Network of Community Ministries reports rising demand: 29,673 individuals served, large increases in food distribution and continued emphasis on housing help

Abby Kaufman, president and CEO of Network of Community Ministries, told the Richardson City Council on March 25 that the nonprofit served 29,673 individuals (about 5,100 households) last fiscal year and reported sharp growth in food distribution, volunteer hours and some program areas even as rental-assistance funding has tightened.

Kaufman framed the organization's work around a mission of "caring, coaching and empowering," and opened the briefing with a client story about a neighbor who used Network services to re-train for employment. "Network has everything that could stabilize you back to your normal life without the struggles," a client quoted in Kaufman's presentation said.

Key metrics and trends: Kaufman reported a 6.5% decrease in households served year-over-year but a 14.5% increase in the total number of services delivered, reflecting deeper engagement for many households. She said the organization distributed "over 3,600,000 pounds of food" last fiscal year (a nearly 50% increase…