Volunteer Opportunities

Steps to Becoming a Volunteer at Abby’s House

1. Download and complete the Volunteer Application Form
2. Indicate on the form the date of the session you will attend
3. Send in the completed form to: Tess A. Sneesby, Abby’s House, 52 High Street, Worcester, MA 01609
4. Attend a volunteer orientation session (if you are unable to attend scheduled dates, an individual meeting can be arranged)
5. Sign up with an experienced staff person for on-the-job training

Some questions you may consider as you decide how you would like to be involved include:

• When am I available to help – days, evenings, overnight?
• How often can I volunteer each month – once a month, more?
• Would I prefer to be on a “call as needed” list?
• Are one-time projects such as fundraising events for me?

If you are still unsure after reading about the volunteer opportunities, we suggest you attend an orientation session or a tour for more clarification.

Overnight Shelter

Shelter staffers provide hospitality to women, with or without children, at our 10 bed shelter and maintain a safe, confidential setting for shelter guests. Our shelter is open seven nights a week for guests who are homeless due to eviction, lack of decent, affordable housing, economic or emotional crisis, domestic violence or recovery from substance abuse (we do not accept anyone actively using drugs or alcohol). Referrals are taken by Abby’s core staff during the day. Staffers sleep overnight.

Position: Shelter Volunteer Staffer
Hours: 6:00 pm – 8:00 am
Commitment: Usually one night a month

Thrift Shop

Our thrift shop provides clothing at no cost to shelter guests, and at low cost to the public. The money raised from the shop goes towards the operating costs of the shelter and other programs. Staffers interact with shoppers, sort incoming clothing donations and attractively arrange and organize the clothing.

Position: Thrift Shop Staffer
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm; Saturday 10am-1pm
Commitment: One or more days a month

Food Service

Nutritious meals are provided for residents of Abby’s housing, shelter guests, and Women’s Center members. Staffers assist our food services coordinator with food preparation, organizing food donations, and serving meals.

Position: Food Service Staffer
Hours:     Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Commitment: One or more days a month

Women’s Center

The Women’s Center provides a space for current and former residents to gather together to find support in their continuing path toward healing and independence. Staffers bring their interests and talents and give a lesson or workshop on arts & crafts, music, computer skills, nutrition, stress reduction, trips, lifeskills, etc. Approximately 10 members drop-in each day.

Position: Women’s Center Staffer
Hours: Monday – Friday 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Commitment: Usually one day a month

Clerical  

Abby’s has many clerical tasks, including data entry, reception office, mailings, etc.

Position: Reception Office Staffer
Hours: Monday – Friday, various times between 9am – 4 pm
Commitment: Usually one or more days a month

Position: Data Entry Staffer
Hours: Monday – Friday, various times between 9am – 2 pm
Commitment: Usually one or more days a month

Maintenance

With four properties, Abby’s has plenty of tasks!

Position: Seasonal Maintenance Staffer
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 8:30am- 2pm Various days & times
Commitment: Usually one or more days a month

Position: Maintenance Staffer
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 8:30am-2pm
Commitment: Usually one or more days a month

Fundraising

Abby’s budget consists of volunteer hours, in-kind donations of food and household items, and a cash operating budget of 1,000,000.00. Of this amount, only 30% comes from program fees. The remainder is raised from events and sales of house pins, grants from private donations, and contributions from civic and church groups and individuals.

Volunteer fundraisers work at events; and deliver and/or sell house pins.

Position: Fundraising Staffer
Hours: Will vary with tasks
Commitment: Will vary with tasks

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