At CARITAS, volunteers have always been at the heart of the work. From preparing meals and serving participants, to leading classes and providing peer support, their time and care help make healing for our neighbors rebuilding after homelessness and substance use disorder possible every day.
This April during Volunteer Appreciation Month, we sat down with Alexis Stevens, the Public Relations Coordinator for Feed the Streets RVA, to talk about their partnership with CARITAS, memorable moments serving up meals, and why community service matters so deeply to their team.
How did Feed the Streets RVA first hear about CARITAS?
We first partnered with CARITAS many years ago through a collaboration with Soul Taco in the Jackson Ward neighborhood. They introduced us and said, “Hey, we’re doing something with this great organization – you should join.”
From there, the relationship really grew. We’ve been able to partner with CARITAS many times since, and it has been amazing to watch the collaboration deepen over the years.
How long have you been volunteering at CARITAS?
I believe our first partnership with CARITAS was around 2018 or 2019, so it’s been several years now.
More recently, around Thanksgiving 2025, we established a more consistent relationship. Since then, we’ve been here several more times, where we host what we call “traditional feeds.” This is where our volunteers come together quarterly to cook and serve meals for the CARITAS community outside of the typical holiday season.
Now CARITAS is one of our primary partner sites, and we’re planning several more visits throughout the year.
What has been your favorite memory volunteering at CARITAS?
There have been so many incredible memories, but Thanksgiving stands out.
At the Healing Place for Men, there was just this really special atmosphere. Everyone was so kind, thankful, and welcoming. Folks were offering to help, asking questions about our organization, and sharing that they had seen us at other events around the city.
Sometimes service can feel like you’re just there to serve and move on, but what we really want is connection. We want to make friends, build relationships, and make sure people know we’re a resource in the community.
That day really felt like that. It was a moment of mutual appreciation, like, “You love us, and we love you!” That felt really special.
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. What is it like working with a team of volunteers at CARITAS?
It’s honestly such a great experience.
CARITAS is incredibly organized and structured, which makes it easier for our volunteers to step in and know exactly what to do. The kitchen is ready, the equipment is available, and the staff are very supportive. That’s not something we always find everywhere we go, so it really makes a difference.
Our volunteers love being here because everyone is so welcoming – from staff to participants. There are so many different ways to serve in the building. Some of our volunteers were here recently helping with furniture build projects as well.
Having those different opportunities makes the experience even more meaningful.
If someone wanted to volunteer with Feed the Streets RVA, how could they get involved?
You can find us on social media or on our website at feedthestreetsrva.org.
We’re active on Instagram, Facebook, and X at @FeedthestreetsRVA. That’s the best place to stay updated on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Service is really important to us.
A lot of people think of service in very traditional ways, and those are great, but there are actually so many ways to serve your community and build great connections. Sometimes people don’t realize how many opportunities exist to show up for one another.
We’d love to have anyone who wants to get involved join us. Feed the Streets RVA is a fun group, but we’re also deeply committed to serving the community in meaningful ways.
We hope to see you soon!
Stories like this from Alexis and Feed the Streets RVA remind us that service is more than showing up – it’s about connection, care, and building community together.
We are incredibly grateful for partners like Feed the Streets RVA and the many volunteers who give their time, energy, and compassion to support our neighbors as they rebuild. Whether preparing meals, organizing donations, or lending a helping hand, volunteers make this work possible.
If you’ve been looking for a way to get involved, this is the perfect time. You can volunteer with CARITAS to support programs across our campuses, or join community partners like Feed the Streets RVA to help bring meals and connection to neighbors across Richmond.
Ready to get involved?
Sign up to volunteer with CARITAS or connect with Feed the Streets RVA to learn about upcoming service opportunities. Your time and care can help create the kind of community where everyone has the chance to rebuild and thrive.
And to every volunteer who shows up for this work – thank you! Your compassion truly makes a difference!