Volunteer and Service Opportunities

Interested in volunteering in the local community?

Two annual, campus-wide events—the MLK Service Challenge in January and The Big Event in March—provide students with an opportunity to engage in the community. 

A number of local agencies are seeking involvement from Longwood students—examples include:

Local Agencies

• Bright Eyes Alpaca Retreat
• Department of Conservation and Recreation-High Bridge Trail State Park
• Department of Conservation and Recreation-Twin Lakes State Park
• Elwood’s Cabinet student food pantry
• F.A.C.E.S. community food bank
  
• Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce
• Farmville Fire Department
• Heart of Virginia Free Clinic
• Gerald L. Baliles Center for Environmental Education at Hull Springs
• LOC Family Services
• Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA)
• Longwood LIFE
• Moton Museum
• Piedmont Habitat for Humanity
• Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad
• STEPS Head Start
• Virginia Legal Aid

Community Partner Directory

The following is represents community organizations that currently work with Longwood University. Each agency has a variety of volunteer and learning opportunities for students, staff, and faculty.

Not all of these organizations have a direct connection with the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

On this Page

• Animals
• Arts
• Education - Adult
• Elderly
• Emergency & Health Services
• Environmental Awareness & State Parks
• FACES
• Housing Restoration
• Hunger
• Walks
• Youth Education & Recreation

Animals

Southside SPCA--Animal Shelter

The mission of Southside SPCA is to provide humane care and shelter for abandoned animals, to provide loving and responsible homes for their residents, and to educate the public about spay/neuter programs in order to reduce the ever-growing overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats. Volunteers are always welcome to help care for the residents! Learn more about the Animal Shelter

BrightEyes Alpaca Retreat - http://www.brighteyesalpacas.com/
Agritourism venue that owns & operates as an alpaca farm. We use our venue to introduce our farm alpacas & livestock guardian dogs to the public for education, training, and volunteer organizations. We offer tours, and classes (for individuals/ classes/groups), and coordinate service projects for groups to perform their community service onsite. Just ask APO, Honors College, etc about their experience! We also offer 1 credit -3 credit internship opportunities for college students in the area. In addition, we operate an Airbnb on the property

Glory Reins Ranch - http://www.gloryreins.com/
Glory Reins serves Farmville and the surrounding five counties. We offer experiential tours. We have horse and non-horse volunteer opportunities and we offer internships.

Morgan's Mutts RAC
We are looking for Dog walkers and volunteers to help clean up around the rescue, we're also always looking for foster homes

White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue - https://www.whitebirdapps.com/
Volunteers wanted - all ages and experience levels.

Arts

ART Kids Program (LCVA)

The Art Kids Program is a joint endeavor of the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts and Prince Edward County Elementary School (PECES). Program participants are third and fourth grade students who are identified PECES as having difficulty with anger management. Volunteers can assist with various aspects of this and other LCVA programs.

Learn more about ART online or contact the LCVA by calling (434)395-2648

Longwood Center for the Visual Arts

The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts offers volunteers a variety of unique experiences! Learn more online about volunteering for the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts or [email protected].

Moton School Museum

The Robert Russa Moton Museum is committed to the preservation and positive interpretation of the history of civil rights in education, specifically as it relates to Prince Edward County and the role its citizens played in America's struggle to move from a segregated to an integrated society. The Museum will be operated to promote positive discussion of integration and to advance the positions that ensure racial harmony. Learn more about Moton School Museum

Waterworks Players

Waterworks Players provide the community with live theatre to area audiences and have provided an artistic outlet for local actors, singers, designers, and technicians. The players are all volunteers coming from the community that they serve. Learn more about Waterworks Players

Education - Adult

Longwood Speech, Hearing and Learning Services

The Longwood Speech, Hearing and Learning Services (SHLS) works to provide targeted tutoring and other professional services to children, adults and families in Southside Virginia. The LCCLL is always looking for students to volunteer as tutors at the center. The LCCLL is also an excellent way for volunteers interested in communication sciences and disorders and education to gain "hands-on" experience related to their coursework!

STEPS, Inc.

STEPS is a private-non-profit providing vocational training for persons with disabilities. Volunteers can adopt a "buddy" and take part in their mentoring program. Learn more about STEPS online

Elderly

The Woodland

The Woodland is an excellent place for volunteers to interact with the residents in a variety of ways, including decorating for various holidays, helping with games and crafts, providing entertainment, or just visiting and being a friend! The staff is friendly and always welcoming to volunteers.  Learn more about The Woodland

Hospice of Central Virginia

At the heart of Hospice are its caring volunteers. People like you who have been touched in some way by the kindness of Hospice and wish to give back. People who simply want to give of themselves. While our volunteers are often family or friends of a Hospice patient, they are always people who want to help others in a time of need. Hospice volunteers are special people who share a common bond of compassion, a commitment to excellent care and a profound respect for the choices and comfort of patients and families struggling with end-of-life issues and emotions. Our volunteers are highly trained and well prepared to provide whatever is needed, when it is needed most. Hospice volunteers become part of a family of dedicated individuals fulfilling a promise to be there. Learn more about the hospice

