By Darryl Thomas
Texas is reeling. Over 100 lives were lost during the catastrophic flash floods that ravaged the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. Kerr County bore the brunt — 96 confirmed deaths and more than 160 still missing, including dozens of children who vanished at Camp Mystic.(MySA) The tragedy galvanized the state, but the path to healing and rebuilding is just beginning.
A Devastating Wake-Up Call for Community
Torrential rain transformed the Guadalupe River into a surge of destruction, with water levels rising over 26 feet in under an hour at Camp Mystic. Homes disintegrated, families were displaced, and countless memories washed away. In a disaster of this scale, it’s clear: recovery is not just an individual act, it’s a collective responsibility.
Five Practical Ways to Recover From Traumatic Loss
1. Acknowledge the Grief. Don’t rush past loss. Cry, remember, and honor what—or who—is missing. Emotional wounds demand time to breathe.
2. Stay Connected Through Community. Together, we heal better. That loss is softened when neighbors cook meals, donate clothes, or listen—without expecting answers.
3. Access Mental Health Support. Resources are active now: Kerr County’s 24/7 crisis hotline (1-877-466-0660) and Hill Country Mental Health Centers are offering free trauma counseling.(NAMI)
4. Rebuild With Purpose. Whether helping clear debris, preventing mold, or documenting losses for recovery aid—action is healing, and purpose is restorative.
5. Tell Your Story When You’re Ready. If safe, write or speak about what happened. Sharing your truth is an act of release—for you, and for others waiting for hope.
The Power of Coming Together
This tragedy reminds us that freedom from emotional imprisonment isn’t granted; it’s earned through collective care. Communities have raised funds, offered homes, and provided comfort. Heavy equipment from local wrecker services recovered personal belongings and remains; local restaurants, nonprofits, and places of worship mobilized resources to meet immediate needs. When devastation hits, togetherness isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Hope for the Underdogs and Emotional Freedom
Many young Texans, especially youth in detention, face floods of a different kind: emotional and psychological. Trauma floods their minds through neglect, abuse, or instability. Hope for the Underdogs offers more than literacy — it’s a roadmap to emotional freedom and trauma recovery.
We use TODAY… I WIN and TODAY WE WIN (Volumes 1&2) to foster self-expression, build confidence, and offer young people mental escape routes from their own storms. Your support helps us bring the healing power of story and community to youth who are both physically and emotionally captive.
How Can You Make a Difference? Here’s how:
- Sponsor a youth’s participation in our summer program so that more vulnerable young people gain access to recovery through narrative and leadership.
- Share our message through your networks. Awareness fuels resources.
- Volunteer or donate directly to support survivors in Kerr County and other impacted communities.
- Engage in community restoration: help clean up, provide shelter, or pray with families seeking closure.
In the aftermath of loss, our actions reveal who we really are. Recovery isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Texas is depending on its citizens to lead not just with resources, but with compassion, presence, and steady love.
Stay Connected: Connect with me on social media for updates and inspiration:📺 YouTube Live, Tuesdays @ 6 pm CST: @1DarrylWThomas🔗 LinkedIn & Instagram: follow @1DarrylWThomas
By Elizabeth Riley
Belly Belly- Short
“I’m obsessed with food.”
This short film production uniquely captures the daily struggle with food noise, disordered eating, and the obsessive battle with thoughts about the body. Depicting two queer femmes reconnecting over dinner, “Belly Belly” produces a tender balance of fear and excitement with disturbingly unexpected turns.
In “Belly Belly,” witness the fear of food impacting body image and mental wellbeing. The internal struggle with eating disorders is typically seen as an individual suffering. However, screenwriter Loren Hayes portrays an interesting situation in which food affects more than oneself.
Amidst dinner, you can’t help but expect recovery and found-love, but are our darkest urges easy to resist?
The director, Gabriel Carnick, alongside producers Aurora Perrineau, Loren Hayes, Kaeleigh Morrison, and Thea Touchton, capture magnificently beautiful foods, reminiscent of imagery in the television series “The Bear.” This short film is downright delicious.
With conversations that highlight the impact of dieting culture on our abilities to connect, to fuel ourselves, and to love the bodies we’ve been given, “Belly Belly” is recommended to those who are familiar with the horrific capabilities of human nature.
