“hands-on compassion”
Read more at www.missionwaco.org
Five New Grants Expand Opportunities for the Poor
Like a tidal wave, some of the proposals written by this faith-based provider began turning into awards recently. Though Mission Waco has to provide important cash match for some of the grants, these funds expand services to the poor with critical outside dollars.
Here’s what is happening:
SHP- This three-year HUD grant allows Mission Waco to assist 52 homeless men and women into a case-managed transitional program to help them move into permanent housing within six months.
CYD 76707- Serving low income children and teens in the 76707 zip code, this grant provides job clubs, job training, and jobs for lower income teens.
EFSG- Local emergency food and shelter funds provide assistance toward the thousands of meals and hundreds of beds offered daily for the homeless.
TSTC- Self Sufficiency Grant- As a sub-contractor, Mission Waco will provide important job training skills to over 500 employees from the Wal-Mart Return Center, Tractor Supply Center, and EMSI, a local call-center.
CCHD- Community organizing is the key to empowering local neighbors to take responsibility for their communities. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development once again funded some of Mission Waco’s North Waco program.
Exposure Trips Open Eyes and Soften Hearts...Are you ready?
There is nothing like getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing the world God sees everyday to engage wealthy Christians in a world of poverty. Each year, Mission Waco takes at least three out-of-country trips to work among the poor and see firsthand what can be done and what can be done back home. Click here for an application & price info or email Janet Dorrell for more info.
Haiti-(March 11-19) Five local adults and eight Baylor students will travel to the poorest country in the Western hemisphere to assist Haitians in drilling a water well and with a small medical project. Over $4000 was given by donors for the well, including a $1000 donation by “Pure Water, Pure Love,” a ministry of the Baptist Women’s Missionary Union.
India- (late May-early June) This three and a half week trip is like no other to open your eyes to a different worldview. The group will sleep out with a tribal nomadic group in the mountains of the Gujjars in Northwest India, go across the country to Calcutta to work in Mother Theresa’s Home for the Dying and orphanage and stopover in Lucknow to visit Lisa and Cini Baig who just returned to India from Waco.
Mexico City-(July 5-12) Open to high school age youth groups, families and individuals. This is an incredible week of work in the world’s most populated city. We’ll be in an orphanage for physically and mentally disabled children, a recovery center, a psychiatric hospital, a poor barrio, and also experience the pyramids, Basilica de San Juan, and other sites.
2nd Annual Style Show, Tuesday, April 4, 11:30-1:00 Tickets $15
Modeling “gently worn clothing” from Mission Waco’s resale store, women will display the designer wear sold daily at Mission Waco’s Clothesline, located at 1817 Franklin. All proceeds from the store and Fashion Show help support Mission Waco’s alcohol/drug recovery programs. Lunch will be provide by the new World Cup Café. Limited seating, so don’t delay.
Email Allison Allen for tickets or call 254-753-4900.
Parenting Classes begin March 30
Lower income parents from the community are invited to register for Mission Waco’s second round of parenting classes. Led by Ms. Salley Taylor of the Methodist Home and a trained “Positive Discipline” facilitator, the classes cost $20 with a chance to earn back $14 if all sessions are attended. Held at Mission Waco’s Jubilee Center, 1313 N. 15th @ Colcord, these classes can help struggling parents or soon-to-be parents learn how to help children reach their potential. Call 254-753-4900 or email Jimmy Dorrell for more information. A $10 deposit is required to hold your reservation. $10 more at the first class. $2 returned for each class attended.
Wanna lead a chapel service at My Brother’s Keeper?
Each night, Monday-Friday, 7:00-7:45, a different church, group, or individual leads a 45 minute devotional with some forty+ homeless men and women in the shelter. It’s a great experience and many devotional leaders return often to lead again. However, there are still nights open that need filling! If you are interested contact Jimmy Dorrell.
Church Under the Bridge Resurrection Sunday (Easter) Worship Service and Baptism at Camp Val Verde
Though Church Under the Bridge began as an outreach Bible Study of Mission Waco in 1992, today it is a separate entity where many of Mission Waco staff attend and serve. On 51 weeks a year at 11:00, the church of some 300 diverse folks meets outside, under the I-35 and S. 4th Street overpass, across from Baylor University. On Palm Sunday (April 9), the worshippers wash feet, celebrate communion and sing and wave their palm branches as one of the homeless men, dressed as Jesus, rides across the road on a real donkey. The congregation remembers the suffering of Christ on a brief Thursday evening “Maundy Thursday” service (April 13, 5:30, under the bridge). On Easter (April 16), the church goes to Camp Val Verde, near McGregor, for an exciting day of worship, baptism of new believers in the Middle Bosque River, and a picnic afterwards. Everyone is welcome to attend. Contact Jimmy Dorrell for more information.
World Cup Café (1321 N. 15th, 7:00a -2:00p , Mon -Fri )
It’s the coolest new place to eat in town! And beginning March 20, there will be a daily “global special” lunch. Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, will be the first recognized country with a special “rice and beans” menu that you will love. And the cafe is now offering homemade baked goods including lemon bars, blueberry bran muffins and chocolate cream pie!
