"hands-on compassion"
There's more to read on the web at www.missionwaco.org
Record of 56 businesses, churches and organizations from Waco help collect items
The lines are long and the days are hot, but struggling parents are willing to do their part to help their children have basic school supplies for the first day of classes. Due to the generosity of hundreds of local folks, donated supplies packets are “sold” at an 80% discount (around $5) to lower-income families. Their portion is our way of offering dignity and participation toward empowerment and helps us buy more supplies. Store volunteer manager, Suzanne Kelly, is still seeking volunteers to help at the store and fill any gaps. Socks are being added this year to the packets. Extra funds will be used to help West Ave Elementary School children who cannot afford uniforms to get those. If you want to buy supplies or give money so we can, let us know. August 6 is the first “store day.” Call 753.4900 for information.
Annual 1.4 mile “educational/prayer-walk” brings community together for homeless
Last year, over 200 men, women, children, and animals made a statement, brought hygiene supplies and learned a lot about homelessness in Waco and the nation. This year we are expecting more! We’ll stop along the way at various non-profits which help the poor and homeless, learn about their services and needs, hear from the homeless, have readings and pray for each agency. So bring your friends, Sunday School class, and others. And bring various items, such as toothpaste, deodorant, disposable razors, shaving cream, bar soap, etc.
Get your 4-person team together for fun, prizes and to help Mission Waco raise funds
For the last several years, we have had a full slate of teams who are committed to our ministry. Volunteer Tournament Director, Kyle Stevens, is expecting another sellout for the Cottonwood shotgun start.
Students and community invited to come serve the poor and marginalized
With summer vacations over, we’re looking for compassionate volunteers who will give at least 2-3 hours a week to help us help! Interested? Look online at our “volunteer application” or call the office at 254.753.4900 for more info. There are lots of programs, needs and opportunities that your gifts and availability fit!
Celebrated singer/songwriter opened for Amy Grant and Michael Card & won “Album of Year” 1982
On Saturday night, September 20, Bob Bennett will perform at Jubilee Theatre, 1319 N. 15th. Bennett’s accolades are long and strong since his conversion to Christianity in the ‘70’s. Recently he has recorded a song called, “Least of These,” which he donated to the photo album book of Church Under the Bridge ($25). Bob will also perform at the “Walk for the Homeless” and CUB’s 16th anniversary on 9/20. Tickets available soon!
Denominational diversity and previous involvement shape candidate selection
We welcome six new board members for our annual Fall election to replace outgoing members and put the total back to twenty. Mission Waco’s board is comprised of a strong diversity of Christian denominational groups, mostly who have volunteered and/or donated in the past to the work. Welcome Dr. Bill Lockhart, Lynn Woodward, Thalia Williams, David Corbitt, Dennis Tang, and Ivette Zayas.
Dates set through next summer to offer long-term planning-go to www.missionwaco.org Training
Fall 2008
Sept 19-21
Oct 17-19
Nov 7-9
Dec 5-7
Spring 2009
Feb 6-8
Mar 27-29
April 17-19
May 1-3
Summer 2009
June 12-14
June 26-28
July 10-12
July 24-26
Aug 7-9
Great food and “purposeful shopping!” to help the world all at 1319 N. 15th @ Colcord Ave.
Whether the daily lunch special or famous “world cup burger,” the food and special coffees lure most folks. But now that the Global Fair Trade Market has expanded, there are just as many shoppers hunting for that perfect item which also supports international artisans who struggle in poverty. There’s WiFi, too. Coffee and pastries each afternoon, 2:00-5:00.
