The Stephen S. Foster Award honors a commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism, and strengthening the community. This year, we’re proud to give it to an organization that embodies all three, not through a single grand gesture, but through twelve years of consistent, collective action: BUW Local 330 and the Brotherhood of Utility Workers Council.
Their story with Abby’s House didn’t start with a boardroom decision or a corporate giving strategy. It started with a feeling.
The Origin: From National to Neighborhood
For years, the Brotherhood of Utility Workers had directed its charitable giving toward large state and national organizations, the kind with household names and broad reach, but something was missing. The members of Local 330 work in Central Massachusetts live here, raise families here, keep the lights on here. They wanted to give back to the place they actually call home.
That instinct led them to Abby’s House and they haven’t looked back since. Twelve years later, the partnership is woven into the rhythm of the union year.
The Work: Brothers, Sisters, and a Lot of Donated Toys
What does a union’s support for a women’s shelter actually look like day to day? For Local 330, it means mobilizing the entire BUW Council, a network of union locals across Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island, to collect monetary donations, supplies, and toys. It means sharing the Abby’s House story with members who might never have heard it. It means making the ask, year after year, and trusting that the response will be yes.
AND IT MEANS SANTA CLAUS!!!
The Moment That Matters Most
Every year, Local 330 loads up their donations and brings them to Abby’s House, alongside a very special guest. When Santa walks through the door, something comes alive! The work that had been spreadsheets and collection drives and council meetings suddenly has a face on it: a child smiling from ear to ear.
“That’s when we get to see the direct impact of our efforts,” the union shares. It’s the moment abstract generosity becomes something real.
The Why: Solidarity Has Always Been Local
Ask the leadership of Local 330 why this partnership matters, and the answer is rooted in something fundamental to union identity: the responsibility to look out for others. Supporting the women and families in their service territory isn’t charity in the distant sense, it’s an extension of the same ethic that built the labor movement in the first place.
“You could easily make that connection between the union and Abby’s House,” they note. “The two have a responsibility to look out for others.” A union fights for the dignity and security of its members. Abby’s House fights for the dignity and security of women who have none. The causes are different. The conviction underneath them is the same.
“A community doesn’t rise on one large gift, but on hundreds of shared commitments.”
— BUW Local 330
That line says everything. Abby’s House has survived and grown for fifty years not because of any single benefactor, but because of people, and organizations, who decided, year after year, that showing up was part of who they are. Local 330 is that kind of partner.
Congratulations to the Brotherhood of Utility Workers, Local 330 and the entire BUW Council on this well-earned recognition. Thank you for twelve years of shared commitment, and for reminding us what community actually looks like.
Honor This Spirit of Community
Inspired by Local 330’s commitment? Consider making a gift 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 reflection of the incredible community that has rallied around this milestone. There are still meaningful ways to take part:
- 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
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.