Providing housing &
for UVA Children's
Hospital families.
holistic support
LilyPads Housing provides free, short-term housing in volunteer host homes for families and caregivers of patients undergoing treatment at UVA Children's Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. We also provide families with additional holistic supports such as sibling activities, meals, groceries, transportation, toiletries, and self-care items. LilyPads Housing serves families regardless of age, diagnosis, race, ethnicity, citizenship, religion, income level, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability.
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OUR STORIES
Meet the Stiff Family
Our daughter, Emma Grace, was born with a congenital heart defect that required surgical intervention when she was seven months old. Our family traveled to UVA for her open-heart surgery in December. Finding a place to stay that would not be a financial burden on our family was one of the many things on our minds.
Thankfully, LilyPads Housing was recommended to us. We were quickly put in touch with a host family that graciously housed us for ten days during our daughter’s stay at UVA. Our host family went above and beyond to check in on us, provide us meals, and make sure that our needs were met.
LilyPads Housing made it possible for Emma Grace’s grandparents to stay with us as well. Our accommodations exceeded our expectations and provided a very comfortable “home away from home” during our stay.
![Sometimes “work” means a road trip with a very special pickup. 🌺
Today, we headed over the mountain to pick up something truly special for our Holiday Magic Bags, beautiful waxed amaryllis bulbs generously donated by @bloomaker in Stuart’s Draft.
These bulbs will be gifted to families spending the holidays at @uvahealthchildrens hospital. Hopefully, they will be a reminder of beauty, hope, and that things can grow and bloom, even during hard seasons. And the best part? They’ll bring joy long after the holidays are over. 🩷
We are so deeply grateful to Bloomaker for believing in our mission and for sharing their magic with our families. Partnerships like this make our work possible, and make the season brighter for so many.
✨ Follow along to see how your generosity turns into comfort, joy, and moments of magic for hospital families.
And if you’re looking for a gift that keeps blooming, go check out Bloomaker. They truly are something special! 🌷
#holidaygiving #CommunityKindness #Bloomaker #givingback #growingkindness #LilyPadshousing #uvachildrenshospital #uva
#charlottesvilleva #shenandoahvalley
[Video transcript and description in comments.]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/598247439_18332074546211493_2498468798909913512_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&cb=8438d1d6-eb76aa66&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=xKMDUlKFz5EQ7kNvwEnXaiV&_nc_oc=Adqig6CH-Ta0FQMDu1NbM6z7-7fxu8vEW2fhvHq1O2wjaDgsgwAQWPKT-8C6hFT2Et8&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vhE7DKGg3yWGAhCqBo0Rrw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGG2fSKmIVf0hbvqmEWxBS0gN7SKKkBgVGRMTu89g48ueiWe3GnohyalxajxwKAc7rv0zKbgQ0N&oh=00_Af0yzJBLbYgOT5ucdSzT_WQVjfFfKXqiR7qmfCRwnPmQLA&oe=69D47602)
![This Thanksgiving, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. 🧡
We are thankful for every volunteer who shows up with open hands, every donor who gives with a generous heart, and every member of our village who believes that families facing the hardest days deserve comfort, care, and hope.
You are the quiet magic behind every Care Cart visit, every cozy comfort item, every soft landing place for families far from home. You turn compassion into action — and because of you, families feel seen, supported, and loved when they need it most.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this village.
If you feel called to give, serve, or share our mission this season, your love will always have a place here. 🤍
#ThankfulHeart #GratefulVillage #LilyPads #NonprofitLife #CommunityOfCare #GivingThanks #thanksgiving #charlottesvilleva
[Image description in comment.]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/586683726_848380864270957_7652115567696032211_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&cb=8438d1d6-eb76aa66&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=48DrXUNnF3AQ7kNvwE3tFKP&_nc_oc=Adqyf58dFmXjhNn0Nf7slxsptf9ELn-oWdVpgKDp-07H-wNScSK0fc98gPCZeoQ5b4U&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vhE7DKGg3yWGAhCqBo0Rrw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEobpQ-C7zg-TRJ_nAJv7MW8VRN8b8wRgH_YeD38QoUWPdFePQ-Gd5Yuq8-9fNqC7YXflZe56fv&oh=00_Af02VBi_UIvJRh3CTPF7qJXcZt0-krZUao1S1FFm57L40A&oe=69D46D51)
![✨We are putting together ‘Holiday Magic Bags’ for families spending the holidays at UVA Children’s Hospital — and we want to share why this matters so much.
