From Waco Strategic Communications Workgroup (led my Counsel Member Hector Sabido and Natalie Kelinske of Waco Foundation):

May 29, 2020

Our local healthcare institutions are working hard to keep patients and our community safe.  We’ve outlined a summary of the preventive measures they are taking to protect all of us.  

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE – HILLCREST

One visitor per day for patients receiving care for conditions other than COVID-19. All visitors must be over the age of 16, use designated entrances, wear a mask and be screened upon arrival.  Only one visitor per 24-hour period. For more information, visit bswhealth.com.

COVID-19 testing of patients deemed appropriate through individual case review prior to in-hospital surgeries; patient swabs collected via convenient drive-thru locations.

Virtual waiting rooms allowing clinic patients and loved ones of hospital or surgery center patients to receive updates about their care via calls and text messaging minimizing time in common areas.

Virtual care options provided to patients before and after surgeries and procedures and when appropriate simplifying the experience.

Masking of patients, approved visitors and staff in hospitals, surgery centers and clinics.

Enhanced cleaning and touch-free protocols in hospitals, surgery centers and clinics, including UV-light disinfection and paperless registration.

COVID-19 home monitoring digital care journey enabled through the MyBSWHealth app or website to be offered to those diagnosed with COVID-19, so they can be supported by care teams while quarantined. 

ASCENSION PROVIDENCE

Temporary visitor rules have been implemented and visitors are encouraged to contact Ascension Providence before visiting for the latest information at 254-751-4000.

All associates are screened before they come to work using screening tools designed to ensure they are healthy and symptom-free before entering facilities or providing care.

The environmental services teams perform rigorous disinfecting measures at all facilities.

At the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Ascension Providence enacted visitor restrictions to protect patients and staff. Please contact your local facility for information on the specific visitor guidelines.

Staggered appointment times to reduce the number of patients with overlapping wait times.

When you arrive at a hospital, clinic or office, you will notice that waiting areas have fewer people and special instructions are posted for avoiding exposure.Patients who have signs of respiratory illness are asked to call ahead and will be directed to specialty care sites set up specifically for them. These separate sites will decrease the risk of infection at sites of care.

Press Release

Caritas of Waco Food Pantry, 300 South 15^th St., moved back to a Monday-Friday schedule starting Tuesday, May 26. Caritas will distribute food using a “drive-through” system 8:30-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.

Caritas staff, using social distancing methods, will come to each vehicle, will register occupants to receive food and will then place food items in the car trunk or truck bed. Recipients must empty their trunks and/or truck beds prior to coming to Caritas.  

Because the food distribution is outdoors, it may be suspended during periods of rain and/or extreme heat. Individuals are encouraged to call Caritas at 254-753-4593 before coming if the weather conditions appear to make food distribution questionable. 

“Hidden Treasures” Bosque, 3912 Bosque Blvd., (254-753-0125) in Waco will be open for customers 1-6 p.m. Monday- Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Saturday. “Hidden Treasures” Bellmead (254-799-0777), 3016 Bellmead Dr., will have operating hours of 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday. Both stores will continue to limit the number of customers in the store at one time. Caritas asks that all customers practice social distancing and wear a face mask. Donations of clothing and household goods will not be accepted, and donation pick-ups will not be scheduled until further notice.

For more information on Caritas of Waco or how you can support its community efforts, please visit www.caritas-waco.org or call 254-753-4593. 

By Derby Carlson

I walked into the class with a sheepish smile on my face. It was the first day, and I was determined to make a good first impression, not just on my fellow students but also on the teacher. The only person I knew waved me over to an empty chair, and I immediately pulled out a journal to take notes. Do people take notes in English class? And then, the man himself walked in.

He walked in with a stack of quizzes.

My heart rose to my throat and I know I must’ve looked insane, staring at him as he passed out them out. But when he got to me, he paused and asked me what my name was again. I awkwardly laughed. “Derby,” I said, “But this is my first day. I transferred from another class.”

He looked immediately relieved. “I was afraid that I had forgotten you and didn’t want to seem like an asshole professor.”

I knew in that moment that my worries about having to “impress” this professor were not necessary. I just needed to be me and continue to work hard.

Now that I’m writing it, this sounds like the beginning of a high school drama… but this was college.

I had gotten into an English 101 course with a New York Times Bestselling Author. Our class had 14 students ranging from freshmen to seniors, all wanting to say they took a class from him. We met three times a week and I always sat next to one of sorority sisters, Ellie.

We loved the class.

I had a feeling that I would. I love reading and writing, and I wanted this man to be one of my mentors. But Ellie…she was the complete opposite. I asked her once if she ever wanted to take another English course with me, and she frowned, saying, “Derby. This is the only English I’ll ever take.”

