Service and Passion: Abel Frederic on Strengthening Kansas | Giving Kansas

What does it take to turn a personal journey into a force for community change? Today’s conversation explores the inspiring story of Abel Frederic, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of the Plains. From his roots as the son of Haitian immigrants to his leadership in Kansas, Abel shares how service, collaboration, and innovation can transform lives and communities. You’ll hear about the power of literacy, the challenges of homelessness, and the importance of supporting local nonprofits. Also, you’ll get a glimpse into Kansas’s vibrant art scene and some unexpected shoutouts along the way.

Highlights

• 
  Abel Frederic’s journey from South Florida to Kansas and his path to community leadership
• The influence of Abel’s immigrant family and the American dream
• How United Way of the Plains supports nonprofits and provides direct services
• The impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on early childhood literacy
• Behind the scenes of the Give Items of Value Warehouse and the 2-1-1 call center
• Addressing homelessness through the Continuum of Care program
• The importance of collaboration over competition in nonprofit work
• Innovative approaches to philanthropy and community impact
• Spotlight on Kansas artist Lester Raymer and the Red Barn Studio
• Reflections on technology, community, and the future of Kansas

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction & Nathan Pyle’s Illustrations

01:30 — Guest Introduction: Abel Frederic

03:27 — Abel’s Journey to Kansas

05:01 — Career and Community Impact

12:00 — United Way’s Role and Services

21:05 — Leadership Kansas Experience

26:35 — Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

31:29 — Give Items of Value Warehouse & 2-1-1 Call Center

37:41 — Using Data to Support Nonprofit Partners

39:00 — Continuum of Care (COC) Program & Homelessness

45:13 — Community Partnerships & Success Stories

50:30 — Balancing Planning and Execution in Nonprofits

53:30 — Innovative Approaches in Nonprofit Work

61:25 — Encouraging Community Support and Participation

61:45 — Reflections & Closing

61:24 — Portrait of a Kansas Artist: Lester Raymer

71:13 — Closing Remarks & Future Segments

Resources Mentioned

• 
  United Way of the Plains: https://unitedwayplains.org/
• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: https://imaginationlibrary.com/
• Youth Horizons: https://youthhorizons.net/
• Stand Together Foundation: https://standtogetherfoundation.org/
• Red Barn Studio Museum (Lester Raymer): https://redbarnstudio.org/
• Catholic Charities Wichita: https://www.catholiccharitieswichita.org/
• Firekeeper Golf Course: https://www.firekeepergolf.com/
• Sunflower Summer App: https://www.sunflowersummer.org/
• Leadership Kansas: https://www.leadershipkansas.org/
• 2-1-1 Kansas: https://211kansas.org/