The Northeast Medical Group Community Outreach Committee salutes the efforts of a longstanding, essential member of its New London region team: Kimberley Abell.
Abell, a clinical practice optimization specialist, has been with YNHHS for over 10 years and has been a consistent presence in community outreach efforts within the New London region since 2015.
Alongside Sonia Stavens, RN, Abell has co-led multiple initiatives, including the Souper Bowl at the Groton Senior Center and the annual toy drive for Safe Futures. Although she will continue to actively participate in community outreach initiatives, Abell recently decided to step down from her leadership position and turn the reins over to Tracy Cottrell, administrative associate.
Of the many programs she’s volunteered her time to, picking just one that stands out the most is a challenge. “Our committee began with a regional New London Chili Cookoff and blossomed to additional outreach events both internal and external,” said Abell. “My favorite events were the Annual Souper Bowl held at Groton Senior Center each February, the May 2018 Pickleball Tournament, the yearly Safe Futures Toy Drive along with its delivery, the MyChart tech assistance session at the Groton Senior Center, the Cheer Garden deliveries to the regional NEMG offices and most recently, the Walk with a Doc events at Harkness Park. It has been wonderful to see our committee grow in size and become inclusive of numerous NEMG clinicians.”
When asked what she has found most rewarding about working with the COC, she said, “Working with local organizations such as Safe Futures, the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, FRESH New London, Johnny Cakes of Westerly, the Groton Senior Center and the Westerly YMCA allowed me to witness firsthand where the items were delivered and who was benefitting from the assistance. Delivering toys locally, knowing that it would benefit victims of domestic violence within our community, and dishing out soup to our local seniors, many of who are patients of NEMG, provided instant gratification and was very rewarding.”
“I strongly encourage staff to participate in any NEMG community outreach activities or to officially join the committee. During these difficult times, help is needed more than ever, on so many levels, and the personal rewards are not only extremely beneficial when helping others in our community, but are a distraction from current events and a reminder of how fortunate and blessed many of us truly are.”
“Kim is the bedrock of the New London region community outreach team and has been a great leader,”, said Robert Mitchell, manager, practice operations and co-chair of the NEMG DEI Council. “It costs you absolutely nothing to give back, to do something nice for somebody who can give you nothing in return - Kim Abell embodies these words and has led the New London/Westerly community outreach efforts – mobilizing a team of employees and physicians/providers that has done phenomenal work in giving back to those communities. I cannot begin to express in words my appreciation for Kim’s leadership and hard work, her commitment to serving those in need in the New London region and for the input she has given the Community Outreach Committee over the years. You will be missed. THANK YOU!”
The Community Outreach Committee is instrumental in carrying out NEMG’s mission to help the communities we serve. For information or to join, contact Robert Mitchell, 203-384-5109. Watch for more information on their initiatives.