Families often receive toys during the holidays (and that’s wonderful!) — but often what they miss most are the experiences that make the season magical:
✨ Decorating cookies
✨ Holiday movie nights
✨ Making gingerbread houses
✨ Sipping hot cocoa
✨ Twinkly lights
✨ Building a snowman
✨ Family game nights
Those cozy traditions make the holidays feel like home.
But when your child is in the hospital, those experiences disappear.
So this year, we’re creating Holiday Magic Bags to bring warmth, joy, and festive moments right into Children’s Hospital rooms.
🎁 Our wishlist is LIVE!
📦 Items ship directly to LilyPads
💛 Help us fill a bag — link in comments
Will you share this to your stories to help us get the word out? 🙏
P.S. A lot of the items on our wishlist are part of Amazon’s Black Friday deals this week — so your gift can stretch even farther and help us fill more bags.
#lilypadshousing #holidaymagic #hospitalfamilies #cvillelocal #charlottesvilleva #uvachildrenshospital #givebacktothecommunity #shopforgood #holidaygiving #donationsthatmatter
[Video description in the comment.]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/589783668_2074136963396954_8079339976796414608_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&cb=8438d1d6-eb76aa66&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=EBt01T8o4xQQ7kNvwHSS_UH&_nc_oc=AdqyOBm9s8uZ3bFhzGeCcI_QbyShyxaj4RgACfKUht0dWmNm5Xw7RarocqR7Nj87QvI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vhE7DKGg3yWGAhCqBo0Rrw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGTIOrbgTTCQNagdGYhipZber2lplQquXd3xaduz_Euiol6DNqVUvMtDz2HKtcNTMZrRlDHibuc&oh=00_Af0vCMWwIRVGHJXTx3BGiscApBpjMYCHHM1NHemFRTOW3A&oe=69D47403)
![Today on World Kindness Day, we’re celebrating the kind of kindness that lasts long after hospital stays end. 💛
These two kiddos met years ago when one of their families stayed with LilyPads during treatment at UVA Children’s Hospital. What started as a stay has grown into a beautiful friendship—and a reminder that kindness creates lasting ripples.
At LilyPads, we believe every family deserves a soft place to land. And sometimes, those safe landings turn into lifelong connections. 💛
#WorldKindnessDay #ChooseKindness #LilyPadshousing #KindnessRipples #BeTheGood #uvachildrenshospital #CommunityOfCare
[Video description in comment.]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/582514628_18328797688211493_4079963249835744899_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&cb=8438d1d6-eb76aa66&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=MfBJbGyRbCkQ7kNvwGE1kLW&_nc_oc=Adr4c-UqE5fWhANauVdSD-5CqECkEs8t-PhaW8ba-Jy2uWS8nx6evbMRGvsXKIpdwqY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vhE7DKGg3yWGAhCqBo0Rrw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEN6X8XgC86NBaYKOc3E-zFb8skGedAWRq8SyyJ1EhUaylhEYM29BDoLneD2xSdPXEnTKJ4q4F3&oh=00_Af02E5_4xlgNdetfMVrP5FxpOmk0N6UM_JjDVCHtY6tDGw&oe=69D46B75)
![🐾 Meet Ollie!
Ollie is our Executive Director Jen’s rescue pup who’s training to become a therapy dog!
