Become a Volunteer
Join Catholic Charities of Madison in caring for the human family. Our volunteers play a vital role in programs that serve older adults, families, individuals experiencing homelessness, and neighbors from many cultures and backgrounds.
Make a Difference in Our Community
Every day, volunteers help Catholic Charities provide essential services across southern Wisconsin — offering dignity, compassion, and hope to people facing difficult circumstances.
Our volunteers help:
- Serve meals and welcome guests experiencing homelessness
- Support older adults and adults with disabilities
- Assist community members with food access and basic needs
- Create welcoming spaces for families and individuals from many cultures
Whether you volunteer once a month or every week, your time makes a meaningful impact.
Volunteer Opportunities by Program
Adult Day Center
Support older adults and individuals living with dementia or disabilities through companionship and daily activities.
Volunteer Roles
- Participant greeters welcoming guests and helping them settle in
- Day center assistants helping with lunch service and conversation
- Activity assistants supporting games, crafts, music, and programs
The Beacon Day Shelter
Help provide basic needs and welcoming support for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Volunteer Roles
- Preparing and serving meals
- Laundry assistance for guests
- Helping guests access showers and hygiene supplies
- Supporting the computer lab and resource center
Catholic Multicultural Center
Serve Madison’s diverse communities through programs that strengthen stability and opportunity.
Volunteer Roles
- Food pantry and meal program support
- Community events and outreach
- Education and employment program assistance
- Teach English Classes (ESL)
Parish Social Ministries
Serve neighbors across southern Wisconsin to address hunger and isolation, and to support families.
Volunteer Opportunities
Parish Mobile Food Pantries
Help distribute fresh groceries at parish-hosted food pantry events
Care Team Ministry
Provide companionship and support to older adults through parish-based volunteer care teams.
Walking With Moms
Support mothers and families by helping connect them with resources and parish communities.
Community Connections
Support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through meaningful engagement, skill-building, and community participation.
Volunteer Roles
- Teaching and assisting with sewing and other hands-on skills
- Supporting mobility by assisting with wheelchair pushing and community walks
- Facilitating in-house activities such as crafts and games
- Participating in and supporting performances and special programs
5 Door Recovery
Walk alongside individuals on their journey to recovery by providing support, structure, and community connection.
Volunteer Roles
- Supervising family and friend visits and recreational or exercise time
- Serving and cleaning up meals
- Sorting and organizing clothing donations and donation closet
- Assisting with Therapeutic Recreation, art therapy, and yoga therapy
- Supporting Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous group meetings
- Helping clients with recovery-related homework and 12-step work
- Walking with clients and driving to community events and 12-step meetings
- Performing grounds clean-up and general facility support
How to Become a Volunteer
Getting Started is Easy
- Complete a Volunteer Application: Tell us about your interests and availability.
- Attend a Volunteer Orientation: Learn about our mission, programs, and expectations.
- Find the Right Role: Staff will help match you with a volunteer opportunity that fits your interests and schedule.
- Start Serving: Join our community of volunteers making a difference every day.
