Worcester Business Journal

10 Worcester Business Journal • Giving Guide 2016 www.wbjournal.com Abby's House Future Goals • Abby's House will continue to effectively respond to one of the most basic and fundamental human needs - a safe place to stay – and provide a warm, welcoming and safe place for women who are homeless due to lack of affordable housing, domestic violence or economic instability. We provide nine overnight shelter beds and 77 units of supportive housing. • Abby's House will help each woman to develop an empowerment plan to rebuild and reclaim her life and avoid the cycle of chronic homelessness. We will assist each woman to realize and exercise her own strengths and abilities as she develops and follows through with her plan. • Abby's House will create a tapestry of support services for women and their children by providing referrals to our network of over 50 existing social services and government agencies, helping women with the daunting task of matching their needs with existing resources and accessing those services. • With an extensive cadre of caring volunteers, Abby's House will provide weekly meals, holiday celebrations, computer access and training, a food pantry, clothing, financial literacy training, workshops and educational programs to former and current residents and shelter guests. Fundraising Events/Opportunities HipHipHerRace, October 15, 2016: Annual 5K Walk/Run around the beautiful Wachusett Reservoir in West Boylston is now in its 7th year. Register today at www.abbyshouse.org/ HipHipHerRace. 40th Anniversary Celebration, November 4, 2016: An evening to honor our past while building for the future, featuring awards, dining and dancing at Worcester's renowned Mechanics Hall. Supporters can purchase tickets for themselves or underwrite Abby's House residents to attend; and companies can serve as event sponsors or advertisers. For more info, go to www.abbyshouse.org/ celebrate40. Annual Holiday Bazaar, November 12, 2016: Get a head start on your holiday shopping by stopping by 52 High Street between 10 am and 2 pm. Offerings include: Jewelry; Wreaths and Ornaments; Vintage Items; Holiday Gifts; New Toys; Clothing; Accessories; and other Unique Finds. Spring Fashion Show, March 2017: This event, usually a 'sell-out', features a light luncheon, silent auction, volunteers modeling a variety of fashions, and exclusive shopping of the new spring thrift shop collection. Spring-Tacular, April 2017: Held annually, this event features guest speakers, silent auction, creative small plates prepared and donated by local restaurants and caterers, paired beverages and entertainment. Contact Justina Lachapelle, Director of Development, for additional information at jlachapelle@abbyshouse.org or 508- 756-5486 Ext. 14. Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer involvement has been at the heart of Abby's House since we were 'conceived' by a group of community volunteers in 1974, opening in 1976. We offer many differing opportunities that include: One-Day Service Project - Individual volunteers or small volunteer groups (6-8 people) can work with our Volunteer Coordinator to design a one-day project. Contact Jean Anger at 508-756-5486 Ext.27. Regularly-scheduled Individual and Group Projects - These weekly or monthly opportunities can include preparing an evening meal for our shelter, facilitating workshops or recreational activities for our residents and shelter guests, covering shifts in our overnight shelter, providing reception coverage, serving a lunch time community meal or working in our Thrift Shop. Contact Jean (see previous listing). Organize Your Own 'Fun'draiser - You can hold a fundraiser or a 'needs items drive' to benefit Abby's House. Past ideas have included: Bake Sales, Pancake Breakfasts, Auctions, Special Performances, Tag Sales, Jeans and Sneakers Days, Yard Sales and more! Use your imagination and interest to develop your own project. Contact Justina Lachapelle at 508-756-5486 Ext. 14 to obtain pre-event approval and marketing support in your efforts. Giving Opportunities Donate online, by mail, or by phone: Make a secure donation online at www.abbyshouse.org; mail check to Abby's House, 52 High Street, Worcester, MA 01609; or call 508-756- 5486. Gifts of stock are also accepted and encouraged. Donations can be made as honoraria or memorials to loved ones or to recognize individual special events, like a birthday, anniversary or graduation. Notes will be sent to those identified as well as to the donor. Donate items on our needs list. Current listings are found on our website at www.abbyshouse.org or by calling Jean Anger at 508-756-5486 Ext. 27. Thrift Shop donations and purchases provide more than 10% of our operating revenue and allow us to provide clothing and household items at no cost for low-income women being served by us or other local non-profits. We accept and sell new/gently used women's clothing, accessories and small household items. Bequests and Planned Giving: Consider including Abby's House in your will or estate plan. Charitable donations are eligible for estate tax deductions. Board of Directors Patti McKone Board Chair Stephanie Page Executive Director MISSION STATEMENT To provide shelter and housing, as well as advocacy and support services, to women with or without children who are homeless, low-income or affected by domestic violence. Women are empowered to lead self- directed lives filled with dignity and hope. Individuals & Events ..... 44% Fees ............................. 25% Thrift Shop & In-kind Donations/Services ....... 17% Grants .......................... 11% Top funding sources: Patti McKone, President Angela Tivnan, Clerk Patty Doherty, Assistant Clerk Christine Judycki-Crepeault, Treasurer Mary Herlihy-Knittle, Assistant Treasurer Mary Chenaille Iris Delgado Anne Sylvia Nyambura Alaina Olson Abby Kelley Foster House Inc. (AKA Abby's House) 52 High Street Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: 508-756-5486 www.abbyshouse.org Full-time employees: 11 Annual revenues: $1,801,203 Year founded: 1976 Cynthia Pendleton Karen Sharpe Ann Stamm Megan Talbert

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