Piedmont Geriatric Hospital

Learn more about Piedmont Geriatric Hospital

SCOPE /Meals on Wheels

SCOPE/ Meals on Wheels provides hot meals to homebound and handicapped individuals (mostly seniors) Monday thru Friday at lunchtime. Volunteers help deliver meals to individuals. Learn more about Meals on Wheels

Emergency & Support Services

VA Department of Forestry

Learn more about the VA Department of Forestry

Pregnancy Support Center of Southside Virginia

Pregnancy Support Center of Southside Virginia is a life-affirming Christian ministry offering emotional, physical, and spiritual support to women facing pregnancy issues, sexual decisions, and post-abortion trauma. Volunteers help provide peer counseling, educational and material services, all of which are confidential and free of charge. Learn more about the Pregnancy Support Center

Prince Edward County Volunteer Fire Department*

Learn more about the Fire Department

Southside Center for Violence Prevention

Southside Center for Violence Prevention is a non-profit domestic violence and sexual assault program which includes Madeline's House, the Crisis Hotline, Piedmont Crisis Center, and Madeline's House Thrift store. Contact Kathy Reed at [email protected]

The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross supplies all hospitals in the area with blood. They are the Sole suppliers to Southside Community Health Center in Farmville. Volunteers help hold blood drives to collect blood for area patients. Learn more about organizing a Blood Drive

Hospice of Central Virginia

At the heart of Hospice are its caring volunteers. People like you who have been touched in some way by the kindness of Hospice and wish to give back. People who simply want to give of themselves. While our volunteers are often family or friends of a Hospice patient, they are always people who want to help others in a time of need. Hospice volunteers are special people who share a common bond of compassion, a commitment to excellent care and a profound respect for the choices and comfort of patients and families struggling with end-of-life issues and emotions. Our volunteers are highly trained and well prepared to provide whatever is needed, when it is needed most. Hospice volunteers become part of a family of dedicated individuals fulfilling a promise to be there. Learn more about the hospice

Piedmont Health District (Prince Edward County Health Department)

The Piedmont Health District’s mission is to achieve and maintain optimum personal and community health. Those wishing to volunteer with the health district can join the Piedmont Medical Reserve Corps, a group of volunteers that are trained to serve in the case of a public health emergency. Free training is provided for all volunteers, and volunteers can also assist in routine public health events involving health screening and outreach. There is no minimum hour requirement, and volunteers can be called upon in the case of emergencies such as natural disasters, bioterrorist attacks, or radiological emergencies. Learn more about Piedmont Health District online or contact the Piedmont MRC Coordinator

Centra Southside Community Hospital

Southside Community Hospital is a non-profit organization and the only full-service medical facility in an eight county area. SCH is always looking for friendly volunteers to help run their gift shop, work at the information desk and even work in the Emergency Room! They also offer flexible hours to help meet students' schedules. Learn more about Southside Community Hospital

Environmental Awareness & State Parks

Clean VA Waterways

Clean Virginia Waterways is an award-winning, statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to citizen stewardship of Virginia's water resources. Affiliated with Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, Clean Virginia Waterways offers water-related education for teachers, students, and landowners as well as provides workshops and seminars about water resource stewardship.

Learn more about Clean VA Waterways online or contact Katie Register at (434) 395-2602

Friends of the Appomattox River

Friends of the Appomattox River are a group of citizens in the Farmville, Virginia area who have come together to promote river conservation and responsible recreation on our local waterway. Members come from a variety of professions and backgrounds, but are united by their interest in the welfare of the river and its denizens. Check out their website to learn how to get involved! Learn more about Friends of the Appomattox River

James River Association

James River Association is the oldest river conservation group in Virginia, and is the only organization solely working to protect America's Founding River. JRA works through its four core programs - River Advocacy, James RiverKeeper, Watershed Restoration and Education and Outreach - to ensure a healthy James River for current and future generations. Learn more about James River Association

Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District (PSWCD)

Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District is a non-profit organization providing technical, educational, and financial resources to citizens of Prince Edward, Nottoway, and Amelia counties in order to promote wise use and conservation of soil, water, and natural resources. Learn more about Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District

VA Department of Forestry

Learn more about the VA Department of Forestry

Virginia State Parks are committed to conserving, protecting, enhancing, and advocating the wise use of VA's natural, historic, recreational, scenic, and cultural resources. Volunteers can assist with maintaining grounds and trails as well as outdoor recreation activities.

