A Community Service Network With One Purpose in Mind
Topic: Community Service Network
Becoming ABBAville, a faith-based community network, brings a diverse group of individuals, coming from many walks of life with one purpose in mind -to see wholeness and prosperity for all in Abbeville County, South Carolina. By partnering with both individuals and organizations, and building on existing programs and services, Becoming ABBAville identifies needs and provides solutions through a network of unified support and service stakeholders.
Overview
Becoming ABBAville services businesses, government, churches, families, individuals, and Abbeville County School District. Started in January 2022, this community network meets monthly and at other times, depending on needs and projects that are identified. The part-time coordinator for this network is a loaned executive from a local manufacturer who can keep the momentum by providing consistent administrative and communication support to all stakeholders. Throughout the year, new people become involved based on their passion and expertise.
Some of the services and events supported include:
• Partnering with the school district to help fund and support back-to-school teacher development and classroom set-ups
• Encouraging teachers with special the welcome back “Gratitude Tunnel” and other teacher appreciation initiatives
• Providing mentors and volunteer support in the schools as part of GOODLife
• Helping to fund professional and leadership development training for faculty and staff
• Piloting WorkSkills development initiative
• Providing coaching and relationship training for City Council
• Offering community-wide “prayer on the square”
• Conducting joint worship services within the faith community
• Hosting monthly prayer gatherings and workplace ministries for business leaders and employees
The ”Secret Sauce”
Becoming ABBAville is a faith-based group. Our mission is to serve, not convert. Our “secret sauce” is really centered on building and supporting relationships, which will grow trust and open doors of opportunity to serve. What else has contributed to the success of this community network?
• Communication – often and in diverse ways to meet needs and diminish confusion.
• Be flexible- The ability to adjust to evolving changes in needs and approaches is a must.
• Build on what currently exists – Helping to improve current situations versus trying to change something can bring about positive impact and offer a “win-win” for all.
• Identify roles needed for service opportunities – Recognize that people have different interests and skills; look for ways to find places and “wins” for all participants.
Brandi Sears, who attended the GOODLife training shared her thoughts, “It is with a full heart that I say thank you for bringing GOODLife to Abbeville County. We have so many students (and even adults) who need the practical truths and support that are provided through this curriculum and mentoring. As an educator and community member, I am grateful and hopeful for the lives that will be impacted. What a joy to see people willing to link arms with schools to serve students in such a powerful way. As a school administrator, I could not fathom that this message could be presented without placing “one more thing” on the plates of teachers or counselors. This is game-changing and life-giving.”
More Resources
Visit the GOODLife website or view the GOODLife toolkit.
Going Deeper
Becoming ABBAville website.
the toolkit
Download and save the toolkit.