Williamsburg Engagement

In Williamsburg Engagement, you can volunteer weekly in a community organization for a semester. Through service and reflection, you'll develop a deeper understanding of the nonprofit you support and the issues they help address in our communities.

You can positively affect people's lives in our community and critically reflect on your experiences in  conversations with your team leaders and peers. You will explore the impacts of your committed service experience and discuss how you can continue to grow and take further actions as an active and engaged community member.

 JOIN A TEAM

"I learned a lot about food deserts in Williamsburg and programs that exist to help alleviate them. I also learned that there are ways to stay actively engaged in community way beyond college, and met some of the greatest people ever!" - WE participant

Current Partners 

single column table with description of WE partners

Dream Catchers Therapeutic Riding Center Dream Catchers Therapeutic Riding Center enriches the lives of children, adults, and families through equine assisted services offering education, empowerment, healing, and hope.  Our participants represent a diverse community of people with special needs, at-risk youth, and veterans.  Dream Catchers' therapeutic interventions and educational programs help develop healthier, more productive citizens creating a positive impact for our community.   Anticipated Projects: Assist with therapeutic lessons, mainly by offering side-walking and horse leading assistance.

Grove Christian Outreach Center Grove Christian Outreach Center's mission is to maintain an outreach center in the Grove area of James City County in order to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of people who are poor and disadvantaged in the community. Anticipated Projects: Assist with preparation and distribution of clothing and healthy food options in the Grove community

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Williamsburg Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently-used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials, and more to the public, at a fraction of the retail price - usually 30-90% off. Their goal is to generate enough profits to build more Habitat homes for deserving, hardworking low- to moderate-income families, as well as to promote recycling. ​100% of the profits from the ReStores are used to build and sell affordable housing. Anticipated Projects: Assist with store operations, inventory, and collections

House of Mercy House of Mercy provides quality compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith. They provide a safe and welcoming environment for area people who are homeless to find respite, receive services, and work toward ending their homelessness, and emergency assistance and supportive services to those struggling to maintain housing and regain stability. Anticipated Projects: Assist with food distribution and daily life essentials for those in need in the greater Williamsburg area

Heritage Humane Society Heritage Humane Society serves as a compassionate steward of homeless pets that are in transition from stray/surrender to forever homes.  We serve to educate the public about humane animal care and treatment, advocate for animal welfare, and provide affordable adoption services. Anticipated Projects: Assist with various projects in support of animal welfare

Williamsburg Community Growers Williamsburg Community Growers works to grow Williamsburg's healthy community food ecosystem. Their mission is to educate the public regarding the benefits of producing and consuming locally grown produce; provide gardening space for individuals and organizations; promote healthy, sustainable lifestyles for the community; and demonstrate and promote conservation practices. They operate an urban farm and community garden in Williamsburg. Anticipated Projects: Planting, weeding, harvesting, and assisting with educational program for community members/organizations

Bicycle Co-Op of Williamsburg Bicycle Co-Op of Williamsburg refurbishes donated bikes to be reliable and safe transportation.  All of the bikes for sale are bargain bikes because they are a fraction of what they would cost new.  Many bikes that are donated and refurbished are donated to other worthy community partners such as Grove Christian Outreach Center, House of Mercy, and many more. Anticipated Projects: Learn bicycle maintenance, take in bikes and equipment for resale, inventory, shop operations, and interact/sales with customers.

Williamsburg Engagement is advised by [[rmtho2, Rich Thompson]].