Honoring Jeanne Adler: volunteer, witness, and quiet force behind Abby’s House
Some people give a year to a cause. Some give a decade. Jeanne Adler has given thirty-five, and she’s not done yet.
This year, we are proud to present the Annette Rafferty Award to Jeanne Adler, recognizing a lifetime of service to Abby’s House and to the women whose lives it has shaped. It is a fitting tribute: the award bears the name of the very woman who first inspired Jeanne to walk through the door.
We sat down with Jeanne ahead of our 50th Anniversary Gala to hear her story in her own words.
You’ve been connected to Abby’s House for more than 35 years — longer than many organizations even exist. What first drew you there?
Annette! She came to speak at my church’s women’s group in 1988. She was so inspiring that a friend and I decided to become shelter volunteers. We knew nothing about this new adventure but jumped in with both feet. We had a lot to learn in the early days! And we never regretted that decision.
You’ve served in so many roles over the years. Was there a particular moment or woman who changed something in you?
The shelter took up the next 10 years: many women & children came to the door, most of whom we’d never see again. There were unique situations to deal with, and we had no experience with the life they led, never having been homeless or hungry. I always felt I received more life lessons from them than they would ever know. There was one woman who stays with me to this day… her name was Ruth. She was “older” than anyone we’d encountered, and it seemed so wrong for her to be homeless at that stage in life.
Even after your formal employment with Abby’s House came to a close, you stayed. What does that kind of commitment feel like from the inside?
After 9/11, charitable giving shifted dramatically and donors turned their attention elsewhere. The new budget could no longer support my position
as Day Center Coordinator. But Abby’s was in my heart, I couldn’t just walk away. So, I became a volunteer again, this time in the Thrift Shop. Another wonderful chapter and another group of women coming together to help Abby’s succeed with its mission.
“What do you wish more people understood about the women Abby’s House serves?”
The women are no different than we are, but their battle to survive is so much greater. It is a privilege to be there doing what I can. It has made me a different person, and I think anyone who takes on the role of volunteer would find that to be true.
“If you could say something directly to the next person considering volunteering at a place like Abby’s House, what would you tell them?”
As a volunteer and as an individual, you will receive so much more than you can ever hope to give.
Jeanne’s story, from that church pew in 1988 to the Thrift Shop today, is the story of Abby’s House itself: ordinary people choosing, again and again, to show up. The Annette Rafferty Award exists to honor that choice. This year, there is no more deserving recipient.
Congratulations, Jeanne. Thank you for thirty-five years of lessons learned, lives witnessed, and quiet, steadfast love.
Honoring Jeanne and the Mission She’s Served
Want to celebrate Jeanne’s extraordinary commitment to women and families across Central Massachusetts? Consider making a gift in her honor to Abby’s House. Every contribution supports safe housing and wraparound services that help women and children rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and hope.
Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years of Abby’s House
The 50th Anniversary Gala is sold out. A testament to the incredible community rallying around this milestone. But there are still meaningful ways to be part of this celebration:
- Participate in the online auction taking place now through May 30!
- Support or join Abby’s House’s Annual 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, October 17, in West Boylston. More information to come!
- If you want to meet Jeanne in person, or just take a peak around: 52 High Street in Worcester. Stop by Abby’s Thrift Shop any Monday through Saturday, 10–3. You’ll find exceptional finds… plus the knowledge that every dollar you spend goes directly toward the services that keep women and children safe and housed.
Questions?
Email info@abbyshouse.org to learn more and get involved. Every act of support helps ensure Abby’s House can continue its life-changing work for the next 50 years.