Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, a sanctuary of healing and hope for vulnerable children across South Carolina, has long been a beacon of light for those in need. Among the many individuals who have shaped this storied institution, Doug and Sally Kauffmann stand out for their unwavering commitment and service to the community. From 1996 to 2016, Doug served as pastor, while Sally served as minister of music and education. Together, they dedicated two decades of their lives to nurturing the spiritual and emotional well-being of countless children and families.
The Connie Maxwell community recently experienced a profound loss with the passing of Sally Kauffmann on June 12, 2024. Her death marked the end of an era for the ministry, but her legacy continues to shine brightly through the lives she touched and the programs she helped establish.
On August 8, 2024, the Connie Maxwell community gathered for a special event to celebrate the Kauffmanns’ enduring legacy. The evening was marked by the announcement of a transformative $1 million gift from the Kauffmann family to support the Dreams of Children campaign, a key initiative aimed at expanding Connie Maxwell’s mission to serve children from hard places. This significant donation will be instrumental in the construction of the Howard and Suzanne Kauffmann Auditorium in the new McCall Center, a facility that will play a pivotal role in enhancing the ministry’s ability to care for those in need.
Connie Maxwell President Danny Nicholson spoke about the profound impact of the Kauffmanns on the ministry, saying, “Tonight is a night to remember, a night built on a lifetime of service and love.” Nicholson emphasized that the Kauffmanns’ legacy is woven into the very fabric of Connie Maxwell, from the lives they touched to the programs they helped develop. Their dedication to the children and families served by the ministry is a testament to their deep faith and unwavering commitment to service.
Doug and Sally Kauffmann were not only leaders at Connie Maxwell but also integral members of the Greenwood community. Their contributions extended far beyond the walls of the ministry, touching countless lives through their involvement in various causes and organizations. Doug was known for his compassionate leadership and his ability to connect with people on a personal level, while Sally was celebrated for her love of music, the arts, and her passion for justice. Together, they created an environment at Connie Maxwell that was both nurturing and inspiring, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose in everyone they encountered.
Sally Kauffmann, in particular, was a driving force behind many of the educational and artistic programs at Connie Maxwell. Her love for visual art and music was not just a personal passion but a gift she shared with the children she served. Jonathan Charles, a former resident of Connie Maxwell, fondly recalled her influence, saying, “She was a little more direct, but definitely very kind. She was great at what she did.” Sally’s commitment to justice and education inspired many young people to explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and passions.
Another former resident, Michael Jones, reflected on the nurturing environment Sally cultivated: “Mrs. Kauffmann had a way of making everyone feel special. She believed in us even when we didn’t believe in ourselves. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her guidance and support.”
Nicole Thompson, who participated in the music programs Sally led, shared a similar sentiment: “Sally’s love for music was contagious. She pushed us to be our best, not just in our performances, but in everything we did. She taught us that we were capable of more than we ever imagined.”
The Kauffmanns’ dedication to the ministry is perhaps best exemplified by the words of Christina Kauffmann, their daughter, who spoke at the event. Reflecting on her parents’ legacy, she said, “There will always be a light in the darkness if everyone had a community like this one.” Her heartfelt remarks underscored the deep sense of belonging and care her parents cultivated at Connie Maxwell, a legacy that will continue to influence the ministry for generations to come.
The evening also featured the dedication of a stained glass window titled “Jars of Clay,” which will be installed in the Kauffmann Auditorium. Crafted by the same company that created the original stained glass windows for Connie Maxwell Baptist Church, this window serves as a symbolic representation of the Kauffmanns’ lasting legacy at Connie Maxwell. Doug Kauffmann, who has long been known for his love of these windows, expressed his deep appreciation for this tribute, saying, “Thank you for honoring Sally and me. This place has always been about healing and hope.”
Watson Dorn, a close friend and fellow Rotary Club member, also spoke at the event, highlighting the Kauffmanns’ dedication to service, particularly their involvement in the Greenwood community. “Doug and Sally exemplified service above self,” Dorn said. “Their impact is immeasurable.” He recounted numerous examples of the Kauffmanns’ contributions to various causes, always with a focus on helping others. Their commitment to the well-being of others was a guiding principle throughout their lives, and their legacy continues to inspire those who knew them.
The Kauffmann family’s generous gift represents a significant milestone in Connie Maxwell’s journey to become a national leader in healing and ministry for children. The funds will be instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission to provide comprehensive care, support, and education to the children and families it serves. As Connie Maxwell “Crosses the Threshold” into a new era of service, the lives of Doug and Sally Kauffmann will continue to serve as a blueprint for the mission.
Danny Nicholson summed up the profound impact the Kauffmanns have had on the ministry, saying, “As much as anybody, Doug and Sally have had an impact on Connie Maxwell, and I’ve found in them examples of authentic faith, enduring commitment to the needs of children and families in Jesus’ name, and most importantly, devoted friends who’ve fed my heart and soul on the journey.”
As Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries continues to expand its mission and reach, the legacy of Doug and Sally Kauffmann will remain a guiding light, inspiring future generations to serve with the same passion, dedication, and love that defined their lives. If their lives have shown the community anything, it’s that they will finish the race well. Their lives bear witness to 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,” and in the words spoken by Doug’s best friend, Scott Smith, at the event, “Well Done.”
