Community Services/Non-Profits in Charlottesville, VA

“I'm pretty biased, as I worked for both the Construction Team as a Crew Leader and then as Volunteer Coordinator for the Store. I can give you some hush-hush inside info as a result: 1. The prices are outstanding, as items are priced low to begin with, and then as time moves on, items automatically enter an increasing discount based on the tag color. Look for the large discount wheel above the shopping floor for details. 2. Come early and often to get the best stuff. 3. Check out the amazing back corner on the top floor, where exotic, expensive, historic, and notable pieces are shown. 4. Keep an eye out for the energy and commitment of the volunteer workforce. The store itself runs with less than ten staff, and relies heavily on volunteer help. 5. Holds for purchased items are allowed, and pickup can happen within a few days before your purchase is considered abandoned. 6. The store does donation pickup, but it must be arranged. They do not do delivery, but offer a list of trusted movers who you can call to hire. 7. If an item is not priced, it is not available for sale. If you see your favorite new coffee table being donated, it's not ready for purchase yet. Discounts are not given, as the price is firm, and the policy is clear. 8. The Store offers furniture, bed frames, housewares, tools, parts, appliances, doors & windows, lighting, antiques, lumber, fixtures, baths and sinks, flooring, paint, and electronics. They do NOT sell clothes, mattresses, or media items like books. 9. The staff and volunteers are always ready to load out your purchases, and help you in any reasonable way. 10. When you buy there, you are helping people to buy their own home. Highly recommended, deeply encouraged, would go again.”

“I have been coming here for years. First with my children, now with my grandson.This is a fun place for kids and adults alike!Today, the volunteer in the back room was amazing. He interacted with the children and worked hard to keep it tidy! Reed, you are doing a great job!”

“I am currently a patient at the Martha Jefferson House.Exceptional is the only word to describe the Martha Jefferson House in Charlottesville, Virginia.And that word applies to everything about it: the nurses; the administrative staff; the activities for residents; even the food!MJH consists of 4 separate living facilities that are joined and offer a wide variety of options for assisted living. These include separate 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and suites, some come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, washers and dryers, heated bathroom floors and outdoor terraces.Some include 1, or 3 (depending on which facility you occupy) freshly prepared meals per day prepared by an outstanding food service staff with a variety of selections for each meal.One of the facilities offers residents independent living plus assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for those who don't require nursing care.The fourth building is for intermediate nursing care for residents who require nursing care around the clock, seven days per week.With a proper doctor's referral, MJH offers all residents physical and occupational therapy 5 days per week from a well trained, professional staff. The small gym also welcomes non-residents from the local community, with that same referral.There is a daily list of activities available to all residents: board games; music performances by local artists; bingo; trivia; exercise and meditation classes; tai chi; trips into the community; and many more. Accomodations have been made so that even residents confined to a wheelchair can participate in almost all of them. There's even a wine and cheese hour on Friday evenings.All of the staff from the Director down to the housekeepers and maintenance personnel are friendly, happy, upbeat and bend over backwards to accommodate any reasonable request.A Doctor and Nurse Practitioner visit residents needing around the clock nursing care 2 days each week and are on call all other times.The food offes a great variety with at least 2 choices for every meal. The food is well prepared and seasoned. It is definitely not typical institutional food. More impressive is the fact that their in house food service staff will make every effort to satisfy your individual requests. Most of the food is restaurant quality.This is a well run, efficient, welcoming, pleasant facility perfect for senior citizens and those you love. It's truly a home away from home.”

“Service Dogs of Virginia (SDV) is an outstanding organization. I am a mental health professional, and have a Facility Dog placed with me. Josie, my facility dog, is exceptionally well trained and has a positive impact on people every day. I have had abundantly positive experiences with SDV. From the very moment I applied for a dog, they considered my needs and the wellfare of the dog. They are rigorous, as they want to ensure "goodness of fit". Being placed with a dog is a big undertaking, but SDV has supported me the whole way through the process....in fact, they continue to support me and Josie with ongoing consultation. The entire staff, board, and volunteers I interact with have wanted to see me and Josie be a successful team. The organization takes great care to breed, train, place, and support exceptional dogs who are placed for 1 of 5 different jobs. This is no small undertaking, and it's always clear to me that great consideration and care is taken. I'm very grateful to SDV for their incredible work and support their continued mission. Thanks so much SDV!!!!!!”

“I was given a guided tour of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank by a staff member. It was most impressive! Everything was well-organized and thought out. I highly recommend volunteering here, if you wish to put in time in a safe and secure environment during this time of need and fear. It will restore your faith in your country and its people!”

“Each year a colleague and I take 18 students to help habitat build homes. They are an extremely well run organization who do amazing work. Their permanent staff are very skilled and a pleasure to work with. Volunteer with them, you won't regret it!”

“I went for the first time this week and what a lovely place to take an after work walk! Right in the middle of the city but so peaceful with great paths for dogs!”