See what our patrons are saying!
“Went to the World Cup today--that is the coolest thing going on in Waco. I am coming back!”
Sam Smith, Director-Strategic Projects, Sales & eCommerce, Support Services Group, Waco
“I went to the World Cup Cafe for lunch last week...it was fabulous!! Great job to you and your team!”
Lisa Williams, Truett Seminary Student
“Went to the World Cup Café for breakfast this morning with two of our senior adults. It was outstanding and packed. I must say I am envious that I didn’t think of doing that first. Good job friend!”
Jonathan Grant, Calvary Baptist Church, Associate Pastor
“Great coffees and fantastic sandwiches (I think he lucked into some culinary Katrina evacuees!) that teach TANF folks food
service skills while helping to rejuvenate the old urban core.”
Maggie McCarthy, Executive Director, Rapoport Foundation
“We are so glad that y’all are doing this – Robin and I have been by (ok – I admit – I’ve been 3 times already) and loved it.” Doug McDurham, MCYC
Another great UrBanquet! ...great food, message and support
$23,923 was raised at the recent February Banquet. Over 40 churches attended as part of the crowd of almost 1000 who heard Dr. John Perkins. Thanks to all of you who attended and made contributions or committed to monthly donorship. Mission Waco has to raise $700,000 to serve the poor this year. Monthly donors account for 34% of the annual budget. Are you interested? Contact Allison Allen for more info.
Free Clinic seeing growing numbers each week... 71 UNDUPLICATED PATIENTS A MONTH (1226 Washington Ave)
The Clinic is open Tuesday nights from 5:00-8:00 and Thursday mornings from 8:00-11:00. 250 medical and 60 dental patients came in the first few months of the clinic’s opening and the numbers are growing. Caring volunteers, doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and greeters have made this ministry a huge success. Thanks to all of our health care team! Contact Harry Porter for more information or to volunteer at the clinic. Donations are also being accepted to help support the clinic ministry.
Welcome Robert Dugan, the new Meyer Center Director
With hundreds of low income persons coming daily to Mission Waco’s one-stop shop, the need for a Meyer Center director was the first priority identified last Fall in the board and staff’s evaluation. Robert Dugan was hired early this month to oversee programs and coordinate various activities with program directors, including the Walk-in Center, MPowerment job training, G.E.D. classes, the Free Clinic, the sanctuary/training room, and the computer lab. Robert comes from California with years of experience in non-profit management in education/literacy. He is married to long-time Wacoan, Betsy Bracken, whose father was a local City attorney. Betsy teaches first grade at the Rapoport Academy.
Hygiene supplies needed for homeless at Meyer Center and MBK!
Got extra soap, shampoo, or deodorant? We need it for the hundreds of men and women who come to the Meyer Center to shower and clean up or attend the Free Clinic and need special hygiene care. Gathering and assembling hygiene bags are also a great project for Sunday School classes or groups. For more information contact Bo Wallace
Work Groups and Summer Programs Filling Up... College aged interns being recruited!
Hundreds of students from around Texas have been volunteering or are signed up to come paint, fix, serve, and help us help! Summer work groups are also filling up the nine separate weeks (Saturday evenings through Thursday mornings) throughout June and July. Contact Kathy Wise to see which weeks are still open. Costs for food and shelter for the entire week are listed at www.missionwaco.org. Mission Waco also has a 10-week Internship program for Christian students who serve the lower income. Housing and most food are included. click here to apply for more information.
Poverty Simulations Reaching Hundreds...Bring your group for a life-changing weekend!
Her journal read, “this weekend changed my life!” For 20 years, Jimmy and Janet Dorrell have been watching that same impact on thousands of participants during these experiential weekend plunges that help student and adult groups understand God’s concern for the poor and marginalized. In a culture of wealth and materialism, confronting the same issues that the “rich young ruler” faced when confronted by Jesus is necessary if we are going to follow God’s call to bring good news to the poor. Cost for the weekend is $40. Reservations and deposits are required.
Click here for more info on the poverty simulation. Email Allison to reserve places.
Weekends Include: March 24-26, April 21-23, June 2-4, June 23-25, July 14-16 Sept 8-10, Oct 6-8, Nov 3-5, Dec 1-3
The “Other Side of Waco” Tour- the part of our community most middle-class residents have never seen!
A local church singles group asked scores of questions as they traveled through North, East, and South Waco and heard the Mission Waco staff talk about a part of the city most had never ventured to see or learn about. Some had grown up here, yet knew nothing of the age-old problems of Waco’s past and present. But at the end, they were ready to do something and no longer willing to be apathetic. The “Other Side of Waco” tour is a 75 minute rolling tour of the city for any group that is ready to get more involved. Contact Allison Allen to make a reservation or call 254-753-4900.
Hispanic Trends and Racial Reconciliation...the unprepared church!
