Community Partners Directory

Access Virginia was created to provide open captioning and audio description at live theatrical performances so that Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Visually Impaired persons could attend show performances and experience the pleasure of live entertainment at public facilities and to ensure that no individual with these disabilities is denied access or treated differently than other individuals because of absence of necessary accommodations.

Our volunteers and service providers abide by each venue's vaccination policy.
Vaccination or proof of negative test and masks are required by most theatre venues.

Affinity offers hospice care to individuals with terminal illnesses in Virginia. Family members, who have not faced this situation may ask, "what is hospice care?" Hospice care focuses on providing terminally ill patients with end-of-life support services that improve their quality of life and allow them to pass with dignity and respect.
What we our volunteers will do: Companionship, Emotional Support, Caregiver Relief, Running Errands, Lawn Care, Crafting, Office Work, etc.

Alternatives is a non profit youth development agency serving over 4000 children, youth, and families in Hampton Roads. We have opportunities for community engagement with elementary and middle school students in Hampton and Newport News at various locations. Opportunities include English and Math tutoring, leadership devlepoment and civic engagement groups, and delivering curriculum on topics such as teen dating violence prevention, mindfulness, literacy, and more.

Must complete volunteer application, background checks, and drug screening.

The Alzheimer's Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research and leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. We provide direct services in-person and around the clock through our 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900). We offer free education and awareness programs, support groups, and early-stage social engagement programs in local communities.

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​

Elementary School (K-5)

All persons interested in volunteering at a school, or for a school related program or event, must complete the school division’s online volunteer application. All prospective volunteers will be subject to a background check against the sex offender registries in all 50 states and the custom databases set by each school. The school principal or designee shall review the prospective volunteer applications and ensure the volunteers have cleared the screening process and completed all required documents. All volunteers must be approved before volunteering at any school or event, or chaperoning any school field trip. Prospective volunteers and schools should allow at least one week for this process. Service of volunteers will be limited to the five areas listed below:

1. General assistance in the school and in the classroom.
2. Tutoring, which includes reinforcement and remediation activities.
3. Enrichment, limited to those activities which are in harmony with the purpose, scope and development of the curriculum including special presentations and programs.
4. Mentoring, providing provide motivation, support and role modeling.
5. Sponsoring a club or other extra-curricular activity that supports the mission of the school or school division.

NNPS Volunteer Application can be found below.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we see every day how kids start to believe in themselves because a Big Brother or Big Sister believed in them. ​When kids have a mentor, they are more likely to succeed in school and life.

With the right mentor, places like park benches and basketball courts are where Littles discover new hobbies and passions. ​Because meaningful conversations can happen anywhere. There are hundreds of Littles in our community waiting for their walk through the neighborhood or conversation on a park bench. Will you join us and empower potential?

Must have reliable transportation

It is truly a blessing to have the gift for counseling children and connecting them to lifelong mentorships. We have been given a huge undertaking – to assist our Title 1 school to move into greatness. Saunders Elementary School is an elementary school in Newport News, VA. The racial/ethnic breakdown is 50% African American, 28.1% Hispanic, 13.2% White, 7.4% Multiple races, and 1.3% Asian, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian (VDOE School Quality Profile). My co-counselor and I are coordinating a boys group called RISE and a girls group called Blossom. The group is for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. The group is focused on empowering boys and girls to find their individual strength and talents, and to help develop skills to become leaders that impact change in the world. There are approximately 120 students in the group. Twenty 3rd grade girls, 3rd grade boys, 4th grade girls, 4th grade boys, 5th grade boys, and 5th grade girls. It is our hopes that each student could have an adult male mentor for the boys – that would be 60 men and a female mentor for the girls – that would be 60 women. I am asking for your assistance in locating male and female adults who would be willing to volunteer to mentor 1 day a month to this cause. Please give them my name and phone number, Monica Hancock, 704-909-8051.

Bluebird Gap Farm offers an exciting, family-oriented adventure and educational experience rarely seen in an urban environment. The 60-acre farm has around 150 domestic and wild animals. We have the usual farm animals such as horses, cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. We are also home to birds of prey, whitetail deer, llamas, alpacas, tortoises, peacocks, rabbits, and waterfowl!

Site Team Leader: Eva Powell (eva.powell.21@cnu.edu)

Booker T. Washington Middle School is a Marine Science & Pre-Advanced Placement Magnet. We have an interdisciplinary curriculum with an emphasis on Virginia's coastal habitats. Our distinctive features include science and aquatic labs, an outdoor classroom, and aquariums depicting freshwater ponds, streams, rivers, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula serves more than 5,000 youth on the Virginia Peninsula and surrounding communities. We provide boys and girls with an inclusive and safe place to learn and grow, foster ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, and offer life-enhancing programs and character development experiences. We prepare them for their futures with career goals, and we give them hope and opportunity in their present lives. Our locations across the Peninsula in Newport News, Hampton, York, Gloucester, James City, and Mathews give youth in multiple communities access to a Club.

The Brooks Crossing Innovation Laboratory (affectionately referred to as the iLab) is the result of a partnership between Old Dominion University (ODU), the City of Newport News, and Newport News Shipbuilding. The Brooks Crossing Innovation Laboratory opened its doors in August of 2019. Through hands-on and project-based learning, the iLab serves as a resource for students, teachers and citizens interested in learning about advanced manufacturing, STEM, entrepreneurism, and educator professional development. The iLab offers an open fabrication space designed to inspire citizens in the Hampton Roads
Region to turn their ideas into new prototypes by giving them access to a range of advanced digital manufacturing technology associated with digital design manufacturing and modeling.

