"hands-on compassion"
There's more to read on the web at www.missionwaco.org
Annual collection provides assistance to over 2000 children
Don’t remind the children yet, but in only a few weeks children and youth will be hearing reminders that school is starting soon (8/23). With the high cost of required school supplies, usually around $25 per child, many low-income parents simply can’t afford it and their children often go to school without the basics. Because Mission Waco want to help, but not take away the parental involvement our School Supply Store has been a tremendous help. That is where you come in! We need your donations of supplies or funds to buy supplies. After getting their voucher from the office (1315 N. 15th), program and public participants can get all required supplies for only $5 per child. We have lists of the items, but here are most:
Most-needed items:
- pink erasers
- crayons-boxes of 16 or 24 colors
- 3-ring notebook (1.5.-2 in.)
- glue sticks
- non-perm. markers-sets of 8
- pockets or dividers for binders
- glue bottles (4 oz./8 oz.)
- map color pencils - box of 8 or 12
- wide ruled writing paper
- pocket folders
- blue, black, & red ink pens
- zipper bags for notebook binders
- #2 pencils
- yellow highlighters
- colored constr. paper (12" x 18")
- 12" ruler
- spiral notebooks - 70 pgs. each
- manila/white construction paper (12" x 18")
- scissors - safety & regular
- spiral notebooks - 100 pgs. each
- boxes of facial tissues
* Collection Deadline: Monday, Aug 2nd or Tuesday, Aug 3rd, between 9:00-3:00. If possible, please deliver your collections to our Children’s Center
*Store Location: “The Rock” or Children’s Center, 1525 West Avenue (corner of North 16th and West Ave, one street over from MW Main Offices)
$35 will buy a new pair of shoes for someone who walks a lot of miles in them
When you donate $35 to Mission Waco’s “Shoes for the Homeless” program, a man or woman not only gets a new pair of shoes, but gets to choose them and be fitted for them. In a world where thrift store leftovers are normal, that is a big deal! Our second annual “shoes” program highlights each recipient getting their pre-selected shoes at the 8th Annual “Walk for the Homeless” on Sunday, September 19, 8:00-10:30, beginning at Mission Waco’s Meyer Center. As we receive donations in the weeks ahead, those who have registered at the Meyer Center will be taken to Academy Sports + Outdoors to be fitted. Your donation means more than you know. You can give online at www.missionwaco.org by hitting the “Donate” button, and then designating “shoes for homeless” in the “Comments” line. Thanks!
Your financial support gets to the needs!
Three weeks ago we received notice that Charity Navigator, offering “unbiased and objective” ratings data (available at http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=7884) has given Mission Waco (Cross Culture Experiences, Inc) its highest “exceptional rating. This is the third year in a row, our local urban ministry has been given the highest rating. Our administrative staff, Finance Committee and Board of Directors deserve “thanks” for their hard work to assure that our financial accountability is “beyond reproach” and keep administrative cost at only 13.1% of the entire budget. Thanks to all of you who support our numerous programs among the local urban poor, mobilizing efforts to engage the middle-class and specific projects in Haiti, India and Mexico City. We could not do our work without you. And now you can know with continued assurance that we are using your donations wisely!
Recent student group drove two days from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Seven days a week, there are groups of students and adults serving the poor and learning about God’s heart for the poor and marginalized at Mission Waco. They paint, clean, lead “Street Camps,” do devotionals at our homeless shelter, attend Church Under the Bridge, and go through the Poverty Simulation. Groups have come from all over Texas and New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Chicago and Milwaukee. Several of the groups also choose certain content (besides poverty) to learn about. Church renewal, social justice, global missions, community development and other topics are offered.
Items from our Haiti “Women’s Co-op,” Ghana, and Honduras now available
The “Cup” has been filled this summer! From the “free coffee” special on Monday mornings, to the added menu items and daily arrivals of new worldcrafts, the World Cup Café, 1321 N. 15th has become a popular place. Open 7:00-2:00 daily except Sunday, you are welcome to come have a frappe or a smoothie or just sit with your computer (free WiFi) and have a cup of Joe. Come on over!
New curtains and improvements needed to dress up neighborhood theater
Last year there were bands, talent shows, a MLK dramatic reading, videos, and Friday night jazz groups enjoying the “arts” and more at the historic 243 seat theater. Renovated in 1994, after years of blight in the old North Waco neighborhood, the former “Texas Theater” was cleaned up and made presentable. But sixteen years later, there is need for some cosmetic makeover. For only $105, you can buy one of the 18 needed new curtain panels. An additional $3000 worth of technology improvements will be added. So if you think the arts are important in a revitalized neighborhood, we would love to hear from you!
School Sponsorships, Water Wells, Medical Clinic and Micro-Credit Program
After the horrible January earthquake, the world woke up to the little impoverished nation and thousands of Christians have now sacrificially gone to help! Mission Waco’s Christian community development work in Haiti for the past sixteen years has continued to make a difference in the Northeast. After the earthquake, the water well drilling truck bought by Mission Waco from donations of compassionate supporters was sent to drill wells in the earthquake epicenter area. In addition, a 250 gallon clean water purification system was installed by Janet Dorrell and Haitian WHR-Haiti Director, Jackson Nelson. Due to growing interest, Mission Waco will lead a fall trip for those interested in going to Ferrier in the NE. Applications are available online at www.missionwaco.org under “Mission-Exposure Trips.” Cost is estimated to be around $1950 for the nine-day trip, which covers almost all expenses.
Remaining Summer Dates Full
One weekend can change your life! Just ask the hundreds who attended recently. The Friday evening-Sunday afternoon experience has had significant impact on groups struggling to understand the poor, God’s call to them, and the challenge of our affluent lifestyles. The cost is $50 for the weekend. Reservations and deposits are required. Students must have completed the 8th grade to attend. Want to know more? See www.missionwaco.org under “Training.”
Sept 23 Annual fundraiser dates set- Sponsorships available
Meadowbrook Baptist and St. Louis Catholic have taken home the “cup” more than all others. And the pre-scramble “Pastor’s Shootout” had a new winner last year with father/son team, Jimmy Seibert, pastor of Antioch Community Church. The last several Mission Waco events at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course have “sold out” so don’t wait too long to get your team booked. Businesses and individuals are welcome in the 4-man scramble. Call Joyce at 254.753.4900 for more info.
Mission Waco, Baylor School of Social Work, Texas Baptist and Crestview CoC sponsor
Through the years, the Fall conference has continued to attract folks from all over Texas. This year should expand those borders! With plenary speakers like Steve Corbett, Amy Sherman, Noel Castellanos, Larry James and Chris Simmons, the content will be the best ever. Over 25 workshops dealing with issues from urban youth to global development will be offered. Exhibit booths will also be present. Brochures and website registration soon! Hold those dates.
Contact info......
Mission Waco
1315 N. 15th Street (office)
Waco, TX 76707
254.753.4900
Mission Waco is primarily supported by individuals who believe in the mission and purposes of the urban ministry. If you want to help or become a monthly donor, go online to , call the office, or just send you gift to the office. Mission Waco is a 501c3 organization that has the highest “Charity Navigator” rating available for responsible use of its funds.