But, this wonderful man made everyone care about the English language. I think it was because he cared so much about us.

When COVID-19 caused classes to go online, I was crushed. Not only because all my friends were going to be in different states, but because I was afraid of how online learning would go. I was afraid that this relationship that I had worked so hard to build with my potential mentor suddenly would be for naught. I felt much better when, after all the emails that the school sent, I got one from my English 101 professor.

In the email, he said that he was very saddened that our semester together had been cut short. He said that if we needed anything to just email him, and he would try to help us.

He was as good as his word. A few days later, I started the process to apply to be a counselor at my college’s Young Writer’s camp. The application asked for a reference, and I realized a reference from my professor would be perfect. So, I shot off an email asking if he would do it. He responded about an hour later. “For sure,” he said. “That’s wonderful!”

Not only did he care, but he also wanted to keep us in light spirits.

Before our first Zoom class started, everyone waited on mute for him to join us. It was extremely awkward. We were all just looking at each other, classmates across the country, but we could say anything. Then, the legend himself logged on. A wheeze escaped from my body when I realized what he was wearing.

“Hello guys,” he said, cheerfully. A dark black and white bandana covered his nose and mouth. He looked like a cartoon robber about to rob a bank. He reached up and pulled down the make-shift mask. He smiled a sheepishly at the camera. “My son asked me to wear a mask for y’all every day to keep y’all in good spirits. I thought it was a great idea.” I immediately got a text from Ellie: I love this man.

Even though we didn’t have our classes in person anymore, there was a silver lining.  As we prepared to write essays about the books we read in class, we got to have one-on-one conversations with him to discuss what we were going to write.   Before going on-line, it would’ve been very hard to get this personal time with him. Normally, he would have been gone every few weeks to New York City, or to a conference to give a talk. With everyone staying home, we had more time for conversation.

So, despite not having class in person, I know my education did not falter. I would like to thank the New York Times Best Selling Author who made sure that was the case.

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Derby Carlson just finished her freshman year at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. She is also a 2019 Waco High graduate.

Press Release

Following the announcement on Tuesday, May 19^th by City Manager Wiley Stem III of his planned retirement after 44 years of service to the City later this summer, the Waco City Council held a special meeting Saturday, May 23^rd at 9am to consider the selection of the next City Manager and interview current Deputy City Manager Bradley Ford. 

Following the lengthy Executive Session, the City Council voted unanimously on the posted resolution to hire Ford as Waco’s next City Manager.

Mayor Kyle Deaver said, “Bradley has overwhelmed the Council with his ability to deal with the many complex issues presented to the city while fostering positive relationships with community partners.  He has proven his passion for the city and his ability to deal with difficult issues and carrying out the Council’s goals and objectives.  We have been fortunate to have outstanding City Managers in the past and I’m confident Bradley will continue that legacy.”

Soon to retire City Manager Wiley Stem said, “Not long after Bradley came to the city as an Assistant City Manager it was immediately clear that he had the ability to be a strong leader for Waco.  When I appointed him Deputy City Manager I knew in my heart that if the Council agreed, he would be able to continue the work of the Council and keep the city moving in the right direction.  I’m excited for him and the future of Waco.”

Ford received his Bachelor of Political Science from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2003 and a Masters in City and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2007. He came to the City of Waco in 2017  having  worked for the cities of Ft. Worth and Burleson in the areas of Planning, Economic and Community Development and serving as Deputy City Manager in Burleson.  Bradley spends his free time at home with his wife 20 years, Deanna, and their three children.

Ford said, “I have worked with many leaders in my career that have invested time and energy into my development. The most recent example of that is Wiley Stem.  It will be a true honor to follow Wiley in leading our City family.”

For additional biographical information on Bradley Ford visit www.waco-texas.com/Ford.asp

(From the COVID-19 Community Newsletter)

Creative Waco launched the Make It Through Corona (MITC) Fund to assist local artists, performers and arts-based businesses who have lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The fund provides aid to artists, performers and arts-based businesses in Waco and McLennan County by providing mini grants (up to $500) and other valuable practical support. The program supports developing new skills, creating new artwork, purchasing equipment or using the time to adapt practices and programs to “make it through” the current changes for the benefit of our whole community.
 
Make It Through Corona was created in conjunction with the Make It In Wacoonline marketplace in effort to support those in our artistic and cultural sector impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The platform hosts over 90 local vendors and almost 600 family-friendly, handmade or original products, services or experiences. 
 
