“Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself.”
St. Louise de Marillac
Serving with Heart: Meet New Associate Rachel Kopp
By Sebastian Isaacs, Communications intern
Every weekend, Rachel Kopp and her husband, Eric, serve their community by volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul’s food pantry in Spring Hill, Florida.
On Jan. 4, 2026, Rachel Kopp made her commitment as an Associate in Mission during a ceremony at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church in Spring Hill, Florida. After attending a few initial classes, Rachel found herself “drawn to the shared faith and commitment to helping others” of the Sisters of Charity and decided to become involved.
She expresses particular gratitude to Associate Pat McNiff, who served as a “warm welcome” and “knowledgeable introduction” to the Community after Rachel was invited to learn more about the mission in October.
Raised in New Port Richey, Florida, Rachel attributes many of her values—including resilience and compassion—to her single mother who shaped her early life. These same qualities have guided Rachel in her “challenging, yet rewarding” career as an insurance claims adjuster. In her role, she addresses lawsuits and catastrophic claims, and takes pride in the position she has achieved through determination and hard work.
Joining the parish also introduced Rachel to the opportunity to serve the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in Spring Hill, where she volunteers with her husband, Eric, from 7 a.m. to noon every Saturday. Together, they sort donated and purchased produce and food items, prepare day bags for the homeless, and pack monthly food bags for pantry patrons.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys thrift shopping and spending quality time with her nieces. She also loves to visit her daughter, Julia, who attends law school in Boston. A deeply family-oriented person, Rachel looks forward to “deepening my love for others” within the Community and in the wider world.
Rachel’s thoughtful decision to become an Associate in Mission was reaffirmed at the “beautiful and moving” Jan. 4 ceremony, where she made her commitment to the mission of the Sisters of Charity: to build loving relationships and share resources with all in need. She shares, “It confirmed for me that this was the right path to follow.”
“Making this commitment means a great deal to me, even though I am discovering all that it will bring,” Rachel reflects. “I’m not fully sure yet how it will shape my life, but I am excited and hopeful.”
She continues, “I see it as an opportunity to grow in faith and to learn new ways to serve.”
rachel and julia kopp
In her free time, Rachel Kopp (left) enjoys visiting her only child, Julia, where she attends school in Boston.
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