Why Volunteer?
Volunteers have been at the heart of Abby’s House since the beginning. They come from all walks of life, volunteer on their own or as part of a group, and choose to volunteer for different reasons. Their length of stay varies as well. Some volunteer for one day, others work on a regular basis, and some stay with us for years.
Our volunteers vary in age (18-90+!) as well. Some are retirees and some are in the workforce, while others are in college. Individual volunteers provide coverage at our shelter, work in the Thrift Shop, teach classes and hold workshops in our Women’s Center, serve as receptionists, and help prepare and serve meals. Corporate and community groups come to Abby’s House to prepare and serve meals and help with larger projects
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Abby’s House! To ensure a safe and meaningful experience for both volunteers and the women we serve, we ask that all volunteers meet the following requirements:
- Must identify as female
- Must be 18+ (limited opportunities for 16–17, with restrictions and parental consent)
- Some roles require a 6-month commitment
- Must pass CORI and SORI background checks
- Complete orientation and training (additional training may apply)
Shelter
The Abby’s House Shelter has been providing a safe place for women, with and without children, who find themselves unhoused for an array of reasons including: financial and economic factors, substance use, as well as emotional, physical, and mental health factors. Although Abby’s is not an emergency domestic violence shelter, we do welcome guests who are currently experiencing domestic violence. The shelter leans on the support of volunteers who help provide a compassionate, empathetic, and respectful experience to shelter guests.
SHELTER HOURS
The Shelter is closed during the day. During that time guests will have access to the Women’s Empowerment Center at 52 High St. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9:30am and 3:30pm, they may utilize our Day Resource Center at 77 Chatham St. The Day Resource Center is a space for guests to work independently, or with their advocate, to seek employment, complete housing applications, as well as attend to other personal goals and needs. The Shelter re-opens at 4:00pm and our evening shelter staff welcome returning guests. Guests can utilize common spaces for recreational purposes, utilize the kitchen, or spend time in their rooms. There is also a dedicated playroom for children to enjoy.
EVENING VOLUNTEERS
The evening volunteer shift is from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Volunteers assist Shelter staff with welcoming guests back to Shelter and supporting them through dinner time. Volunteers may assist staff and guests with preparing dinner, cleaning up afterward, and/or providing childcare or homework help.
Thrift Shop
The Abby’s House Thrift Shop has three goals:
1. Provide a clean, welcoming store that is stocked with quality, affordable clothing, necessities and household goods for the community and to women who qualify for assistance through our voucher program. To learn more about obtaining a Thrift Shop voucher, please visit our advocacy page.
2. Continue to raise funds for our mission of providing safe shelter, affordable housing and advocacy services homeless, battered, and low-income women, with or without children, through the sale of items in our Thrift Store.
3. Always treat our customers with dignity and respect and assist them in every way we can.
Volunteers assist with accepting and sorting donations, stocking the shop floor, helping customers find the perfect outfit and working at the cash registers. Hours are very flexible. Thrift Shop shifts include Monday-Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm and 12pm-3pm.
Front Desk Reception
We are looking for volunteers to support coverage at the Front Desk of 52 High Street.
Volunteer responsibilities would include, handling phone or walk-in inquires, receiving donations, assisting with resident’s needs all while maintaining confidentiality. A successful volunteer in this role would have excellent interpersonal and active listening skills, and value people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Volunteer hours are flexible Monday-Friday and trainings will be provided.
Annette Rafferty Women's Empowerment Center
Our Women’s Center is open to current and former guests and residents, serving as a space where women go to find continued support, camaraderie, and services. Individuals with specialized skills and/or training are always needed to teach workshops or provide services.
Examples of activities include:
- Art and Music Therapy
- Sewing/knitting and jewelry classes
- Haircuts
- Dental Hygiene
- Pet Therapy
If you have skills and talents that you would like to share that are not listed, please contact Molly Pietrantonio at molly@abbyshouse.org.
Group Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome organizations and groups to volunteer with us, whether it is for a day of service or on a regular basis, and are able to handle groups of 8 or less.
At times, we have special projects that we need help with, especially in our Maintenance department. If we review your application and determine you or your group would be a good fit to volunteer, we will contact you to discuss what project we currently need help with.
Kitchen
Groups can also prepare and serve meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Additional qualifications be required. Please contact Molly Pietrantonio at molly@abbyshouse.org.
Special Events
Abby’s House hosts two fundraising event a year – our Spring-Tacular in May and Annual 5K in October. There are many different volunteer opportunities for these events. Please contact Molly Pietrantonio at molly@abbyshouse.org
Board of Directors and Committees
Want to join the Abby’s House Board of Directors or Board Committees? Download and complete an application by clicking here, then send it to Executive Director, Julie Orozco at julie@abbyshouse.org.
Application Process
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
- Please fill out the application below
- If our Volunteer Coordinator determines that your interests, skills, and availability meet our present or near term needs, you will be contacted within a week of submitting your application.
Given the mission of Abby’s House and the sensitive nature of our work, volunteer selections and roles are carefully assigned.
A criminal background check (CORI) is required of all adult volunteers. References for students and interns may be required. Training for volunteers is provided by staff or by seasoned volunteers.
Get Involved
Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of women and children.
FAQ's
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News & Events
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Looking for Services?
Find safety, support, and community at Abby's House. Our dedicated team is here to provide shelter, advocacy, and resources for women and children. Learn more about the services at Abby's House.