MEET ABBIE KAUFFMAN

Abigail “Abbie” Kauffman is living out her call to ministry as the President and CEO of Network of Community Ministries. She was born and raised in Dallas and is a lifelong United Methodist. Abbie’s heart and passion are helping, empowering, and walking alongside people in need. Abbie has served a number of social service agencies over the past decade in a variety of roles, including as Development Director for Midland/Odessa’s Centers for Children and Families, Director of Communications and Director of Development for Jewish Family Services of Greater Dallas, Senior Director of Strategy for CitySquare, and

BY REV. PAVIELLE JENKINS, MISSIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

most recently as Director of Special Projects and Information Services at Catholic Charities Dallas. When asked what brought her to Network, she told me, “This is my home. These are my neighbors.” As a Richardson resident, Network’s mission is deeply personal. It is a privilege for her to lead the team “to care, coach, and empower our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life.”

Abbie began at Network on September 19, 2022, and hit the ground running. With rising inflation, Network continues to face increased need beyond that during the pandemic. Many of our neighbors are in a worse financial state than they were three years ago. The average Network neighbor has a monthly income of $1,300, and their housing cost is approximately $1,100 a month. “These are retail workers, hospitality staff, people who keep up our facilities, and paraprofessionals who care for our children and youth in our schools.” They see families who at the end of the month simply cannot make ends meet. Many of the people they serve are working and trying hard to overcome barriers.

Abbie shared that “food pantries [and clothing closets] are the most effective ways for families to stretch their budgets.” It is hard to get assistance for gas or rent. If people are not spending money on groceries or clothes, they have money for these other necessary items.

Abbie is currently evaluating how Network could offer more wraparound services to support people in numerous aspects of their lives. Federal data shows there is a deficit of over half a million mental health visits a year for low-income residents in Network’s service area. One of the greatest unmet needs identified in our community is for increased capacity and access to mental health resources. There is also significant need for basic primary healthcare. Abbie and her team are seeking ways to form partnerships to provide these services to our neighbors.

Abbie and all of the staff greatly appreciate our past, present, and future support of Network. She told me, “Network truly could not do it without First United Methodist Church Richardson’s partnership and generosity.” Our ongoing food and monetary donations are critical. The North Texas Food Bank is not sending much variety right now, so our donations provide options for our neighbors when they shop in the food pantry. As we clean out our closets, Abbie encourages us to donate our gently used clothing and shoes of all sizes to their clothing closet. They also constantly have a need for new underwear and socks as well as gently used/new children’s shoes. Additionally, time is an incredible gift and resource. Network served more than 21,000 neighbors last year with only 21 full-time staff members. It takes about 80 volunteers a day to keep Network going. They have opportunities for volunteers during the day, evening, and on Saturdays. Adults and older youth may volunteer. Monetary donations are always welcome and are used for a variety of purposes including providing rental and utility assistance, microloans, and the educator market for RISD teachers. For more information on how you can give of your time, money, or resources to support Network, please visit thenetwork.org or contact Caroline Taglioli, Manager of Volunteers and Community Engagement, at 972.234.8880 or cwold@thenetwork.org.

We are blessed to be a blessing. Thank you for sacrificially using your blessings to benefit neighbors in need in our community. You are sharing God’s love and grace through your faithful service and generous donations!