Catch the short film “Belly Belly” at Waco Indie Film Fest’s Shriek Show on Saturday, July 19th, at the Grand Lodge of Texas. Starting at 4:30 pm, this block is packed with horror shorts that’ll have you screaming, squirming, and laughing nervously in your seat.
Waco Indie Film Fest presents a variety of underground short films and full length movies across creative spaces in the city. This festival presents films of various genres from artists across the world at beloved locations in Waco. The schedule is absolutely packed with screenings, panels, and live screenplay readings. Don’t forget about the after parties and award ceremonies!
Friday JULY 18th
- Bloodlines & Fault Lines 10:30 am @ Performing Arts Community Center
- 924 Austin Ave Suite 150, Waco, TX 76701
- The Work is Mysterious and Important 10:45 am @ Texas Music Cafe
- 110 S 6th St, Waco, TX 76701
- It’s Complicated 11:00 am @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- 715 Columbus Ave, Waco, TX 76701
- The Pantone Guy 1:00 pm @ Texas Music Cafe
- Solitaire 1:30 pm @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- Hereafter 2:30 pm @ PACC
- World Without Cows 3:45 pm @ Texas Music Cafe
- The Strange Dark 5:00 pm @ PACC
- WTF: Weird, Twisted, Fantastic 5:30 pm @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- Peeping Todd & For Pete’s Sake 8:00 pm @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- What Do We Owe Each Other 8:00 pm @ PACC
- North Shore 8:00 pm @ Texas Music Cafe
SATURDAY JULY 19th
- Shorts and Spurs 10:00 am @ PACC
- Ultimate Citizens 10:15 am @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- Where the Horses Heal the Soul 10:30 am @ Texas Music Cafe
- All Ages, All Heart 1:00 pm @ PACC
- Sex and Consequences 1:15 pm @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- On Firm Ground 1:30 pm @ Texas Music Cafe
By: Elizabeth Riley
The Texas Hill Country has been wrecked beyond measure by natural devastation. Here are ways to help those affected in Hunt and Kerrville without interfering with active search and rescue teams and professional first responders.
The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is a collective set up by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which is a non-profit that provides direct rescue, relief, and recovery efforts to those involved in the floods. All donations to the Kerr County Flood Relief fund are pipelined to flood relief assistance.
The City of Woodway is accepting donations at the Woodway Public Safety Department or the Woodway Family Center until July 10th. They are not accepting monetary donations, but would greatly appreciate supplies that are in high demand.
- Hydration drink mixes, hygiene items (toiletries, soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste/toothbrushes, feminine products), cleaning items (bleach, trashbags, brooms, shovels), baby and child essentials (diapers, formula, bottles), sealed eye care (contact solution, eye drops, eye wash kits), comfort and coping mechanisms (NEW stuffed animals, dolls, coloring supplies, books/journals), pet essentials (dog/cat food, carriers, tarps, towels)
Austin Pets Alive has volunteer opportunities available for those who are willing to bring supplies to the area and pick up lost animals. From house pets to horses and cattle, beloved animals throughout the area have been displaced. Austin Pets Alive is searching for foster homes to care for animals that have already been taken in, monetary donations to continue medical rehabilitations, and supplies for basic pet care.
Kerr Pets Alive is in dire need of help. They are searching for donations of all sorts. If you can volunteer your time for search and rescue, please consider reaching out. If you or someone you know has lost or found a displaced animal, list the pet on their database or call (830) 200-0539. Kerr Pets Alive is treating each beloved animal with the utmost care and consideration, whether alive or deceased, claimed or unclaimed, no matter the cost.
GoFundMe has a list of verified pages, including family members and businesses, that have been directly impacted by flash flooding.
Although tornado season has passed, Central Texans should be weather aware now and always. In Waco, follow news channels like KWTX and KXXVhttps://www.kxxv.com for weather updates and community reports. Check in on your neighbors, and support Texas Hill Country in any way you can. Head over to the Waco Downtown Farmers Market at the Bridge Street Plaza on Saturday morning to catch some sun rays, chat with the community, and buy in-season produce. This Saturday is also Shark and Ray Day at the Cameron Park Zoo. Say hello to our fascinating aquatic friends from 9 am to 2 pm! This weekend is the weekend to get outside, get involved, and act locally, Waco!
