DAN KAUFFMAN studied Spanish and Philosophy at OU while working the night-shift at the Timothy House as an undergrad in 2005. The night-shift experience, and mission trips to NYC and Mexico, were very important in determining God's call on my life. As Keith says, “I was ruined for the American dream,” and he was right. I no longer desired to live a prosperous life; I only wanted to live wholly abandoned to God. To me that meant living as and serving the poor.

“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” This quote, from Dorothy Day, had a huge impact in bringing me back to the Good Works community and to Athens. During my 2 year absence from Athens I have lacked meaningful community. I felt the void of the long loneliness and I came back to fill it.

Though I have traveled abroad three times (twice to South America and once to Greece) and worked with diverse peoples (immigrants and refugees living in Louisville, KY) my heart is at home in southeast Ohio. I am from Chillicothe so I know the struggles of people here for they are my own. The subtle majesty of the rolling hills and the simple beauty of the people call to me. And Good Works is the perfect outlet for me to express the passion God has placed within—to connect others and myself with the poor so the kingdom of God can be experienced. Jesus in Luke 6:20, “Blessed are you who are poor for yours is the kingdom of God.”

Dan served for a year and a half in the Appalachian Immersion program and his favorite part of that time was leading a small group (2 teens and 1 Americorps VISTA) around the ideas of sustainable agriculture and outreach. During this time his appreciation for modeling and living out the Christian faith deepened. He has also really enjoyed living in the Hannah House but looks forward to the new beginnings God will bring him, now living on a communal farm and religious community along the Hocking River in Athens.

Dan still serves part-time at Good Works as a night-shift guy at the Timothy House and in the Transformation Station program. He is also leading a food justice initiative with Service Living (SL). This is a component of SL that connects the elderly and disabled to gardening on their own properties as well as educating the University students on a healthy and just food source for the most vulernable in our society.

Dan is currently engaged to fellow Good Works staff member, Heidi Bender, and is excited to grow in this love. Dan’s verse at the moment comes from the 3rd chapter of James: Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.