All across Waco, Baylor students and alumni are working together to make a difference in the community. Organizations like Communities in Schools provide life skill classes, counseling, advocacy, and tutoring to students in Waco’s urban areas. As of 2017, there are five Waco ISD schools in need of community help to increase performance so they can meet state regulations. Communities in Schools is one of the many non-profits where Baylor Alumni and current students volunteer to help the up-and-coming generation meet those requirements. Following the footsteps of Baylor Alumni, many students are beginning to step out and positively influence the community as Waco flourishes with the help of new businesses and tourists.
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY’S TEXAS HUNGER INITIATIVE
Dr. Kathy Krey (99 BBA in Marketing, ’05 MA in Sociology, ’08 PhD in Sociology), Director
4.3 million people in Texas (Almost 48,000 people in McLennan County) might not have access to food tonight. Through coordination and collaboration, the Texas Hunger Initiative is helping organizations change that. “There are a lot of great people and organizations doing great work across the country,” Krey said, “We’re bringing them together and supporting them with the knowledge and expertise at Baylor to make their work more efficient and effective.” Their work is paying off. Compared to 2008-2009, the school year THI started, 100 million more meals were
served to children in Texas in 2015-2016
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Brenda Shuttlesworth (’86) Executive Director
Waco Habitat for Humanity partners with Baylor Students to eliminate substandard and poverty housing in Waco. Through new home construction and home repairs, Habitat for Humanity empowers residents to renew their neighborhoods and enhance their quality of life. Their ReStore facility recycles materials to provide resources at greatly reduced prices for the community. ReStore diverts thousands of pounds of waste into useful materials that help make a difference for those in need.
UNBOUND
Natalie Garnett (12) Assistant National Director
Garnett said, “everyone has a need for friendships and a need for belonging and if [they] don’t get that in a healthy way, [they will) find it in an unhealthy way.” Garnett, along with Baylor student volunteers, works to provide for those needs and ensure our community is healthy and safe. UnBound’s mission is to activate local communities to fight human trafficking through prevention, professional training, and survivor advocacy. They empower local youth through citywide outreaches and the help of donors across the nation
MISSION WACO, MISSION WORLD INC.
Jimmy Dorrell (72) Executive Director and President, Co-Founder
Janet Dorrell (80) Mission World and Poverty Simulation Director and Co-founder
Mission Waco began with the purchase of a deteriorating house in the middle of North Waco. When the Dorell’s first started Mission Waco their goal was to live among the poor and bring “good news” to those in the area. Now. Mission Waco’s program to empower the poor and marginalized through relationships with the middle-class has created a hands-on experience for Baylor students to serve the community. Through the service of over 1700 volunteers Mission Waco is able to address systemic issues that disempower the poor and serve Waco as well as the World.
ADVOCACY CENTER FOR CRIME VICTIMS AND CHILDREN
Dr. Kerry Burkley (97) Program Director
“We’ve got an issue that is all around us and we fear that it’s happening in this area,” Burkley said. Violence and abuse is far too common in the homes of men, women, and children.
The local Child Advocacy Center, however, responds to suspected sexual and physical abuse through medical examinations, case reviews, videotaped interviews. and partner agencies
Through the spread of community awareness, the Advocacy Center has been able to identify cases and help families all over Waco. Burkley said, “[they] are committed to take all the time [they) need to make sure they get the services” children need.
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
Aaron Mize (14) Chief Strategy Officer
The mission of Communities in Schools of the Communities in Schools of the Heart of Texas is to surround students with the support and tools useful for a successful life Mize said, Communities in Schools is “able to come into the schools and provide a level of support that teachers don’t always have time for.” As Baylor’s influence in Waco grows, Mize has seen areas where their knowledge and skills can propel the generations to come. Every child needs and deserves personal, healthy relationships that will allow them to grow and experience success. Communities in Schools seeks to serve student’s personal needs through program directors, volunteers, and Baylor alum.
JESUS SAID LOVE
Brett (98) and Emily (99) Mills, Founder and CEO
Brett Mills said, “The more you’re around [people who need Jesus], the more you realize it’s not ‘them’ and ‘us’. We’re all just us.” This philosophy is foundation of Jesus Said Love’s three-part method: go, love, connect. Jesus Said Love builds relationships with local strip club employees to connect them to community. With no strings attached they are able to provide community and spiritual resources. Founded by Brett and Emily Mills in 2003, Jesus Said Love has grown their influence in seven cities across Texas and is continuing to grow.
CASA OF MCLENNAN COUNTY
Anna Futral (’08) Executive Director
CASA is committed to providing a trained volunteer and a Court Appointed Special Advocate, for every abused and neglected child. Their vision is to see every abused and neglected child in the foster care system. Futral’s experience as a foster parent propelled CASAs vision and goal and they now advocate for almost 200 kids annually. There are nearly 600 children in the McLennan County Foster care system and many more hopefully as students and alum work to advocate on behalf of local children.
ANIMAL BIRTH CONTROL CLINIC
Carrie Kuehl (‘94) Executive Director
The Animal Birth Control Clinic serves the community through the life of animals. They provide access to affordable spay/neuter and healthy preventative pet services. Kuehl said their mission is to “reduce the numbers of stray and euthanized animals.” Often families buy animals when they cannot afford to and the Animal Birth Control Clinic wants to ensure families can provide a healthy lifestyle and prevent disease for their animals. Baylor Students volunteer to assist in any care needs and promote responsible pet ownership within the community.