Next month, he starts his Canine Good Citizen class with @greendogsunleashed. Once certified, he’ll join our Care Cart team at UVA Children’s, spreading comfort, snuggles, and smiles to families and staff alike. 💛
We’ll be sharing updates along the way as Ollie works towards his big goal—so follow along and cheer him on. Big adventures (and bigger sticks) await! 🐶
#therapydogintraining #therapydog #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverlovers #goldenretrieverworld #charlottesville #cvilleva #cvillelocal #uvachildrenshospital #lilypadshousing #englishcreamgoldenretriever
[Video transcript and description in comments.]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/565666864_18323532283211493_3360980834227690055_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&cb=8438d1d6-eb76aa66&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=iQf3KkfgjowQ7kNvwGdeokb&_nc_oc=AdrOQbwXVlZCLjDPXnaf444tYL5Teu96JETZsWqDla4VMuzj9qUqttJhmS70G8mY51A&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vhE7DKGg3yWGAhCqBo0Rrw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQExOOtAfMC4ZCKRSgyybV35c6AMwr7RHytADZ3PEKqEt5xF2-IoK0hoojKq80bjr-S6Fjd5GtT_&oh=00_Af04JXQXlWvaVhxP0DYG17SAWl2DvkUDsHvEpSODQscMGg&oe=69D48374)
![Every other week, our Care Cart rolls through UVA Children’s hospital, stocked with snacks, comfort items, and little bits of love for patient families.
From catching up with our NICU nurse friends to spotting the cutest fall decorations along the way (we see you, hallway gnome 🎃), these moments remind us why community care matters so much.
💛 Want to help stock the Care Cart or sponsor a trip? We couldn’t do this work without you! Check out our wishlist (link in bio) or share this post to spread the love!
#LilyPadsHousing #CareCart #CommunityCare #UVAChildrens #SpreadKindness #PediatricCare #CharlottesvilleVA #DoGoodFeelGood #HopeInAction #NonprofitLove #VolunteerLife
[Video description in comment.]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/559250553_1304923474021260_2394753254333391741_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&cb=8438d1d6-eb76aa66&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=ajToQ1Kpf7AQ7kNvwENbqgD&_nc_oc=AdqiDroFwEknUiUUSs-8-jZrFj2d5b3UMCVqZMQeNh04xCiLaBKlqm0cCPiTW_hFnjk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vhE7DKGg3yWGAhCqBo0Rrw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEa0Cfa5g5k39E4jMUSs-r_VvYCeMTNePbit_MpQJOND_w7vgicnwsy65TrIOPEPmvvf1g3Vprk&oh=00_Af1hB4AYwP2RpEmpxQfCMOrUuzyYxs5euKuvRrG2pvuK1w&oe=69D46FF8)
![There’s something ✨magical✨ about autumn in Charlottesville, Virginia…crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy adventures that feel straight out of a storybook.
We asked our LilyPads village for their favorite fall activities, and here are a few gems to enjoy this season:
🍎 Carter’s Mountain Orchard — Sweeping Blue Ridge views, hot cider donuts, and apple picking galore. (Tip: go early or on a weekday to avoid the busiest crowds!)
🥐 Marie Bette Bakery — Answer the siren song of the pumpkin spice latte and don’t miss a filled brioche. Buttery, flaky, and always seasonal — absolute perfection.
⛰️ Hit the trails — For breathtaking foliage, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway or Shenandoah National Park. Closer to town? Try Ivy Creek Natural Area, Ragged Mountain Reservoir, or Patricia Byrom Park.
🎃 Chiles Orchard — Pick your perfect pumpkin, hop on a hayride, and shop their charming farmstand.
🐑 Montpelier Fall Fiber Festival (Oct 4–5) — Fiber arts, workshops, animal exhibits, sheep dog trials, music, and more — fun for all ages!
🚣♀️ Rivanna River Company — Float downriver through spectacular scenery, then relax with live music and a sauna session.
