Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Rev. Dr. Robin McGonigle and I am a Senior Minister at University Congregational Church. I have been in ministry for 35 years and I have spent the past 7 at University Church.
I’m married to Eric, who works in Human Resources at Textron Aviation and we have 3 children (Erin, a physician in Kansas City; Adam, an attorney in St. Louis; and Ian, an investment adviser in Indianapolis). We recently became grandparents to Madeline Rose, who is 3 weeks old! Eric and I love to travel, and I also enjoy reading and arts and crafts, including cross-stitch, sewing, and knitting.
Please describe your experience getting involved with HumanKind Ministries. When and why did you choose to become a board member?
I’ve been involved with HumanKind in various ways for decades. Most of my congregations have served food at the Emergency Winter Shelter on a regular basis and I have helped with Operation Holiday. I have also participated in various programs and events over the years, one of my favorites being Souper Bowl. I have a passion for interfaith work and wanted to help those in our community, so I jumped at the chance to serve on the board 5 years ago.
As a board member, what aspects of HumanKind are you involved with and which one is your favorite?
One of my favorite ways to be involved at HK is through serving food at the Emergency Winter Shelter with my family. It is now a family tradition, and my nieces and nephews love to interact with the clients while serving dinner. Another way I love to be involved is through Souper Bowl. I always host a table for my congregation, they donate a lot of delicious desserts, and we enjoy fantastic bowls of soup together. I have also served on the Humanitarian Awards selection committee, the Governance Committee, and the Executive Committee.
What is one thing you wish more people in the community knew about HumanKind?
I wish more people knew that HK has multiple levels of shelters and housing for homeless people so that they can “step up” from chronic homelessness into regular housing in incremental, manageable ways over months or years at their own pace. They are also provided case management through the whole process. We are the premiere homeless ministry in Wichita—serving more people and those with the greatest needs.
Any additional comments regarding being a Board Member for HumanKind Ministries?
It is a privilege to serve HK!
