Kodiaga, Macy Lindblom, Alex Peskin, Leah Rockwell, and Samrath Sandhu—each bring unique experiences and passions to their roles, from leading medical service programs to coaching youth athletics and connecting with local seniors. 

We recently caught up with four of the six student board representatives. In the following Q&A, they reflect on their paths to Madison House, the value of student leadership in service, and the impact of connecting UVA with the Charlottesville community. Learn more about them!

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Full Court Community: UVA Students and Charlottesville Youth Team Up

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Full Court Community: UVA Students and Charlottesville Youth Team Up

The Madison House youth basketball program connects UVA student volunteers with local youth leagues, creating a space where mentorship, teamwork, and joy thrive both on and off the court. From first wins to lasting friendships, this program is making an impact in Charlottesville. Discover the full story and see how VABA is changing the game!

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Service with a Smile: Emma Hinson Named a 2025-2026 Newman Civic Fellow

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Service with a Smile: Emma Hinson Named a 2025-2026 Newman Civic Fellow

Madison House is thrilled to share that Emma Hinson, track director for Animals & Environmental Services, has been named a 2025–2026 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition advancing the public purposes of higher education. The fellowship recognizes student leaders across the country who are tackling community challenges with creativity, empathy, and sustained commitment. Learn more about Emma Hinson and her remarkable journey as a Madison House student leader.

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Voices of Care: Spanish-speaking Patient Ambassadors at UVA Health

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Voices of Care: Spanish-speaking Patient Ambassadors at UVA Health

Bilingual Patient Ambassadors, who are part of Madison House’s Health & Medical Services track, assist with non-medical interpretation, wayfinding, and companionship for Spanish-speaking inpatients. Volunteers visit rooms, check in on patient experiences, and confirm that effective communication has taken place through professional translators. They also provide social interaction, often through casual conversation, reading materials, or games.

Days of Service Make Volunteering Even More Accessible at UVA

Days of Service Make Volunteering Even More Accessible at UVA

This fall, the University of Virginia is introducing a new “Days of Service” initiative, designed to expand opportunities for students to engage with the Charlottesville community through one-day service events. The project, led by Student Engagement and supported by Madison House and Public Service Pathways, offers a way for students to make an impact without the year-long commitments required by many service programs. Explore how you can get involved!

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Growing Goodness at Casa Alma

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Growing Goodness at Casa Alma

Casa Alma, a community-driven initiative in Charlottesville, provides fresh produce and animal care for local families while creating a welcoming space for student volunteers. The program is seeking volunteers for the 2025-2026 academic year. Learn how you can get involved!

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Public Service at UVA: Finding Your Path to Purpose

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Public Service at UVA: Finding Your Path to Purpose

At the University of Virginia, public service is more than a tradition—it’s a way of life. Rooted in the values of Honor and Service, UVA encourages students to lead with integrity and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Whether you're just arriving on Grounds or looking to deepen your impact, there are countless ways to get involved. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most exciting public service opportunities UVA has to offer.

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Year-round Tax Help at Madison House

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Year-round Tax Help at Madison House

Tax season may be behind us, but for Madison House, the work continues year-round. If you missed the April 15 tax filing deadline or need help with past returns, this UVA-based nonprofit is here to help at no cost to residents earning less than $70,000 per year. Learn more about what services we offer!

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Answering the Call for Community: Behind the Scenes with Crozet Volunteer Fire Department

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Answering the Call for Community: Behind the Scenes with Crozet Volunteer Fire Department

The Crozet Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) stands as a vital part of Albemarle County’s emergency services network. Covering over 100 square miles, CVFD responds to a wide range of emergencies, from fire alarms and gas leaks to car accidents and structure fires. Located in Crozet, Virginia, the department operates with a unique structure, balancing professional day crews and community-driven volunteer night crews. Read more about the Madison House volunteer experience.

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Serving Through Song: Harmonies for Healing

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Serving Through Song: Harmonies for Healing

“Although it's a non-traditional form of treatment, I have always believed that music is extremely healing,” says Harmonies for Healing Program Director Sophia Yoder. “Being part of [this program] allows me to contribute to someone's healing process and connect with people of all ages.” Read more about the Harmonies for Healing program through Madison House.

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Program Spotlight: GEMS (Girls Excited about Math and Science)

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Program Spotlight: GEMS (Girls Excited about Math and Science)

GEMS, or Girls Excited about Math and Science, aptly captures the essence of this Education and Youth program at Madison House. Volunteers and Program Directors alike comment on the ability of the program to foster true interest and engagement in elementary-aged girls as they listen and interact in volunteer-curated lesson plans. Read on to learn more about this vibrant program and the Madison House volunteers who lead lessons.

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Serving in Summer: A Conversation with Health and Medical Services Head Program Director Macy Lindblom

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Serving in Summer: A Conversation with Health and Medical Services Head Program Director Macy Lindblom

While most UVA students leave Grounds after final exams in the spring, many Madison House volunteers continue to serve the Charlottesville community. In fact, a lucky 120 undergraduate students are able to volunteer for Health and Medical Programs during the summer months through Madison House. There are opportunities for students with a variety of backgrounds and interests. Read on to learn more…

Saddle Up for Service: Volunteer with CART this Spring

Saddle Up for Service: Volunteer with CART this Spring

Charlottesville Area Riding Therapy (CART) provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons for children and adults with disabilities, and volunteers play a key role in offering these sessions. Head Program Director Maggie Monroe got involved with the nonprofit organization her second year at UVA, originally because she was taking a course—Poverty and the Young Child—which had a community service element. “I immediately felt drawn to CART as I have two younger cousins on the spectrum, one with Autism Spectrum Disorder and one with Down Syndrome,” Maggie shares. “I have always loved working with and giving back to this population, and I found CART's mission statement to be exactly what I was looking for.” Read more about CART and the Madison House volunteer experience.

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Make a Splash and Discover Unique Education & Youth Volunteer Opportunities

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Make a Splash and Discover Unique Education & Youth Volunteer Opportunities

SPLASH (Swimming Protects Lives and Sparks Hope) and the Virginia Discovery Museum (VDM) volunteer programs at Madison House both offer unique windows for UVA students to engage with children in the Charlottesville community.  Read more about these Education & Youth volunteer opportunities through Madison House.

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Hoos in Love: Madison House Celebrates Three Alumni Couples

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Hoos in Love: Madison House Celebrates Three Alumni Couples

For many UVA students, Madison House is a place to give back to the Charlottesville community—whether it’s mentoring kids, working in local clinics, or helping at food pantries and community gardens. But for a few lucky Hoos, service was a shared passion with their soulmate! This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate three UVA alumni couples who volunteered at Madison House during their undergraduate years.

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Madison House Volunteers Flock to Hogs and Kisses Farm Sanctuary

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Madison House Volunteers Flock to Hogs and Kisses Farm Sanctuary

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.

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Madison House Volunteers Make a Case for Legal Advocacy

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Madison House Volunteers Make a Case for Legal Advocacy

Only through Madison House do a select number of passionate undergraduate UVA students get to volunteer with the Legal Aid Justice Center, a community-based mutual aid and legal firm. In a typical semester, 15 Madison House volunteers dedicate at least 5 hours per week working virtually or at the center. Volunteers spend most of their time interacting with clients, helping clients and attorneys communicate, and completing client intakes.