Caroline Biondo is a recent Madison House alumna. In her time at the House, she was a volunteer for Bridging the Gap. Through this program, she was able to connect with resettled refugee children in the Charlottesville area, forging deep and lasting relationships not only with the children she worked with, but with their families as well. Talking about how much those relationships still mean to her, she says, “I still answer the phone anytime I get a call from Charlottesville in the hope that it’s them, and, a few times, it has been.” 

Since graduating from UVA, Caroline has continued to work with refugees both on a professional and volunteer basis. Currently, she is working with the Department of Health and Human Services on a resettlement project for unaccompanied youth. Reflecting on her work, she notes that, “it’s really crazy how Madison House has affected my life, because, years later, I find myself still talking about and leaning on those experiences.”

Caroline was also a student member of the Madison House board during her 3rd and 4th year at UVA. From both her volunteer and board experiences with Madison House, Caroline recognizes the importance of service and the impact that Madison House volunteers have in the community. This is why she decided to stay involved as a donor. “When I donate to Madison House,” says Caroline, “I know that my money is going to be used to benefit both the Charlottesville community and UVA students.”

Caroline knows the impact of the House, and she stands as an example of how becoming a donor empowers Madison House alumni to continue supporting their peers, their community, and the House overall. Because of her gift, more students can continue to serve their community and learn from their peers and neighbors. “As a young alumni, I’m not the biggest donor,” says Caroline, “but I know, and I want others to know, that every gift counts.” 

Author: Brady Holbrook; bgh7wen@virginia.edu

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