Founder & Executive Director

Dr. Carney developed a heart of compassion for the poor while growing up in the capital city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the vast majority live in poverty. Although she was raised in what could be considered an upper-middle-class family, poverty was within reach during her time there. And after she left her country and settled in the US, her compassion for the poor became deeper and her desire to help them grew stronger.

During her periodic travels back to Ethiopia to visit family, God opened her eyes to see the most vulnerable and needy population among the poor in the city: those children who live on the city streets without any resources. Compelled by Psalm 82:4 and encouraged by those who are close to her, she took a leap of faith that led her to start the Gracious Hand Mission Project, a nonprofit organization that is committed to helping rescue street children in Addis Ababa.

Personal: Abby came to the United States to pursue her higher education as an international student. While there, she met her husband, Clif, at a church in Colorado. Although they do not have children, they are blessed with many nephews and nieces whom they consider their own.