Service Projects

Listed here are some places you can get involved with to serve in the greater Madison area sorted by category. If you have any updates, corrections, or would like to add something, contact Maria Dahmus, odie_dahmus@hotmail.com.

Community Needs

Community Development Authority of the City of Madison - Housing
Contact: Kathy Werner, trivolunteer@hotmail.com, (608) 438-4616
Website: www.ci.madison.wi.us/housing

• Computer Lab Support for Triangle Residents:
  Would you like to share your computer skills with others? Two new computer labs are opening at the Triangle. They are to be used by residents who are challenged by poverty, mental health issues and/or physical disabilities. Help is needed in staffing open lab hours as well as in teaching classes. If you have both "people skills" and technical skills this volunteer opportunity would suit you well. Knowledge of computers is needed, as well as patience and flexibility. Volunteers are needed on weekends. Volunteers will be asked to fill out an application and submit to a background check.
• Serving meals:
  The Community Development Authority has two elderly housing apartment complexes in which meals are regularly served by the South Madison Coalition for the Elderly. You would be able to work in the dining rooms and assist with serving meals, cleaning up afterward and visiting with older adults during the meals who may have little other social time in their day. Enjoy the company of older adults and can physically help with the meal serving.
• Gardener Volunteer/Adopt a Garden:
  The CDA has Public Housing for low- and middle-income families and individuals who are disabled and/or over 50 years of age. Out of the 40 locations of its Public Housing developments, there are a few larger developments at which some flowers, etc. would greatly enhance their curb appeal. This beautification would add so much to the dignity of our low-income housing and help our residents feel proud of where they live. Gardens are available for adoption. You may also work with individual residents who would like a small flower garden, but do not know what to do. Others may have physical disabilities which make it difficult for them to begin or maintain it. We hope you can make a 9-month commitment to cover the three growing seasons of your garden(s) and help us create a beautiful environment! All potential volunteers will be asked to complete a volunteer application and pass a background check.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS)
Domestic Abuse Intervention Services offers a 24-hour crisis line, a 25-bed safe house for women and their children, legal advocacy, support groups, information and referrals. DAIS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. There are two kinds of volunteer roles at DAIS: Direct Service and Non-Direct Service. Direct Service volunteers start out on the Crisis Line or in the Children's Program, and must complete an Advocate Training which is held 4 times per year. Non-Direct Service volunteers assist the agency in a variety of important ways and are not required to complete the training.
Contact: Libbey Meister, Training & Outreach Coordinator, 251-1237 x111 or email, libbeym@abuseintervention.org
Website: www.abuseintervention.org/index.html
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The Greater Madison Area Prayer Network
The Greater Madison Area Prayer Network is an interdenominational prayer network, based on weekly emails regarding city-wide prayer concerns. All are encouraged to submit concerns to the list, which is mediated prayerfully and mailed to all subscribers at the end of each week. A great way to connect with the city through united intercessory prayer.
Contact: Dave Konkol, dakonkol@ameritech.net
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Habitat for Humanity-ReStore
The Habitat Restore, a building materials reuse and surplus center located on 208 Cottage Grove Road, the only ReStore in Wisconsin, needs volunteers!! ReStore accepts new and used building material. Some of these materials are used to build Habitat homes, and others are sold to the general public at reduced prices. Volunteers are needed in sales and cashier, pickup, warehouse, office help, and deconstruction (also known as demolition.) Volunteers are needed for regular 3-5 hour shifts, 9am-2pm and 2pm-6pm, Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Contact: 661-2813
Website: www.restoredane.org
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Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN)
IHN shelters, feeds and supports homeless families with the help of more than 1500 volunteers each year. Many of these volunteers participate through one of the 45 congregations in the network. Many others volunteer as individuals in our day center and offices. We are especially in need of volunteers who are willing to give two or more hours of weekend time per month. All volunteers who work directly with guests of IHN are required to attend a one-time, 2-hour workshop on homelessness. Upcoming workshops are listed on the Web site.
Contact: Shannon Hayes, 294-7998
Website: www.madison.com/communities/ihn
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Luke House-Community Meal Program
The best days for individuals to volunteer are the first Sunday and third Thursday of each month (from about 5-7 pm). Just walk in on one of those days and introduce yourself if you're interested. The Luke House is located on 310 Ingersoll (between Wilson and Willie St.)
Coordinator: Paul Ashe
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Madison Senior Coalition
Volunteers are assigned to a senior who requires assistance with lawn mowing and sidewalk shoveling. The time commitment is 4-6 mornings per summer (1-2 hours per mowing) with a comparable commitment in the winter.
Contact: Joanne, 243-5252
Website: www.westmadisonseniorcoalition.org/index.html
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Middleton Outreach Ministry
Contact: Kate Gaines, 826-3409, kate@mompop.org
Website: www.mompop.org