Please register for various events at the following hyperlink: https://odu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVEnc7LUXEt10eG

The mission of the C. Waldo Scott Center for H.O.P.E (Helping Our People Emerge) is to provide HOPE to families, while developing the WHOLE CHILD. This is achieved by providing comprehensive services to educate and foster the growth and development of youth and families.

The C. Waldo Scott Center is a special place for children and families in Newport News to receive comprehensive services, which are developed to meet the needs of the community. Bringing together educators, health care professionals, social workers, recreation specialist, and community members to provide the education, training, and support needed for young people and their families to develop the skills necessary to take charge of their lives, enhancing positive life skills, health, and employability.

We are a Christian private school that services preschool students(6 weeks through K4/5), services our private school students (in grades Kindergarten through 5th), as well as Newport News Public School students for our before and afterschool program,

Must be able to pass all background checks

CERO will seek to educate, train, and prepare the CNU and greater peninsula community for all potential emergencies. From an everyday cut or scrape to a cardiac arrest or car wreck, the club will help train members and the greater community on the best and most efficient way to respond, render needed assistance, and stay collected during a variety of emergency situations. This is accomplished through bringing initiatives including STOP the Bleed, CPR training, AED training, and EMT certifications on campus and making them readily available to students, staff, and faculty. CERO also works to provide Basic Life Support coverage for the CNU club sports. CERO members are provided opportunities to develop their skills in weekly meetings beginning at the bystander level.

Captains’ Connection is an independent student-led service organization
at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia. Captains’ Connection, (CC) is an organization which establishes meaningful connections through peer mentorships between CNU students and individuals with one or more disabilities.

We establish group and individual mentorships with people in the
surrounding community with disabilities, and in doing so, we provide guidance, activities, and a sense of belonging; which all deserve. As involvement in our organization increases, we will continue to create an ever-growing voice of advocacy for individuals who are often underserved, underrepresented, and misunderstood.

Our community partners are the Hampton Therapeutic Rec and Newport News Public Schools.

The Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department, established 1966, serves the residents of Carrollton, Virginia. With our modernized and expanded facility, state-of-the-art equipment, and dedicated volunteers, our brave men and women are proud to serve our community. Please consider joining our family.

Site Team Leader: Aidan Rucker (aidan.rucker.20@cnu.edu)

The Carver community will educate every student and teach positive citizenship skills within a safe, nurturing environment.

Hours 7:30- 4:00pm

All persons interested in volunteering at a school, or for a school related program or event, must complete the school division’s online volunteer application. All prospective volunteers will be subject to a background check against the sex offender registries in all 50 states and the custom databases set by each school. The school principal or designee shall review the prospective volunteer applications and ensure the volunteers have cleared the screening process and completed all required documents. All volunteers must be approved before volunteering at any school or event, or chaperoning any school field trip. Prospective volunteers and schools should allow at least one week for this process. Service of volunteers will be limited to the five areas listed below:

1. General assistance in the school and in the classroom.
2. Tutoring, which includes reinforcement and remediation activities.
3. Enrichment, limited to those activities which are in harmony with the purpose, scope and development of the curriculum including special presentations and programs.
4. Mentoring, providing provide motivation, support and role modeling.
5. Sponsoring a club or other extra-curricular activity that supports the mission of the school or school division.

NNPS Volunteer Application can be found below.

Mask, regular self health screening

Hampton Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services Therapeutic Recreation division provides specialized services for individuals with disabilities in Hampton. Therapeutic Recreation activities may include swimming classes, craft classes, trips, camps, adult programs, special events and varied offerings every season. Our participant -to-staff ratio is appropriate to the needs of the group.

Background check is required. It can be done through CNU or HPRLS.

The Department of Human Services is proud to be part of a dynamic group of city departments committed to serving their consumers in a caring and professional manner. In 2013, over 60,000 residents of Newport News were connected to federal, state, and local services and programs.

Services Provided:
The information and services that we provide include, but are not limited to:
Adult and family services
Child welfare and protective services
Employment services
Financial services
Prevention Services

Claus Cares is a small non-profit focused on community betterment. We run a clothing boutique providing clothing to those in need. We collect and distribute donations involving all aspects of those in need from household goods to pet supplies and everything in between. Volunteers can assist in many ways from hosting collection drives to assisting at our Santa Claus events from check in to photography. As well as assisting with sorting and distribution of donations and many ways in between.

Commonwealth Catholic Charities has provided life-changing human services to vulnerable individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, CCC offers quality and compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith. Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services is our primary program in the Newport News office.

Community Knights, Inc. is a locally-based non-profit organization striving to build a truly inclusive community by providing access to individualized skill-building experiences for people with disabilities. Through our pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS), we match young adults with our community partner worksites and provide them one-on-one support from a Skills Trainer who guides their learning and development. In our programs, participants not only explore careers and develop necessary workplace skills, but they also gain confidence and autonomy as they practice soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and self-advocacy. Our person-first culture empowers both our program participants and our team members to use their skills in meaningful ways that positively impact our Virginia peninsula community.

Individuals who volunteer with our program participants are required to go through a background check.

Our mission is to move kids forward through shoes by building confidence and eliminating bullying. Each year, we host shoe drives to provide shoes to students in need.

Crittenden Middle is a STEM Magnet Middle School. We are a public school with grades 6-8.T he STEM program is designed to empower students by developing their abilities to activate future-ready skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Crittenden magnet students will maintain academic excellence while becoming creative problem solvers prepared to be responsible citizens in a global society.