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
By: Elizabeth Riley
This July, we are striving to find ways that reinvigorate the Christmas spirit of lighting the world through giving at the halfway point of the year. Perhaps you’ve been bogged down with mid-year reviews at work, anxious over the outcome of assessments, or tired from wrangling children all summer long. Get outside, get involved, and enjoy the miraculous lives we live.
Waco GoodFellas to Host ‘Christmas in July’ at Extraco Center
The Waco GoodFellas will host Christmas in July on July 19 at the Extraco Events Center, bringing holiday cheer to the summer season. The event will include food, an open bar, live and silent auctions, mini raffles and more. All proceeds raised will stay within the surrounding communities.
The Waco GoodFellas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in need during the holiday season and beyond.
Keep Waco Beautiful Hosts Summer Sustainability Pop-Ups
Looking to get outside this July? Keep Waco Beautiful will host the Summer Sustainability Passport Pop-Up on July 10 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Heart of Texas Goodwill on New Road. The event is part of the Junior Sustainability Advocate outreach program, which offers children educational programming, STEM/STEAM activities, and community engagement opportunities.
A second pop-up event will be held Aug. 12 at the East Waco Goodwill, also from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Gatesville Hosts ‘Jingle in July’ Shopping Event
For those up for a short drive, Jingle in July will take place Saturday, July 12, in Gatesville. The vendor market will be held at Pennoli Bed and Breakfast and will run throughout the day.
Attendees can take photos with “Santa on Vacation” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and shop while enjoying beverages at these local vendors and storefronts:
- Spur Nutrition: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Green Rooster: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 1854 Mercantile: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring Prickly Diamond, Lawson’s and Gypsy Rooster
- The Salty Señorita: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- The Pink Pearl: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring Spaghetti Western
- Sassi’s Boutique: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- L&M Clothing Boutique: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Maverick Exchange: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring Gussied Up
Whether you’re giving back, learning something new or shopping small, Central Texas has plenty of ways to celebrate the season—no snow required.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
Breaking the Emotional Chains that Bind Us
BY: Darryl W. Thomas, Jr.
When we celebrate Independence Day, we pledge pledging allegiance under a banner that declares our freedom. Yet, for countless Americans, freedom is merely surface-deep. Emotionally and psychologically, they remain imprisoned — not by walls or guards, but by trauma that echoes in their minds.
According to the National Center for PTSD, a staggering 70% of U.S. adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes, and up to 20% — over 44 million people — will develop PTSD symptoms. These aren’t just numbers — they reflect deeply lived struggles that shackle hearts long after the event.
The Hidden Chain of Trauma
Freedom is never free — not from the battlefield, prison bars, or personal loss. As a U.S. Marine who served in Kuwait (2003) and Iraq (2004), I experienced the chaos of combat firsthand. In war, you see the enemy. In life, trauma can be invisible, internal, and infinitely more destructive.
I, too, carry these scars — not just from war, but from my youth. A string of betrayal, neglect, and emotional distress left its mark. I learned that true freedom is not cheap, and it comes at a hefty price. This is especially true when it comes to trauma, anxiety, wounds, and guilt.
The 11-Figure Price Tag
Freedom demands one thing: F-O-R-G-I-V-E-N-E-S-S. This 11-figure price tag requires courage, vulnerability, and grace. Many people are not willing to pay such a price but it’s the essential currency that buys freedom.
When it comes to forgiveness, there are five strategies to consider:
1. Forgive Others- Holding onto anger or pain only strengthens the chains. Release those who hurt you.
2. Forgive Yourself- Guilt is a cruel jailer. Recognize that you did the best you could. Choose grace over shame.
3. Seek Support- Therapy, prayer, or mentorship isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s courage in motion. Freedom often needs someone beside you.
4. Narrative Liberation-Tell your story — whether to a trusted ally or through journaling. Reclaim the narrative from the eyes of trauma.
5. Serve Someone- Else Helping another person reveals your resilience and reclaims your power. Gratitude and purpose heal the heart.
Chains Upon Chains: Youth Behind Bars
The most heartbreaking prisons are emotional and invisible. In Texas, juvenile offenders are often chained emotionally by trauma. Between 75–93% of incarcerated youth have experienced at least one traumatic event, compared to just 34% of their peers. Many arrive emotionally wounded and leave further scarred.