🍁 The Pratt Ginkgo at UVA — Beloved by locals, this historic tree bursts into golden glory each fall before carpeting the ground in leaves. Don’t miss the other hidden gardens across Grounds, too!
🍺 Bold Rock Cidery (Route 151) — Sip award-winning cider, stargaze away from the city lights, and toast s’mores by a cozy fire pit.
✨ We can’t wait to enjoy these magical fall moments again this year! Did we forget anything??
#charlottesvilleva #cvillelocal #virginiaisforlovers #fallbucketlist #fallinvirginia #travelvirginia #smalltownusa #fallmagic #blueridgemountains #weekendgetaways #cozyfallvibes
[Video description in comment.]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/552875209_1513741913100313_8558453801588276451_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&cb=8438d1d6-eb76aa66&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=DAfFP67G_HkQ7kNvwFwjLe5&_nc_oc=AdoHdTJMxqncC6VnMkhkgovgSNsvcI3dIUQWJBJKC471xjPO3N9L0bUNg2-ko2Ewd_I&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vhE7DKGg3yWGAhCqBo0Rrw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHJXbemSgVQ4ZDEROiYj9E68r6Bzl-ti65kdJS0ZOjgcfuaHS1di3h9h68QD2TpQoiMrPR_KjfM&oh=00_Af1kPXuqzvMACFwB_eed9_QWGQ9a8v3qzUWmj5oUffTPMg&oe=69D47E60)
![We had a wonderful time at the Charlottesville #vegfest this weekend! Our temporary tattoos were a hit with the kiddos and we loved talking with old and new friends! 🩷
Thanks @cvillevegfest for another great year! 🥬
#Charlottesville #nonprofit #cvillelocal #doinggood #randomactsofkindness #cvilleva
[Video description in comment.]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/550763794_2004218563736767_4157964270730189706_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&cb=8438d1d6-eb76aa66&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=FO_-lNU5A4wQ7kNvwFRfHuK&_nc_oc=Adq1DC9iwwZqfKn9le8myGGq-AzlGDCTF_sRHDjammOnHciMXzQwPsMT8UNmzcM434Y&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vhE7DKGg3yWGAhCqBo0Rrw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQENZeLP5Besw9a79IgCMbr-Mp2w_foFCSR5tavbWebpFkdKCf_5ToNSiByAth4mY4jl1ENOutWB&oh=00_Af2SliYzmKO_U-WSa5M2h9GRxukz9pyAcFrC7rZklckPVA&oe=69D47DE5)
![This week we celebrate the incredible dedication, hard work, and compassion of NICU Nurses. 🩷
They don’t just take care of babies, they care for the entire family - supporting and educating parents, advocating and caring for fragile newborns, and bringing hope and healing in the toughest moments. Being a Neonatal nurse is more than a job - it’s a calling.✨
Today we pause and honor these medical professionals, educators, and emotional anchors. Thank you, NICU Nurses! 🙏
Tag or send this to your favorite NICU nurses this week to let them know how much you appreciate all that they do! 💕
#nicuawarenessmonth #nicu #nicunurse #nicubabies #nicustrong #nicunurses #nursesweek #nursesrock #nurses #nursesareheroes #nursesofig #uvachildrenshospital
[Video description in comment.]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/549737991_1325789035859747_2201707092585821727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&cb=8438d1d6-eb76aa66&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=gylo-tlyd38Q7kNvwHp0qPM&_nc_oc=AdqYp0NagAZ_rbx9a0wd-4nqcUkJHQhM6PMW4CV-PHi1BI6ym7kuwn9153AdkQIrDwY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vhE7DKGg3yWGAhCqBo0Rrw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHBW_qwlnW4XrXLrvJY8kekVcu1rVdtnEKQKlFQSt2xpenjMFkazzrM4EjxelVW6PsOd54bTPTa&oh=00_Af2i3KcKs94ReD2Qe71WgyrNJb9EGTvIeULJnIswLC2YPg&oe=69D48C3F)
