Call 512-847-1664

The Barnabas Connection is an outreach of the Wimberley United Methodist Church focused on loving our neighbors by addressing the health and human service needs of our community through education, advocacy and direct service.

Education
The Barnabas Connection hosted a 4-week discussion on poverty for the Wimberley Community, Creating Pathways Out of Poverty in May, 2011. The discussion brought together community leaders, clergy, service providers, and individuals concerned and interested in this issue. Hopes for the discussion include: laying the groundwork for better communication between local service providers and addressing the issues of sustainability for clients in need. Future education opportunities may include a Mental Health First Aid Course and Budgeting 101.

Advocacy
The Barnabas Connection works with service providers and community leaders to respond to the needs of the low-income and disabled. Since 2009, Barnabas has worked with the Board and staff of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative to express concern about policies detrimental to low-income and disabled clients; and to advocate for changes that are beneficial to the cooperative and the clients they serve. The relationship has resulted in a heightened awareness of the Board and responsiveness from the staff. The PEC advocacy efforts were funded in 2011 by a Peace with Justice Grant of the Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Direct Service - Health and Human Services
The Barnabas Connection provides a telephone resource referral service staffed by volunteers. Volunteers provide information and assistance on a variety of needs: utility bills, rent, medical needs, counseling, addiction, etc. Resources are available for much of Hays County. The Barnabas Connection has applications on file for local distribution for many state, county, and federal services. Call 847-1664 to speak to a volunteer.

In March, 2008 the Barnabas Connection began administering the Wimberley Ministerial Alliance- Operation Good Shepherd financial assistance fund. The fund assists with rent, utilities, and medical needs. Proof of need, Wimberley residence and ID are required. Donations to the fund can be mailed care of the Barnabas Connection, WUMC, PO Box 737, Wimberley, TX 78676. Checks should be made to the Wimberley Ministerial Alliance; all monies go directly to support people in need. Thank you!

The Barnabas Connection hosts the annual Back to School Fiesta with multiple area partners (civic and faith based) to help provide free school supplies, immunizations, and access to other services. As the Back to School Fiesta approaches, you can register by phone at 847-1664 or pick up a printed registration form at Brookshire Brothers Grocery Store or Ace Hardware. Applications are also mailed to all families on the free and reduced lunch program. Financial donations to offset the costs of school supplies, backpacks, and Payless gift cards are most welcome. Donations to the Back to School Fiesta can be mailed care of the Barnabas Connection, WUMC, PO Box 737, Wimberley, TX 78676. Checks should be made to the Wimberley United Methodist Church and designated for the Fiesta; all monies go directly to the Back to School Fiesta and are tax-deductible. Thank you!

The Barnabas Connection hosts a free online job posting site for employers and people looking for work. The postings expire after 30 days, so it self deletes. Help us spread the word to local merchants!

NEW! The Barnabas Connection will be sharing the services of a Wesley Nurse with Dripping Springs United Methodist Church. Details are still being worked out. More information coming soon!

Hand in Hand, We are Not Alone. We live in God's world.