That’s why Hope for the Underdogs isn’t just a summer initiative based on literacy — it’s a freedom movement. By equipping these young men and women with stories of triumph (TODAY… I WIN, TODAY WE WIN Volumes 1 & 2), we’re planting seeds of liberation. We’re offering them a path to forgive, heal, and break the chains that bound them.
You Can Join the Freedom MissionFreedom from trauma isn’t an abstract ideal — it starts in our communities. Here are four ways you can join the mission:
- Sponsor a Youth: Your support provides books and mentorship, forging pathways to healing.
- Share the Word: Spread our mission through your network. With awareness, we dismantle stigma.
- Partner with Hope: Host workshops, donate resources, or volunteer time.Invite Dialogue:
- Talk about trauma and forgiveness at church, school, or community events.
Final Call: Freedom Is Waiting
Freedom isn’t a moment — it’s a journey that reads: “To those who hurt me…but most, to the parts of myself I blamed.” By forgiving others and ourselves, we dismantle emotional prisons and allow our souls to breathe.To the parents, pastors, educators, and patriots reading this — I challenge you: will you pay the price of freedom? Let forgiveness — spiritual, emotional, personal — buy your liberation.Help our children feel freedom’s promise this summer through Hope for the Underdogs. Your sponsorship and voice can help set a generation free — literally, emotionally, spiritually.
This July, let’s not only celebrate freedom — let’s live it. Forgive, heal, and combat emotional imprisonment — for your family, your community, and the undamaged hearts waiting for us at Hope for the Underdogs.
Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine veteran (Kuwait, 2003; Iraq, 2004), leadership expert, award-winning speaker, and five-time bestselling author. A devoted family man—married 24 years, father of five, and founder of Committed 2 Win—he’s spent over 20 years helping individuals heal, lead with integrity, and break cycles of trauma.Connect with Darryl📧[email protected]🌐 www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs 📺 YouTube Live Tuesdays @6 pm CST: @1DarrylWThomas
By Darryl W. Thomas, Jr.
A Battle Worn Long After the War
What if I told you that men are five times more likely than women to apply a permanent solution to a temporary problem? Would that shock you? Afterall, we as men like to get the job done, right? Well in this case it is sad but true… yet wrong.
More than 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2022, and males accounted for nearly 80% of those deaths — nearly five times higher than women — highlighting a silent crisis among men, especially fathers and husbands.
For family men, this pressing reality is a reminder: the battles fought on the home front are as real and field-tested as those in overseas combat.
Comparing Wars: The Marine and the Dad
Having served our country from 2000 to 2005; I was one of many called into wartime situations. As a U.S. Marine, I spent time in Kuwait in 2003 and Iraq in 2004. One prominent lesson that I learned is that battle fatigue isn’t left on the battlefield. PTSD, a brutal companion in wartime, finds its way home. Making the internal battles more complex and difficult to conquer.
A year after leaving the Corps, my wife began to show signs of a debilitating, incurable, and hereditary disorder as she was pregnant with our third child. To say that it was challenging is a gross understatement. So, my load was comprised of dealing with PTSD coupled with trying to stay present for a sick spouse, maintaining emotional availability for three children – ultimately five, operating a business, working a 9-5 job and serving the community.
I discovered that I was not the only man dealing with such heaviness. I also learned that, in combat, the enemy is visible. At home, the enemy often hides in exhaustion, emotional silence, guilt, and the heavy expectation to carry all burdens alone.
As a family, your peace is vital. In light of June being the month that we celebrate fathers and Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, I implore all fathers to consider the following.
Three Ways Fathers Can Protect Their Peace
- Battle Begins with Boundaries- Protect your non-negotiable time for family dinners, prayer, and exercise like you would mission-critical operations. Leave work at work. Be where your feet are. Oftentimes, your presence is more important than your provision. It’s here that mental and spiritual strength are safeguarded.
- Deploy Your Support Network- In the Corps, every Marine has a battle buddy. At home, you can create a similar system — regular check-ins with another father, a mentor, or a counselor help fight isolation and toxic stoicism. Don’t be that lone wolf because a lone wolf will starve.
- Own Your Emotional Scars- PTSD and anxiety don’t look a certain way. I don’t care how well you try to dress it up, it will reveal itself. When untreated it can cause collateral damage. Success at work cannot mask the emotional scars. Your community involvement cannot conceal unhealed wounds.