In his review of Mission Waco’s first racial reconciliation workshop, held on MLK weekend in the Meyer Center, Baptist Standard editor, Marv Knox, recaptured the ideas of Dr. George Yancey and Dr. Alcides Guajardo. Texas is no longer an Anglo state and the significant growth of Hispanics will only change the demographics more. Most churches are unprepared for these shifting trends and many simply ignore the realities. Yet those Christians who want to impact the Hispanic population must help first and second generation residents become more educated and gain critical assistance. The call of the church is to love our “neighbors,” not to determine their legal status. Yancey reminded the 150 participants that only eight percent of all churches in the U.S. are considered “multi-racial,” using an 80% maximum by any one racial group. “Do you think God would want only 8 percent of all churches to be multi-racial in a multi-racial society?” he asked. Yet most congregations struggle to find ways to have inclusive worship, diverse leadership, and the sensitivity to more clearly represent the Kingdom of God “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Community Organizing-Almost 50 North Waco neighbors hear Mary Nelson tell ‘em how to do it!
It was a very frigid night that could have ruined the plans, but they came anyway! Scores of North Waco neighbors came to hear Dr. Mary Nelson, who has done community organizing and development for over thirty years. Drawing on their own “assets” and the good of this lower income North Waco neighborhood, it was amazing to hear the positive perceptions of neighbors who love their area and want to see it continue to prosper. With great stories of what can happen, Mary guided the group to see the critical next steps in improving the quality of life in the neighborhood. Mission Waco’s community organizer, Janet Dorrell, was elated at the responses and synergy of the weekend. With objectives set and relationships deepening, these local neighbors are ready to take on the next challenges and create healthy community. For more information about community organizing efforts contact Janet Dorrell
Mission Waco’s Urban Youth Head to New Orleans to Serve...
It might be natural for an urban teen to feel sorry for himself or herself! But it’s supernatural to serve others and spiritual health demands selflessness and care for others. Nikkea Davis heads to New Orleans for a week of assisting Hurricane Katrina evacuees and local residents clean up and fix up in devastated neighborhoods.
F.O.C.U.S.- Mentors needed for children with incarcerated parents
Mission Waco is a sub-contractor for MCYC (McLennan County Youth Collaboration), a local non-profit, to assist them mentor children/youth of incarcerated parents. If you are 21 and are interested in a weekly, one-hour commitment to encourage and do planned activities, we need you! There are funds to reimburse your costs. Contact Floyd Harrison or DeShauna Holley at 254-753-4900.
House Of Dignity- Transition House Remodeled and Ready
The first graduates of Mission Waco’s women’s recovery home will be moving into the newly remodeled transition apartment in just a few days. Located adjacent to HOD, these women will begin working in the community and gradually adjust back into the pressures of daily life, while still working with recovery counselors. For more information contact Pam Stelk.
Volunteer Thanks!- April is Volunteer Appreciation Month
THANK YOU!!! April is our time to say a huge thanks to all our volunteers who corporately give thousands of hours each year. There is a special picnic to recognize you and your work to be announced soon. Summer volunteers are also being recruited. To volunteer contact Josh Dorrell.
Women’s Group- “Clowns Who Care!”
They are a sight to be seen! Mission Waco’s weekly “Women’s Group,” continue to visit hospitals and nursing homes to bring cheer and encouragement. This group of middle and low income friends meet each Wednesday for lunch, Bible study, and special projects. So put on your red nose and come join ‘em. Contact Janet Dorrell for more info.
JOBS FOR SENIORS, Age 55 and older...APPLY NOW!
Income eligible, unemployed seniors in McLennan and Hill Counties, age 55 and older, can go to work immediately, through Mission Waco’s SER/SCCEP Program. Want more information? Contact Luke Stokes or call 254 - 753 - 4900.
LIVING IN COMMUNITY...THE ARK APARTMENTS
It’s like no other place...inter-dependency at its best! Mission Waco’s model program allows mixed income and mixed background Christians to live in a single complex with affordable costs where accountability and support are the components which engender love and growth. There are persons with mental illness, seminary students, former addicts and ex-offenders, middle-class working families and all races... sharing life together. Each resident has a spiritual mentor, personal goals, and meetings with a Social Worker to help them process various issues. Residents also meet weekly, do common projects, and enjoy various outings and parties together. For more information contact Cindy Sutter-Tkel.
Speaking Schedule...Jimmy heads to several campuses and churches around Texas this Spring
March 27-28- Corpus Christi (start up project exploration)
March 28- Austin- University of Texas REZWeek (Speaker)
April 1- College Station- Texas A&M Students (Speaker)
April 10 - The Woodlands- Woodsedge and Woodlands United Methodist Church (Perspectives Class)
April 11- Champion Forest Baptist Church (Perspectives Class)
April 25- Houston, Second Baptist Church (Perspectives Class)
April 26- Houston, First Baptist Church (Perspectives Class)
April 27- Waco, Antioch Community Church (Perspectives Class)
May 18-19- Los Angeles, Urban Youth Workers Conference (Workshop)