Volunteer Opportunities

Westville is a historic and congenial neighborhood in New Haven, Connecticut. Residents take advantage of a wide variety of activities within walking or biking distance of their homes. There are many activities for community engagement, such as neighborhood gardening, park and library programs, a Farmers' Market (June through November) and arts events.  No matter what your interests, abilities or amount of time you have to give, volunteers are always welcome and appreciated. Listed are contacts for a variety of opportunities to work and have fun with your neighbors and friends while contributing to your community.

Community Development Opportunities:

Westville Village Renaissance Alliance (WVRA) / Main Street is a non-profit 501C(3) organization with a wide range of volunteer opportunities ranging from assisting the director in the office, community events including the ARTWALK festival and Holiday Tree Lighting to neighborhood and village cleanups. WVRA is a Connecticut Main Street organization dedicated to the principles of economic development with an emphasis on sustainability, smart growth and historic preservation. Contact Chris Heitmann, Executive Director at chris.heitmann@westvillect.org or call (203) 285-8539.

Parks Opportunities:

Friends of Edgewood Park is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization dedicated to the use and enjoyment of historic Edgewood Park. They work closely with the New Haven Parks Department and the Edgewood Park Ranger to organize park clean-ups, plantings and a wide array of progams for young and old alike. Volunteer activities range from helping with park clean-ups to organizing and/or volunteering for park events. Park events go on all year long so there are opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. E-mail friendsofedgewoodpark@gmail.com or call the Park Ranger, Harry Coyle, at (203) 946-8028 or e-mail hcoyle@cityofnewhaven.net.

Friends of Beecher Park are volunteers who work with West Rock Avenue Block Watch #303 plant and maintain the gardens in Beecher Park. Beecher Park surrounds Mitchell library and is named Beecher Park after Ebenezer Beecher who had an estate on these grounds and planted many of the trees in the park. Volunteer activities range from planting and maintaining the flower beds in the park to garden related activities coordinated with Mitchell Library including the annual Ladybug Release Party. E-mail blockwatch303@gmail.com or call Bob Bradley at 203 387-9770.

Gardening Opportunities:

Block Watch #303 is a volunteer group that has been working on Westville beautification since 2001. Although the group started their projects with Block Watch members, volunteers now come from every part of Westville to plant and maintain gardens throughout the neighborhood including Beecher Park. With support from the Urban Resources Initiative and the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, Block Watch #303 has been able to plant trees, flowers and flower barrels to beatify Westville. Volunteer activities during the spring, summer and fall for planting, maintaining and watering the flowers. E-mail blockwatch303@gmail.com or call Bob Bradley at 203 387-9770