Posts by Ashley Thornton
Getting Lost in Waco
by Adam Moore How well do you know Waco? I don’t mean Waco history, politics, or where to find the best burrito in town (I tend to favor Sergio’s food truck). Rather, I mean have you actually seen the different areas of our city? Have you been to the various neighborhoods? Are you familiar with…
Read MoreWhen you think of Goodwill, do you think of jobs? You should!
By Tiffany Fry As I go out and about in the community, I always have fun when I talk about our Waco Goodwill Learning Center. A lot of folks I meet have shopped and/or donated goods to our retail stores. This is always great to hear! And no worries to any folks that have not.…
Read MoreThe Day of the Dead
by Dr. Cristina Cleveland (Special thanks to Rocio Ramirez for her great input! – CC) In Mexico and in other Latin American countries on November 2nd, we celebrate the “Day of the Dead.” It is, in fact, a two-day celebration since the day before, on November 1, we celebrate the “Day of Innocent Saints” referring…
Read MoreVoting “Yes” for Waco Schools and Waco!
By Ashley Thornton First thing in the morning on October 19, the first day to vote early, I hustled down to the McLennan County records building and voted “Yes!” for the WISD Tax Ratification. I know the final votes won’t be tallied until November 3, but I couldn’t wait. I have high hopes for Waco. …
Read MoreHow to Make the Most Out of Your Freshman Year
by Diego Loredo You just graduated high school, you’ve been anticipating this moment all year, and now you’re finally here. You’re a college freshman! Although it can be fun and exciting, starting college can also be a huge challenge. Starting college is a huge step in your career and in life. So don’t feel bad…
Read MoreTogether we can make a difference – building parent engagement
by Josette Ayres Recently a brightly colored t-shirt slogan caught my attention. In the center was a rhinestone “T” in the middle of a Superman like logo. Below it read, “Teaching is my SUPERPOWER”. My thought was a resounding, “AMEN”. Amen to those who’ve answered the calling to foster the education of our children. Those…
Read MoreArt and Community : on Creating Sustainable Community Through Relationships
By Jenuine Poetess This past Saturday a collection of seven very diverse individuals—some strangers, who had never met each other before—gathered together and shared a meal, poetry, artwork, dialogue, and selves. Why did they meet up? What compelled them to circle around several tables pushed together in the back room of a local family restaurant,…
Read MoreWe can change a child’s trajectory in life by getting involved!
By Denise Mason In August 2015, 342 children from Central Texas were in foster care placements, with 217 age 10 years or older. That means more than half were in 4th grade or above. These children have been separated from their primary caregivers and placed in substitute care…a foster home, kinship home or in a…
Read MoreCoordinated Access makes it possible for homeless families to get help with one phone call
By Cameron Goodman Lacking a safe and permanent place to call home brings about many challenges for the homeless population in Waco. The effects of homelessness on our community are wide-ranging. Just a few examples of these effects include: Children who are displaced from their housing may lose up to 4-6 months of academic progress…
Read MoreOn Solidarity and being “Local” Together
By Deshauna Hollie “Solidarity means that no one in our community has to stand alone.” – Jody Money I heard this definition of solidarity four years ago at a community meeting in Waco on immigration and it has stuck with me ever since then. I always seem to remember this quote around this time of…
Read More