Courageously admitting that there are issues begins the path to healing. Again, don’t face them alone. Taking that first step is an act of courage that models strength for your family.
Three Additional Strategies to Secure the Home Front
- Routine Physical Readiness:Complete at least three workouts per week — whether it’s a brisk walk around the neighborhood, a ruck march, a lifting session in the garage or weight-training at the gym. Implement a routine of bodily exercise to regulate stress, release endorphins, and maintain clarity.
- Spiritual Resupply:Engage in weekly (if possible, daily) spiritual practices — Bible study, meditation, or prayer walks — to replenish the inner well from which you lead. This strategy is a gamechanger.
- Intentional Debriefing:Schedule a monthly “T-time discussion” with your spouse. The more frequent the discussion, the better. What is T-time? It is short for truth time. This is a moment to discuss wins, struggles, and emotional needs honestly without judgement. It invites connection and clarifies purpose.
Closing Words to the Warriors at HomeMen, the uniform may come off, but your battles don’t. Strength is not measured by how much you can carry — it’s proven by how bravely you choose healing. Your legacy isn’t built in silence but in the courage to open up, rest, and invite support.
Mission Orders Start Today: Choose one tip and commit. Join the Brotherhood: Be in the house—virtually—this Tuesday at 6 pm CST on YouTube Live (@1DarrylWThomas) for my REAL Talk Tuesday session. Let’s stand together and talk real. https://www.youtube.com/@1darrylwthomas/streams Engage Back: Comment on what tactic you’re using to guard your mental health or share a story that inspires.And please think about supporting our Hope for the Underdogs summer initiative. A father’s healing helps a generation bloom. Your participation can make a difference.
http://www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs
Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, leadership development expert, award-winning speaker, five-time bestselling author, and at-risk interventionist with over two decades of experience. He is the CEO of Committed 2 Win, a personal and leadership development community focused on inspiring, challenging, and empowering young people and adults to overcome adversity and take ownership in becoming the best version of themselves. Beyond his professional achievements, Darryl is a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart for 24 years and father to five children: a U.S. Marine, a TCU graduate, a University High School graduate, and two University High scholar-athletes.
By Elizabeth Riley
Spring is the season of rebirth for all creatures alike, leaving our summers filled with numerous displaced animals throughout the streets of Waco. On any walk or drive around town, these animals are bound to cross our paths, seeking help and a little bit of love. Texas summers are sweltering hot, with the sun heating up pavement on roads and sidewalks to unimaginable temperatures. If you’re uncomfortable being in this heat, these vulnerable, defenseless creatures feel just as bad.
Stray animals suffer from sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration just like us. While an animal’s paw pads are thick and durable for all-terrain, they burn within minutes on hot pavement. If you see an animal walking quickly with high steps, quite like a horse at a show, take a moment to show it some compassion, bring them into a cool space, and give them some rest. The least we can do is inform our animal-loving selves on how to handle another one of our vulnerable populations and take action to help the animals in our city.
Animal Rescue 101:
- Check Microchip for Owner Information: When rescuing any animal, the first goal should be to reunite them with their owner. To do so, check for any identifying tags or scan them for a microchip at a local fire station or humane society. Most animals are implanted with microchips before adoption, but many owners fail to register their information with their pet–you can double-check at your next vet appointment!
- Waco fire stations scan stray animals for microchips and send finders off with information sheets and surrender waivers. Dropping an animal anywhere for purposes of abandonment is illegal.
- Reunite the Animal with the Owner or Surrender to the Humane Society: Reuniting a missing pet with their worried owner is one of the best feelings in the world. However, if a microchip or additional information is missing, dropping the animal off at the nearest shelter is the next best option. Waco animal shelters are currently over capacity.
- At Pet Circle, all payment fees have been waived to promote rehoming. While encouraging adoption from all of our local animal shelters, pet owners should do vast research before taking on such responsibilities.Pets are family. These vulnerable creatures depend on us like children, needing intense care, effort, and patience.
- At Fuzzy Friends, where founder and director Betsy Robinson has just stepped down, workers are converting bathroom stalls into kennels to house dogs.
- Foster or Volunteer with Local Shelters: While many fear the foster process due to the stereotypical “foster fail” tale, the process of bringing comfort to an animal long enough for them to express their personality and matching them with a proper family is highly rewarding.
