Become a Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Abby’s House. In the early 1970’s, it was through the determined efforts of volunteers that an answer to the question: “What do we do with women who are homeless in Worcester?” was found. With virtually no examples to follow, but an abundance of skill, compassion, persistence and dedication, volunteers opened the second shelter for women and children in the state of Massachusetts.

Today, over two hundred (200) volunteers are joined by a team of dedicated paid (or core) staff in providing services to homeless, battered and low-income women and children. Today, as in 1976, it is volunteers who ensure that our guests, residents and Women’s Center members have a safe home, a place to turn for repair and healing, and opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

In an empowerment model of helping, we provide a safe place within which a woman can recognize her own inner strength and abilities. We provide resources and information. We listen with respect and without judgment. We encourage each woman to help herself. We do not do for a woman what she can do for herself. We believe that by acknowledging the crisis and the feelings that accompany it, we help to clear a space for each woman to move toward a resolution that is right for her. As difficult as it is to stand with someone without imposing our own plans or advice, we know that this ultimately leads a woman to a place of power.

We invite you to explore the volunteer opportunities at Abby’s. Whether you choose to participate in direct services or support tasks, you will join with the whole Abby’s community to sustain this bright spot in the city as a place of hope and healing.