Volunteering at UMFS
We are honored that you are interested in volunteering for UMFS. You will be a vital part of touching lives and creating futures. Your volunteerism will allow us to put more resources towards the direct care of our children and families. Individual and group volunteers are welcome at UMFS. We update opportunities regularly, so check back with us often. If you have a special skill set that you think we would find valuable, please feel free to contact us directly. Because of the sensitive nature of our work, we require that volunteers be 18 years of age or older. To learn more, please contact Bethanie Constant, 804-254-9674.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Art Room Helpers assist staff and youth during art class at our Charterhouse School. Volunteers will help students with crafts, painting, pottery, and other art projects as assigned. Volunteers should enjoy working with adolescents, be dependable and patient. This volunteer opportunity is available to individuals only during the school day (8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) during art periods. You must sign up ahead of time to participate. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity contact Bethanie Constant at 804-254-9674.
Support Group Assistants assist staff with three groups of children whose parents are attending adoption and foster parent support groups. Volunteers play games, do crafts, and help feed children dinner. This volunteer opportunity is available on the first Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. You must sign up ahead of time to participate; to volunteer, contact Catherine Lemon at 804-353-4461, ext.1403.
Meal Support is an opportunity for groups to provide a meal for either the children or foster/adoptive parents for a support group meeting. Meals for children generally consist of ”kid-friendly" foods such as pizza, chicken fingers, etc., and need to serve 30. Meals for adults consist of an entrée and drinks for 30. This volunteer opportunity is available on the first Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. You must sign up ahead of time to participate; to volunteer, contact Catherine Lemon at 804-353-4461, ext.1403.
Support Group Assistants help staff with children whose parents are attending adoption and foster parent support groups. Volunteers play games, do crafts, and help feed children dinner. This volunteer opportunity is available one Thursday each month from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m. Volunteers must be 18 or older. You must sign up ahead of time to participate; to volunteer, contact Melinda Elliott at 434-757-1065.
Flyer Distribution Volunteers assist in disseminating information regarding the need for foster parents, events, trainings, etc. Flyers will be provided by UMFS staff and need to be posted in community centers, coffee shops, places of worship, grocery stores, workplaces, and neighborhoods. You will work with staff to decide where and when posting will occur. You must have your own vehicle available. This volunteer opportunity is available any day of the week and at anytime. To volunteer, contact the respective person below:
Richmond – Jean Hepburn at 804-353-4461, ext. 1451
Tidewater – Adalay Wilson at 757-490-9791
South Central – Melinda Elliott at 434-757-1065
Fredericksburg – Terry Martin at 540-898-1773 *especially needed in King George and Culpeper