• Client Services Volunteers:
  MOM's food pantry and clothing closet are under one roof at our Distribution Center. We need volunteers to serve clients in these programs so they can get the food and clothing their families need. Hours available during Distribution Center hours.
• Clothing Sorter:
  Sort through and categorize clothing donations, determining what will go in our boutique at the Distribution Center. Hours available during Distribution Center Hours.
• Financial Literacy Mentors:
  MOM has a new program connecting clients with trained volunteers who will mentor them in budgeting, banking, and other financial skills. Hours are flexible. May include occasional evenings and weekends.
• Project for Older People (POP):
  One of our most successful programs, POP is looking for more volunteers to help the elderly remain independent. You can offer a ride or a friendly visit, manage the yard work, or do occasional household chores. Hours available mornings, afternoons and evenings. Some flexibility.
• Administrative Volunteers:
  Take a shift serving clients and donors at our front desk, help with data entry or database development, or provide other administrative assistance to keep the office running smoothly. Hours available during regular office hours.
• Furniture Program Assistants:
  We're looking for a few strong people to lend a hand in picking up and delivering furniture donations to families in Middleton and West Madison-we supply the truck! Mostly need volunteers for afternoons and evenings.
• Food Drives Coordinator:
  Put your organizational skills to work by coordinating food drives that keep MOM's pantry shelves full. Hours allow some flexibility.
• Special Projects:
  
  • Blanket Drive: Collect new or used blankets for distribution to needy families
  • Hats, Scarves, Mittens Drive: Collect new items to keep needy families warm.
  • Food Drive: Collect donations for our food pantry. Ask for our Top 10 List
  • Poster Contest: Great idea for Sunday School classes, youth groups, schools!
  • Gifts For Seniors: Create holidays, lap blankets, etc.
  • Essentials Drive: Organize gift baskets including toilet paper, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc. for homeless families.
  • Adopt-A-Rack at our Clothing Closet: Be in charge of the latest fashions & displays.
  • Donation Pick Up: Be in charge of picking up donations from area businesses.

Prayer Meetings
Join students from other fellowships and churches for weekly prayer meetings on or near campus. Prayer is for renewal of believers and salvation of others, focusing on the UW Campus.
Contact: Matthew Reames, matthewr@uwalumni.com
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South Madison Coalition of the Elderly

• Home Chores Assistance. Help older adults stay in their own home:
  This is the main program of the South Madison Coalition. Many of our older adults have a need for someone friendly and caring to help them with home chores. This program assists frail older adults with basic home chores to help them remain independent and in their own homes. Volunteers are matched with older adults in a one on one situation. Matches are made based both on the need of the older adult and the interests and time constraints of the volunteers. Group project are also available. Time commitment is 2-6 hours a month, with a visit once or twice a month. One time help is welcomed, but longer term commitments (one semester) are preferred.
• Garden with Older Adults:
  Romnes Apartments is in need of someone to help with the gardens that brighten the resident's lives. If you are a people person, enjoy spending time with older adults and have a green thumb this could be the opportunity for you. Romnes is looking for someone to water the gardens around the apartment complex one to two times a week. The chore should take no more than 1 hour per visit and can be done at your convenience. This is a great chance to mingle with older adults and to improve their surroundings. The garden is located on Olin Ave.
• Mow Lawns for Older Adults:
  There is a constant need for volunteers to help older adults with chores that have become too much for them to handle by themselves and mowing the lawn is one of them. If you would like to meet someone who is in need of this service to help them through the summer please contact the Coalition. This a great chance to make a new friend, get some exercise and a tan.
  Contact: Betsy Werner, Home Chore Coordinator, (608) 251-8405
• Serve Meals to Older Adults:
  If you have a few free hours during the week day, come join us as we serve meals to older adults. Meals are served at four locations in South/Central Madison area Monday - Friday at 11:30 a.m., including State Street and Park Street. Volunteers are needed from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will assist with food prep, home deliver meals, serving meals, cleaning up afterward and visiting with the older adults attending the program.
• Bingo Caller for older adults:
  Enjoy an afternoon with older adults by calling Bingo. Bingo is played during the weekdays at 1:00 p.m. Time commitment is about 1 1/2 hours. This activity is part of The Neighborhood Senior Center, where programs are scheduled in low-income housing, to provide older adults with socialization.
  Contact: Candice Duffek, Nutrition Program Manager, (608)251-8405