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Learn more about Bear Creek Lake State Park

High Bridge Trail State Park

Learn more about High Bridge Trail State Park

Holliday Lake State Park

Learn more about Holliday Lake State Park

James River State Park

Learn more about James River State Park

Pocahontas State Park

Learn more about Pocahontas State Park

Sailor’s Creek Battle Field State Park

Learn more about Sailor’s Creek Battle Field State Park

Twin Lakes State Park

Learn more about Twin Lakes State Park

Housing Restoration

Piedmont Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Learn more about Farmville Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE

The Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells new and used building materials to the public at discounted prices. Volunteers can help organize new merchandise as well as help shoppers find lumber, plumbing, fixtures, lighting, flooring, hardwood furniture, doors, windows, cabinets, tile, blinds, shutters, appliances and more. Learn more about ReSTORE

Hunger

Elwood’s Cabinet

Elwood’s Cabinet is a food pantry for students.  It was created in collaboration between the Student Government Association and the Wesley Foundation and it is coordinated and staffed by students.  It is located at 204 High Street. More information

FACES

FACES has changed the volunteer process in order to plan our distributions a bit better. Before they volunteer, we are asking volunteer groups of 5 or more to sign-up using an online form. More Information.

SCOPE /Meals on Wheels

SCOPE/ Meals on Wheels provides hot meals to homebound and handicapped individuals (mostly seniors) Monday thru Friday at lunch time. Volunteers help deliver the meals to individuals. Learn more about Meals on Wheels

Walks

Alzheimer Association - Memory Walk to End Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Association - Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, Walk to End Alzheimer's has raised more than $546 million. Held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls on volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against Alzheimer's. Learn more online about the Memory Walk or contact Mortar Board.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Relay for Life became the signature event for the American Cancer Society in 1992. It is more than a fundraiser; it is a celebration for those who have survived cancer and to remember those who have not. The Relay for Life concept involves teams competing against each other to raise money. While the Relay is going on, a community celebration is created by team members camping out, enjoying entertainment, food, games, and camaraderie. Join the fun by becoming a participant, a team captain, or even a committee member. Learn more about Relay for Life

March of Dimes

March of Dimes is a non-profit organization that strives to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Learn more about the March of Dimes

Youth Education & Recreation

ART Kids Program (LCVA)

The Art Kids Program is a joint endeavor of the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts and Prince Edward County Elementary School (PECES). Program participants are third and fourth grade students who are identified PECES as having difficulty with anger management. Volunteers can assist with various aspects of this and other LCVA programs. Learn more online about ART or contact the LCVA by calling 395-2648.

Big Sibling Program

Big Siblings Program is a mentoring organization that helps children by one-on-one mentoring. Students interested in becoming a Big Sibling must submit an application and complete an interview to be matched with a Little Sibling. Big Siblings volunteers must commit to spending at least one hour a week with their little siblings. 

Learn more about becoming a Big Sibling by connecting with the student organization via Lancer Link.

Family Preservation Services, Inc.

Our mission is to ensure the provision of accessible, effective, high quality community-based counseling and social services as an alternative to traditional institutional care. Learn more about Family Preservation

Farmville Parks and Recreation

The Mission of the Town of Farmville Recreation Department is to enhance the quality for all residents of the community by providing diverse and quality leisure programs, services that encourage health, fitness, relaxation, enjoyment, and learning as well as provide opportunities for community involvement. Learn about volunteer opportunities with Farmville Parks and Recreation

Girl Scouts

Girl Scout Commonwealth Council of Virginia, Inc, (GSCC) serves more than 18,405 girls and 5,286 adults in 30 counties within the cities of Emporia, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, Richmond, and Fredericksburg. GSCC is one of eight councils which serve the state of Virginia. Girl Scout experience five different age levels in Girl Scouting which allow girls to progress in skills and activities together. Placement options give girls the chance to experience Girl Scouting in a variety of ways - including but not limited to, church, school, housing communities, and individually. Learn more about Girl Scouts

Longwood University Dept. of HRK

Longwood University Department of HRK is responsible for Camp Respite and the Special Olympics Regional Basketball Competition. Contact Dr. Ann Bailey Yoelin at [email protected] for more information.

Longwood LIFE

Longwood LIFE is a two year post-secondary program for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Students can help by mentoring and fostering social skills in inclusive classroom settings all over campus.

http://www.longwood.edu/cehhs/about/longwood-life/

Patrick Henry Family Services

Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation is a non-profit children's home. Learn more about Patrick Henry

Southside VA Family YMCA

There are a variety of ways volunteers can get involved with the Southside Virginia Family YMCA. Learn more about Southside VA Family YMCA

VA Cooperative Extension (Prince Edward 4-H)

Virginia Cooperative Extension provides educational programming for youth as an outreach of VA Tech and Virginia State University. Learn more about the VA Cooperative Extension. 

Youth Empowerment Center

Youth Empowerment Center is an after-school program assisting (25) students in grades k-12, assistance with homework and other educational programs.