If you’re unable to open your homes to these animals, you can still dedicate your time to their care by volunteering. While loving on these creatures, they easily open up and display their unique characteristics worthy of adoration. Your time, care, and compassion can help in rehoming these animals. Our local shelters need our help.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
June is a month where we celebrate Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month!
As demands surge — school, work, college, extracurriculars — young people are increasingly bearing mental health strain especially young men aged 16–24. Among men of color, the pressure is profound: suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for Black males aged 15–24, their death rate more than quadrupling that of Black females in 2021 (Office of Minority Health, 2023). This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a call to action.
“Comwmunity is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” – Brian Solis
It is time to band together as a community that cares deeply. That truth often gets buried beneath cultural expectations of stoicism, peer pressure, and the relentless pursuit of success. So how can young men protect their peace and nurture mental resilience?
5 Powerful Tips for Young Men to Protect Their Peace
1. Own Your Story, Not the PressureRecognize that your worth isn’t determined by the GPA, game stats, or job title. Defining what matters most to you — not what society expects — provides clarity and emotional grounding.
2. Talk It Out with Real PeopleSilence can amplify stress. Seek trusted friends, family, mentors, or counselors. Remember: 26% fewer Black and Hispanic men seek mental health treatment compared to white peers — breaking silence is the first step (CDC, 2015).
3. Create Non-Negotiable ‘Me Time’Whether it’s basketball, music, reading a book like Today We Win, or time in nature, carve out moments just for you. These breaks are essential for emotional recalibration.
4. Build Your Resilience ToolboxDevelop healthy coping strategies — set boundaries, practice mindfulness, or log your emotions nightly. Preparing now means fewer cracks later when stress spikes.
5. Connect to a Supportive CommunityJoin a team, mentoring group, or faith circle where you belong. Group accountability isn’t just social — it’s protective. When we uplift each other, we all rise stronger.
“Asking for Help: Courage isn’t just about standing alone; it’s all about reaching out when you need it.”
How We’re Making a Difference
This summer, Committed 2 Win’s Hope for the Underdogs initiative will visit each Texas Juvenile Detention Center and Juvenile Correctional Facility to reach detained and disconnected teens across the state.
For more info visit: http://www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs
Through inspiring talks and literacy — using TODAY… I WIN and both volumes of TODAY WE WIN — and peer-led leadership programming, we provide tools for mental well-being and self-belief. We tackle the cycle of pressure, praise, and placement into support networks that redefine their future.
Your Role: Be the Change
If you’re a parent, educator, coach, or mentor:
- Invite honest conversation: Create safe spaces where young men can share without judgment. Despite their ages and level of responsibility, someone to confide will always be a necessity for young men.
- Be an ally: Model or support men’s mental health care by setting a strong, compassionate example. If you are not a man, then intentionally connect him to a man who leads by example.
- Support initiatives like Hope for the Underdogs: Donate funds, resources, your time, or connections to personal or professional networks.When we invest in young men’s emotional well-being, we uplift families, communities, and our shared future.
- Let’s Connect: I’m Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. — U.S. Marine wartime veteran, leadership mentalist, bestselling author, and founder of Committed 2 Win. I’ve stood with young men facing daunting expectations and watched them step into courage. If you believe in supporting their mental health journey, let’s connect.
Together, we can amplify voices, break stigma, and build platforms for young men to thrive.Join us this summer. Support Hope for the Underdogs and help create safe spaces where mission meets mercy — and where success includes emotional wellness. Because empowering a young man today means inspiring a legacy tomorrow.www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs
www.darrylwthomas.com
The second weekend of June is busy for all of Waco! As summer temperatures return after a week of rain, expect neighbors and tourists alike to be soaking up the sun, tearing up the town, and gathering together in community.
FUN FACT: The earliest documented Waco celebration occurred in 1876, which included a two-thousand-person procession led by the Waco Colored Band and local societies, including the Rising Stars and the Young Men’s Club. The groups waved bright-colored banners and wore dazzling uniforms. The parade ended at Waco Creek, in the southern part of the city, where celebrants listened to various speakers and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Afterward, they danced, sang, and ate together. Read more HERE!
The farmers market will operate on normal hours, but don’t miss the parade starting at 10am! The Juneteenth Parade Celebration will kick off on Elm Avenue. This event, annually hosted by the Central Texas African American Chamber of Commerce, will be starting at Heritage Square Park, traversing down Washington Avenue, and ending at Quinn Campus in East Waco.