New Winter Trip to MxCity (Dec 27-Jan 2) Added to Haiti, India and MxCity Summer Trip
Due to changing airfare prices, estimated costs below include all expenses and estimated airfare. Student and adult groups can also negotiate dates and locations with Mission Waco staff to these locations.) Applications online at Missionwaco.org
MxCity- Dec 27, 08-Jan 2 (Christmas gifts for the orphanage and much more!) $650 + airfare ($450 est)
Haiti- March 6-14 (Clinic, water wells, school sponsors, and lots more!) $700 + airfare ($850 est)
India- mid-May-early June (Calcutta, Delhi, and Srinigar....lots of powerful experiences) $2100 + airfare ($1700 est)
MxCity- July 14-21 (tentative)- (orphanage, work with poor and marginalized, pyramids) $650 + airfare ($500 est)
1.5 hour bus tour educates community of poverty realities and opportunities
In the next few weeks, over 200 participants will travel around parts of Waco most have never seen, to learn about the past, challenges and opportunities. Special trips for churches, classes, and organizations can be organized for groups of 10 or more. Call 254.753.4900.
Assistance, job training, G.E.D. Classes, and clinic just some of opportunities
Though we focus on “empowerment,” basic needs must be met daily. For a sampling of the immediate needs provided last month at the Meyer Center, here’s what we did (besides the normal case management, substance abuse intakes, counseling, etc):
686 meals were served to the poor
140 loads of laundry were done
383 showers were taken
124 bus passes were provided to get folks to work
306 phone calls were made
113 clothing vouchers were given
77 hygiene kits were provided
33 diaper packs were given out
$2000 worth of assistance to those in need (all non-budgeted costs for us!)
Those numbers do not include any of the increased expenses we incurred for our buildings’ utilities, gasoline for van rides for our children and teens, and intern expenses. SO… if you ever wanted to step up and do a little extra help, this would be a great time! While we usually have several folks give in the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays and year-end, summer is the challenge and your gifts will mean a lot.
Audio/Video Studio, “G-Time” and Game Room Reaching High-Risk Group
When you have dropped out of school, gotten in some trouble, had a baby or struggled in other ways, it’s hard to find anyone who will give you a chance. But because Mission Waco’s goal is to bring the “whole gospel” to the person and community, we are committed to advocate for those teens. And because of community partners like Caterpillar, the African American Chamber of Commerce, the City of Waco, Ludwig Saw and Tool, and the Dr. Pepper Museum, several urban teens are learning to work and making some money “the old fashioned way!” Gabe Domiquez and Phil Oliver continue to train, job coach and encourage these youth. It’s a great program!
Mission Waco’s Manna House continues to reach lower-income men with addictions
“Manna House saved my life!” said one of the participants who had been in and out of recovery programs. The three-six month “holistic” residential treatment program is often filled due to it’s approach and success. While the program costs Mission Waco about $4000 per person, those fees are covered by our donors since all of those served in McLennan County come from poverty. In return, the men provide some 15+ hours of volunteerism back during their treatment time. Mission Waco was recently awarded the “Access to Recovery II” grant which offers those from addiction going through the local “Drug Court,” to access our job training, health and other services. Applications for recovery are taken at the Meyer Center.
Tuesday/ Thursday evenings open to uninsured with acute health needs
While the Family Health Center continues to operate its full service clinic at our center, Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00, Mission Waco has continued to offer help to most needy. Volunteer doctors and nurses and helpers come each Tuesday and Thursday to examine patients, offer TB tests for those in the homeless shelter, and do some dental screenings. John Humphreys has recently replaced Stan Wilson as Clinic Director. Patients may come at 5:00 on a first come, first serve basis, to the parking lot entrance at 1226 Washington.
Christian Community Development Association- October 22-25, Miami CCDA.ORG
Bottom-Up Approaches to Global Poverty-Baylor Symposium on Faith and Culture, October 23-25
Thanksgiving Day Lunch for the Homeless, November 27
Aug 4- Pleasant Olive Baptist Church, Waco
Aug 7- Wells Fargo ITS Employees
Aug 11- Rotary Club-Elite Café
Aug 27-10:00 Baylor University Chapel
Sept 6- First Baptist Church, Gainesville, TX – WMU
Sept 12- 10:00 Charitable Clinics Conference, The Woodlands, “Culture of Poverty”
Sept 27- Orlando, FL- “Holistic Programs” CCDA Institute
Oct 18-25- Miami, FL- CCDA/Truett Christian Community Development Class
Oct 25- “Global Poverty Institute-Baylor University”- morning workshop
Nov 10- Tulsa, OK, WMU Conference