State Street Peace Plaza Ministry
Tuesdays at 5:30pm a group of people from local churches meet on State Street in Peace Plaza for homeless ministry. Each of us is assigned a food item to bring (sandwiches, fruit, chips, drink, etc.). We feed the homeless and minister to them. We usually feed about 50 or so people, I would estimate. Many of those we minister to are homeless, in shelters, or low-income housing. We have mainly teenagers and young adults. The climate is sometimes rough, as Peace Plaza is known as a drug-dealing hang-out and a place for crime. But, it's also a GREAT place to spread The Word! After sharing a meal we meet as a group for the "Recovery Circle". We invite people to join us in sharing with one another and lifting each other up in prayer. It's a great "street ministry" for those interested.
Contacts: Lynn Beyler, lbeyler@terracom.net, or Kristine Foth, 873-1237, ktfoth@students.wisc.edu
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Triangle Community Ministry, Inc.
An ecumenical ministry offering spiritual support to the residents of the Triangle Area.
Contact: 608-257-8517
Website: www.madison.com/communities/tcm/jobs/index.php

• Music!!! for residents of the Triangle Area:
  The Triangle Community Ministry, Inc. welcomes any musical groups to come and fill the Triangle Area with music!!! The residents are adults who may be elderly or have physical or mental challenges and a low income. They are often unable to take advantage of entertainment opportunities off of the Triangle due to financial and/or physical barriers. They really look forward to this opportunity. If you (or your group) have some musical talent to share and would like to donate one morning or afternoon of your time, please call 257-8517 to schedule a time!! They also have a Prayer and Praise service from 12:30 to 1:30 on Fridays. If you would like to get a group together to provide live music for this service any Friday, please call 257-8517.
• Befriend an Adult Resident of the Triangle Area:
  The Triangle Community Ministry needs volunteers who are interested in befriending adult residents of the Triangle Area. These residents are often challenged by poverty and physical or mental disabilities. Many are also isolated and in need of a support system. If you are a good listener and willing to provide occasional "hands on" support to members of this community, please give us a call. Often this support can be extended through a phone call or visit, maybe some letter writing or shopping - simple things that one friend would do for another. Training to become a Befriender is provided. Topics will include: Alcohol Addiction, Cancer and other Life Threatening Illnesses, Depression and Suicide, Mental Illness/Schizophrenia, Disabilities, and Living Alone. In addition, the potential volunteer will be asked to fill out a volunteer application, provide references, and pass a background check. Volunteers are asked to complete an application. No formal training is required, but having experience and feeling at ease with the elderly and those who are physically or mentally challenged is a plus.
• Grocery Shopping with/for Physically Challenged Adults:
  This is always needed. You will assist adult residents of the Triangle by providing transportation to/from the store or by meeting a group at the store and assisting with purchase selection. Some residents are in wheel-chairs or have limited mobility and therefore need assistance reaching items on higher shelves. Others may need help in decision-making and price comparison. Potential volunteers are asked to fill out an application, provide driver's license, driving history, and insurance information. A background check will be conducted.

Kids!!

ARMS (Adult Role Models in Science)
The Madison school district has a new science curriculum that is hands-on and involves the students in investigations. ARMS volunteers help implement these activities. The activities are well laid out and directions and materials are provided. In most cases, the teachers are requesting help with these activities, therefore you are needed as an extra hand to work with small groups, help with experiments, and help the students think through what they are doing. You don't need to come up with ideas or have any particular expertise in the topic area. However, if you do, sharing your expertise would enrich what the students are learning. If you do have a specific area of expertise that you would like to share, please let me know and I will find a teacher who is interested in your topic. This can work both ways.
Contact: Dolly Levine, 222-4865
Website: www.wisc.edu/cbe/arms/
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CASPER: Collaborative After School Program of Education and Recreation
CASPER provides homeless children and children living in at risk neighborhoods with extra curricular activities in education, recreation, community involvement, friendship, and personal growth. Program hours are Mondays 12:20-5:30 and Tuesdays-Fridays 2:00-5:30. Volunteers are needed for: homework tutoring, dramatic play and theater, outdoor games and activities, science and nature projects, helping children improve their reading skills, arts and crafts, one on one assistance, and scout and club activities. Each volunteer needs to attend an orientation session at Emerson Elementary School, 2421 E. Johnson (one and a half hours) and commit to volunteer one day a week for the semester.
Contact: Julie Case, 204-2023
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Nehemiah Community Development Corporation
The mission of the Nehemiah Community Development Corporation is to affirm the dignity of marginalized, at-risk youth and adults and equip them to be self-sufficient, productive agents of hope and reconciliation in their families and communities.
Contact: Dawn Van Hook or the receptionist, 257-2453
Website: www.nehemiah.org
Volunteer opportunities include:

• ACE: Academic Center for Excellence: an after-school and summer academic enrichment program for children grades K-5. (Meets M, W, F 2-6PM)
• CSS: Community Support Specialists: encourages families within low-income neighborhoods through a variety of services. Nehemiah family dinners happen each month and provide a shared meal, fellowship, and activities for families to enjoy. (Help out in informal ways at monthly meetings. This would be great for someone interested in social action).
• YES: Youth Enrichment Services: Tutoring, mentoring and social development programs for young men and women. (includes the Nefertiti Sisters Group on Monday evenings)

Neighborhood House Community Center
The Neighborhood House Community Center is located on 29 South Mills Street. They operate a food pantry and have an afternoon program for kids for which they could use volunteers.
Contact: Jennifer Classon at 255-5337
Website: userpages.chorus.net/thehouse/
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Respite Center
The Respite Center provides crisis childcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers counseling and care to families with high levels of stress. Volunteer opportunities include: Childcare, KidKare Shoppers, Gardening, and Maintenance. Volunteers are required to participate in ten hours of training. Childcare volunteers are asked to work the same four hour shift every week for a period of time. Shifts are 9am-1pm, 1pm-5pm, and 5pm-9pm Monday-Sunday.
Contact: Kristin Sage, 244-5730
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Schools of Hope Literacy Project
The Schools of Hope Literacy Project works to eliminate the racial achievement gap in third grade reading test scores by recruiting, training and placing community volunteer reading tutors in Madison schools and community centers. Volunteers work mostly with K-3 graders, one-on-one, during school hours (9-3) and are directed by the student's class room teacher. Project staff can also identify options for volunteers to work with preschool and students over 3rd grade.
Contact: Caite Moore, AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader, (608) 441-7895
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SPICE (Students Participating in Chemical Education)
SPICE is a volunteer organization that does science/chemistry demonstration programs and hands-on activities in the community. We typically receive requests from elementary and middle schools, libraries, and youth agencies for events. Therefore, our calendar includes morning/afternoon assemblies at schools, family science nights and scout meetings in the evenings, and branch library performances on the weekends - something to fit everyone's schedule! By participating in SPICE, you get to meet both undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of science and engineering majors, enjoy social events each semester, volunteer with kids, build your resume and blow things up. Training is offered on an ongoing basis, and meeting attendance is encouraged, but not required for membership. SPICE meets every other Wednesday, beginning 10/6/04, at 7 PM in chemistry room B351.
Contact: Diane Nutbrown, nutbrown@chem.wisc.edu
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Vera Court Neighborhood Center
The Vera Court Neighborhood Center, 614 Vera Court, has many volunteer opportunities. Volunteer for a one day project, volunteer a couple times a month, or once a week! Just call for an application and schedule an interview. Programs include: Middle School Tutors, After School Assistants (help kids with homework, recreation, and computer lab access), Table Monitors during evening meals (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:00pm), Girl Neighborhood Power (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 5:30-8:00pm) and Youth Leadership Program Assistants (Tuesday and Friday 5:00-9:00pm), "Life as a Boy" Mentors, and many special events (one-time volunteer opportunities.)
Contact: 246-8372
Website: www.veracourt.org
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Whitehorse Middle School SHERPA PROGRAM
Be a mentor and tutor for a middle school student! The middle school students choose to be part of the program and bring what they need help with to your meeting. There is always a list of students waiting for a Sherpa! You will meet with your student an hour or two each week. Weekly meeting times are flexible. Whitehorse Middle School is on the near East Side, 218 Schenk Street, about a 10 minute drive and a 25-30 minute bus ride (on the #3) from campus.
Contact: Thom Evans, 204-4488 or tevans@madison.k12.wi.us
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Environment and Community-Based Conservation

Arboretum, University of Wisconsin
For additional information on volunteer opportunities at the UW-Madison Arboretum, please contact the Volunteer Program Office, 262-5604, or jakingsb@wisc.edu.
Website: wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/arboretum/

• Ecological Restoration Volunteer Work Days:
  Volunteers are working to restore several plant communities at the Arboretum. Activities include removing invasive plants that displace native vegetation, planting in restoration sites, and monitoring the sites being restored. Groups are welcome with advanced notice; call 262-5214 or e-mail mlfarrior@wisc.edu to make arrangements. Pre-registration is not required for individuals. All tools, equipment, instruction, and refreshments are provided. Participants are advised to wear long pants, sturdy shoes, work gloves, and other seasonally appropriate clothing.