Join the community in reflection and celebration of Freedom Day! From noon to 1:30pm, the No Kings Protest will be gathering at Valley Mills Drive and Waco Drive in recognition of the Nationwide Day of Defiance. Setting up at what has been deemed Waco’s Freedom Corner, this event will continue commemorating the impact of Freedom Day, recognizing Flag Day and the genesis of the US Army, and protesting subjectivity within our own country.
Art Center Waco screening the short documentary “I Have A Story To Tell” at 2pm. The film, presented and directed by De’Viar Woodson, documents the first year of A Beautiful Message, an art program founded by Vincent Thomas. The program encourages students to engage in mural painting, leadership training and exhibiting their artwork.
The screening is part of New Growth: Celebrating Juneteenth and Freedom Through Black Hair, a juried exhibition on view from May 22 to June 26. In collaboration with A Beautiful Message, Art Center Waco is showcasing works by 14 Texas-based African American artists who explore the cultural and historical significance of Black hairstyles—ranging from afros and cornrows to locs and braids.
These hairstyles represent both identity and resistance. According to African folklore, enslaved women used intricate braiding patterns to communicate escape routes and hide items like seeds and coins to support survival after escape. In this way, hairstyles became powerful tools for freedom and cultural preservation.
This weekend is the perfect time to get out and connect with the Waco community. Whether you’re exploring local art, attending special events or simply spending time with neighbors, there’s no better way to celebrate the creativity and culture that make our city so vibrant. Come out, show your support and be part of the story.
Written by: Darryl W. Thomas, Jr.
In the heart of Texas, a transformative movement is taking root—Hope for the Underdogs, a summer initiative by Committed 2 Win. This program is more than a seasonal project; it’s a lifeline for justice-involved youth, aiming to break the cycles of illiteracy and recidivism that have long plagued our communities.
The Literacy-Recidivism Link
In my journey working with justice-involved youth, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the inability to read proficiently can limit a young person’s potential and contribute to a cycle of incarceration. It’s a harsh reality: over 70% of inmates in America’s prisons cannot read above a fourth-grade level. Moreover, 85% of juveniles who interact with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate.
In Texas, the situation is equally concerning. The juvenile recidivism rate stands at 46.7%, meaning nearly half of all juvenile offenders are arrested again within three years. These statistics aren’t just numbers; they represent real lives affected by a lack of access to education and resources. They underscore the urgent need for interventions that address literacy as a foundational skill for rehabilitation and reintegration.Through initiatives like Hope for the Underdogs, we’re striving to change this narrative by providing young people with the tools they need to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.
Our Mission: Literacy as Liberation
Hope for the Underdogs is committed to reversing these trends by equipping detained youth with the tools they need to succeed. Central to our initiative are three powerful books:
- TODAY… I WIN: When Tests Go Beyond the Classroom
- TODAY WE WIN: How Real Students Found the Answers to Life’s Test (Volumes 1 and 2)
These Amazon bestsellers are not just reading materials; they are catalysts for change, offering relatable narratives that inspire and empower.
Statewide Impact
This summer, our initiative will reach across Texas, bringing our literacy and leadership programs to juvenile detention centers, schools, and community organizations. By focusing on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and personal development, we aim to reduce recidivism rates and foster a new generation of leaders.
Join the MovementWe invite educators, community leaders, and concerned citizens to support our mission. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Partner with Us: Collaborate to bring our programs to your local institutions.
- Sponsor Books: Provide resources for detained juveniles across the state of Texas.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission with your networks to raise awareness.
Together, we can rewrite the narratives of countless young Texans, turning stories of struggle into tales of triumph.For more information, visit www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs.
Note: The statistics and references provided are based on available data and aim to highlight the importance of addressing literacy in efforts to reduce juvenile recidivism.
Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, leadership development expert, award-winning speaker, five-time bestselling author, and at-risk interventionist with over two decades of experience. He is the CEO of Committed 2 Win, a personal and leadership development community focused on inspiring, challenging, and empowering young people and adults to overcome adversity and take ownership in becoming the best version of themselves. Beyond his professional achievements, Darryl is a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart for 24 years and father to five children: a U.S. Marine, a TCU graduate, a University High School graduate, and two University High scholar-athletes.