Posts by Ashley Thornton
Thoughts on Fair Chance Hiring for formerly incarcerated individuals
By Ashley Bean Thornton For several years now I have been a part of a conversation in Waco about how to help people returning to our community after incarceration to “reintegrate” into society. (Please visit the McLennan County Reintegration Roundtable website for more information about this on-going work.) One of the key elements for successful…
Read MoreWant to grow your communication and leadership skills? Consider Toastmasters!
by Gary Lee Webb, DTM Do you have trouble getting through a job interview? Are you uncomfortable speaking in front of people you do not know? Would you like to be better at responding to a surprise question? Or better at marshalling your thoughts and presenting your ideas? Perhaps you have a job, but wish…
Read More# Acceptancemeans
By Alicia What comes to your mind when I say Autistic? Who do you picture in your head? Perhaps a child in your neighborhood who flaps their hands with happiness? Or an adolescent who gives you a detailed account of the solar system’s activities? Maybe the adult from church, who rocks back-and-forth during most services?…
Read MoreBalancing our Relationships & Technology: Talk more. Tech less.
by Dawn Wible A friend blankly stares across the table while you check your texts. As she anxiously awaits an answer, you have no idea what she just said. Your four year old is describing his new friend at school, but you are busy scrolling through the newsfeed and missing the whole story. Vegging on…
Read MoreA Place to Call Home … Booth Gardens Apartments
By Cecelia Rodriguez Do you have an older friend, or perhaps a friend with a disability, who is on a limited income? Booth Garden Apartments might be the perfect home for him or her. We are proud of the environment we have created here at Booth Gardens, and we would like to make sure that…
Read MoreFoundational Employment: Workplace Ideas for Healthy, Stable Lifestyles
By David Saucedo The Reinforced Earth Company is a precast concrete company that is part of a national and international conglomerate comprised of construction, technology and concession companies, among others. We are located in China Springs and we employ between 150 to 160 people, many of which are Waco residents. My personal passion for community…
Read MoreGreater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy…building on a great idea!
By Donna McKethan In the Fall of 2015, the Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy (GWAHCA) will open its doors to Waco area juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in the health care industry. The Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy is a unique and innovative collaboration between the local health…
Read MoreBatter up! Everyone plays in Challenger Little League!
By James Karney Let’s go! Batter up! We’re tak-ing the af-ter-noon off! It’s a beau-ti-ful day for a ball game, for a ball game to-day The fans are out to get a ticket or two From Wal-la, Wash-ing-ton to Kal-a-ma-zoo – It’s A Beautiful Day For A Ball Game by Harry Simone Spring is here…
Read MoreImagine Waco’s Future, Together as a Community
By Alfred Solano What do new bike lanes, the Hippodrome reopening, Franklin Place, Dichotomy, Lula Jane’s, Muddle, Tinsley Place, Barnett’s Pub, and McLane Stadium all have in common? They’re all recent developments that have collectively changed the landscape of Downtown Waco during the past few years. In 2010, we, as a community, began to dream…
Read MoreNational Poetry Month: Why Poetry Matters
By Jenuine Poetess April is many things to many people. For some, April is about Autism Awareness & Advocacy. For others April shines a light on the presence of Child Abuse and how to prevent violence against youth in their homes. Some people celebrate their pets in April, other people honor the Earth, still others…
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