At the 2026 XFDA Nationals, our members, families and friends came together to raise $1,600 for Abigail’s Arms Cooke County Family Crisis Center.
Recently, some members of our XFDA family had the privilege of visiting Abigail’s Arms in Gainesville, Texas, to present that donation in person and, more importantly, to meet some of the incredible people behind the organization.
We knew Abigail’s Arms did important work. What we didn’t fully appreciate until our visit was just how much they do.
Abigail’s Arms exists to provide a safe space for families in crisis, while educating and empowering individuals and creating greater awareness throughout the community. Their support reaches survivors of family violence, sexual assault, child abuse and other violent crimes. Their services are provided free of charge and confidentially, and help is available regardless of whether someone needs immediate emergency assistance or support navigating the longer road forward. Abigail’s Arms
A Safe Place When It Is Needed Most
During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet the team and learn about the many different ways Abigail’s Arms supports people.
That support can mean providing a safe place to stay through their 24-hour emergency shelter. It can mean counselling, advocacy or helping someone understand what options are available to them. Their team can accompany survivors when dealing with hospitals, law enforcement or the courts, assist with protective-order screening and help connect individuals and families with other resources they may need. Abigail’s Arms
Sometimes the need may appear small from the outside. Other times, the circumstances are incredibly difficult and heartbreaking.
What struck our XFDA members was that Abigail’s Arms meets people where they are.
It isn’t simply about women and children, either. Their mission is about providing a safe space for families in crisis, and their emergency shelter is designed for individuals and families who need safety and support. Abigail’s Arms
Helping Children Find Their Voice
One of the most eye-opening parts of our visit was learning about the work Abigail’s Arms is doing with children and local schools.
Through its Victim Outreach & Community Education program, the organization works within school districts across the county. Programs help young people understand subjects including healthy and unhealthy relationships, bullying, body safety and boundaries, while giving them knowledge and tools that can help them recognize when something isn’t right and know how to seek help. Abigail’s Arms
Abigail’s Arms also operates a Child Advocacy Center, where children affected by abuse, neglect or other crimes can be supported by professionals in an environment designed to reduce trauma and help them begin to heal. Families are supported through that process too. Abigail’s Arms
Hearing about this work firsthand was incredibly powerful.
Our XFDA Family
Representing the XFDA during the visit were Gunbelt & Kelbelle, Missouri Jim & BlackFox Lil, Mongoose & Big Mama, Bobkat & The Competitor, and Wishbone & Bead Lady.
Every one of us walked away seriously moved by what we had seen and heard.
For the XFDA, family has always meant more than the people standing on the shooting line. It’s the friendships we build, the people who support our events, our spouses and families who travel alongside us, and the communities that welcome us.
After visiting Abigail’s Arms and seeing where that money is going, that number means even more.
It represents our members, families and friends coming together to support an organization that is there for people during some of the most frightening and difficult moments of their lives.
Thank You, Abigail’s Arms
To everyone at Abigail’s Arms who took the time to welcome us, show us around, answer our questions and share the reality of the work you do: thank you.
We arrived proud to present a check.
We left humbled by the dedication, compassion and strength of the people behind it.
And to every XFDA member, family member and friend who donated at Nationals — this is what you helped support.
Thank you, XFDA Family.