Barnabas Connection’s new director

In conversation, bringing up the subject of the 2015 floods, when the name Barnabas Connection comes up, people still can’t believe how much work and help they were to the entire community. Referring people to the right organizations for help, providing basic needs to those that lost everything, and so much more, all to assist the Wimberley Valley.

“People say that you did so much in the flood…and your recovery efforts. We are continuing to do good works…we are still doing good works in the community,” Kate Sowell, the new Executive Director of the BC said.

“If you look at the Barnabas Connection, we have three pillars: The Back to School Fiesta, Operation Good Shepherd and the Christmas Store, we’ll have more in the future. These are the things we provide to this community,” Rev. Sandy Londa, Barnabas Connection Board Chair.

Operation Good Shepherd is the financial assistance fund of the Wimberley Ministerial Alliance, which consists of Wimberley churches of different denominations. The churches’ donations help fund BC’s efforts to those in need.

A few months ago, the Back to School Fiesta, was held right before the first day of school. WISD students not only get their choice of a backpack, but a haircut, eye exam and even clothes, with a gift card for shoes.

“Every major organization in town was involved,” Londa said. “The Fiesta levels the playing field. How can children learn when their basic needs are not being met?”

Going to school in new duds, haircut and a new backpack with supplies, helps the students to be in a good position to learn, and not worry and about what they are wearing.

“Our donors are doing it. It gives everyone a fair shot (on the first day of school),” Sowell said. “BC helped 484 students with new backpacks and supplies.”

The third pillar is the Christmas store to insure a good merry Christmas for families that otherwise might not have one. Families can shop the BC Christmas store at very reduced prices, some for 75% off for clothes, bikes, toys for each member. The family is only allowed to spend $35 of their own money.

The toy drive will be held November 4 through 15 at the new Sonora Bank in South River. Toys must be unwrapped and a tagged. The Christmas Store will happen in December at the Plaza Del Sol.

“They do pay. It teaches how to budget with money management skills,” Londa said

But it is much more than just the aforementioned pillars. They really do good throughout the WISD area. As for her goals for the BC, new Executive Director Kate Sowell said, “visibility in the community is our main goal, not just ‘oh you’re still around’. If people found out about us, why we are doing it, people will help. With more visibility, that would mean more funding.”

“It helps to increase services with more funding,” Londa said. The volunteers are the ones that make BC what it is. Their referral services are well needed especially when emergency help is needed. That is, directing families to the correct organization for help, whether private and government.

“We receive no federal funding, all private donations. There were over 630 calls to the help line and through Operation Good Shepherd 228 community members received temporary help for utilities, rent, and temporary needs.

Sowell, just recently hired is not a newcomer and is very aware of the needs of the community, having taught at Danforth for three years. She has taught Special Ed throughout Central Texas for thirteen years. “I’m a Hill Country girl, born in Austin, with my parents living in Johnson City.” She and her husband Chris are parents of a boy and a girl.

The BC helps the WISD area, but has never turned anyone away, offering temporary help and advice. To sponsor a family for Christmas, please see the webpage

secure.affinipay.com/pages/barnabasconnects/ payments

For more information on the Barnabas Connection see barnabasconnects.org