  Time: Saturday, 9am to 12:00pm
  Place: First Saturday of each month: Wingra Oak Savanna Project (Meet at the parking lot at the intersection of Monroe Street and Arbor Drive. Madison city bus route 3 stops at the corner of Monroe Street and Glenway Street, about 3 blocks west of the meeting location.)
  Second, Third, and Fourth Saturdays: Marsh Connection and Curtis Prairie (Meet at the front entrance to the Arboretum Visitor Center.)

• Wisconsin Native Plant Garden:
  Volunteers weed, plant, mulch, and do other garden care as we establish and maintain the gardens. Garden volunteers will learn about native Wisconsin flora, basic botany, and plant care. During the spring, volunteers will have work awaiting them in the native plant gardens. Please contact Susan Carpenter, Native Plant Gardener, at 262-2445 or scarpen1@wisc.edu for more information.

FH King Gardens
FH King is a student-run sustainable agriculture organization operating since 1978. We provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in organic production that is not currently provided in the classroom. We also donate produce to low-income Madison residents. FH King works within the University to further the support for sustainable, organic, and local agriculture. Volunteers can join us for fun in the garden Wednesday at 4:30 and Saturday at 1:00. (We may also do some limited season extension this year). Volunteers could also help deliver veggies to low-income families or help with educational events on campus to increase knowledge of sustainable food systems on the campus and beyond.
Contact: Co-Chair Caroline Brock, Caroline_Christine@yahoo.com
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Henry Vilas Park Zoo
Contact: Judy Miyagawa, Program Manager, (608) 258-9490
Website: www.vilaszoo.org

• Animal Ambassadors:
  As an animal ambassador, you will accurately and professionally provide animal information to the general public around the Zoo, answer questions, and offer brief presentations about animals at the exhibits. This opportunity allows you to talk to people about the animals, but not to work directly with the animals. Our current ambassador programs include: Big Cats, Primates and Polar bears. Our animal ambassadors attend a 1 1/2 hour basic training program, followed by several hours of animal specific training. Shifts are very flexible.
• EdZOOcation Volunteers:
  EdZOOcation volunteers offer educational programs with live animals throughout the community and at the Zoo. Programs are offered at nursing homes, community festivals, and other events throughout Dane County. Programs at the Zoo are offered to large and small groups of children throughout the year. These volunteers are highly trained and are required to commit to volunteering one morning per week.

Lake Clean Up Days in Madison
Time and locations to be announced.
Contact: Maria Dahmus, medahmus@wisc.edu, 442-5564
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St. Benedict Center
Each year hundreds of volunteers are needed to help preserve the natural environment at Saint Benedict Center. We have many types of volunteer opportunities. Whether you come to a volunteer event, volunteer alone on a regular schedule, or bring a group to work on the land, we appreciate your gifts of time and talent.
Contact: Nancy Schlimgen at snschlimgen@sbcenter.org or 608-836-1631, ext. 159
Website: www.sbcenter.org/volunteer.html
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Volunteer Work Days at Troy Gardens
Volunteers are needed at Troy Gardens, 25 acres of open land on Madison's Northside, to help develop and maintain an urban farm, a community garden, a kid's garden, edible landscapes, and a Hmong demonstration garden, and to restore natural areas. The gardens provide a locally based, sustainable food system for residents in the area. If you're interested in the community farm, the community gardens, natural areas restoration, or working with the kid's garden check out www.troygardens.org/volunteer.html for the most up-to-date volunteer needs!!!
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Additional Service Resources

Morgridge Center at the University of Wisconsin
The Morgridge Center also provides information about volunteer opportunities in Madison.
Website: www.morgridge.wisc.edu/
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VolunteerYourTime.org
This website matches your interests with volunteer opportunities in Madison!
Website: Volunteeryourtime.org
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