Fifteen percent of each purchase is donated to support the MITC Fund. Over $500 has been donated into the fund since the website launched in April. The MITC Fund launched May 9 and received over $10,000 worth of donations from the community to date. Creative Waco hopes to reach their goal of $25,000 by June 1.
 
Applications for grants are accepted on a rolling basis, evaluated by a diverse panel of community members, and decisions are made within 14 days of receiving an application. To find more information about the fund and to apply visit creativewaco.org/mitc-fund. To donate visit creativewaco.org/support or shop MakeItInWaco.com.Creative Waco launched the Make It Through Corona (MITC) Fund to assist local artists, performers and arts-based businesses who have lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The fund provides aid to artists, performers and arts-based businesses in Waco and McLennan County by providing mini grants (up to $500) and other valuable practical support. The program supports developing new skills, creating new artwork, purchasing equipment or using the time to adapt practices and programs to “make it through” the current changes for the benefit of our whole community.
 
Make It Through Corona was created in conjunction with the Make It In Wacoonline marketplace in effort to support those in our artistic and cultural sector impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The platform hosts over 90 local vendors and almost 600 family-friendly, handmade or original products, services or experiences. 
 
Fifteen percent of each purchase is donated to support the MITC Fund. Over $500 has been donated into the fund since the website launched in April. The MITC Fund launched May 9 and received over $10,000 worth of donations from the community to date. Creative Waco hopes to reach their goal of $25,000 by June 1.
 
Applications for grants are accepted on a rolling basis, evaluated by a diverse panel of community members, and decisions are made within 14 days of receiving an application. To find more information about the fund and to apply visit creativewaco.org/mitc-fund. To donate visit creativewaco.org/support or shop MakeItInWaco.com.

Press Release

WACO, Texas – Bringing educators, mental health providers and others together to learn and take actionable steps to save lives, regarding what is considered “the preventable epidemic” among American youth, is the focus of the 15th Annual Teen Suicide Prevention Symposium.

Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12, Cedar Crest Residential Treatment Center, Providence Ascension Healthcare Network, the Methodist Children’s Home, and Klaras Center for Families will present the symposium from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Thursday, June 18. The session is $55 and registration is available at https://txr12.escworks.net/ session #171198.

The Symposium, which normally is held at ESC Region 12 in Waco, will be held virtually through Zoom. Participants will have access to the Zoom link upon completion of their registration. The event format, though shorter, will be engaging and offer an online break-out to discuss the content and have breaks with the speakers. Medical and mental health speakers will share research and strategies for helping youth who struggle with suicidal ideation.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an average of one person dies by suicide every 12.8 minutes in the U.S with more than 129 people dying by suicide each day.

Jenipher Janek, ESC Region 12 counseling specialist and regional crisis response team leader, says “Mental health continues to be a huge concern for school personnel. During this time of separation, we still wish to access the best supports and resources for our children. In this year’s 15th Annual Teen Suicide Prevention Symposium, we will hear about suicide safety plans and school responsibilities from Dr. Holly Robles, of Fort Bend ISD and hear from Dr. Fahd Rawra, MD from Alinatelehealth, who will share about mental health and telemedicine.”

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Press Release

In June, The Cove – Heart of Texas, Inc., will move its operations to the first floor of the Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) Family Outreach Center at 524 W. Waco Drive. MCH acquired the building and moved its Waco MCH Family Outreach team to the second floor of the facility in January 2019 while considering options for the more than 5,000-square-foot first level.

With a common focus to equip and empower youth, sharing a building with The Cove, “whose commitment aligns so closely with that of MCH was a natural decision,” said Trey Oakley, MCH president/CEO. “This collaboration of two strong and focused organizations will strengthen both of our nonprofits and the Waco community at large.”

For The Cove, a teen-nurturing center in its fourth year of operation, leasing this space means growing in a variety of ways. With nearly double the square footage of The Cove’s current facility on Washington Avenue, the new location will give the organization the capacity to serve more youth experiencing homelessness, prepare meals in a commercial kitchen, and further develop community partnerships, according to The Cove’s executive director Kelly Atkinson. “This beautiful facility is a dream come true for us – not only because it offers the extra room needed to grow, but also because of the growing collaboration it represents,” Atkinson said. “We are thrilled to share space with such a leader in our community’s work to serve vulnerable youth. Methodist Children’s Home has been an anchor in our community for 130 years, and without their generosity and leadership, this new chapter for The Cove would not be possible.” Collaborating with The Cove fulfills a strategic goal for MCH.

“When we opened the MCH Family Outreach Center in Waco in 2019, a goal in our previous strategic plan was to build a facility to support and broaden our programs and open new opportunities for collaboration,” Oakley said. “This space has allowed MCH Family Outreach to increase its impact on families through trainings, meetings, community events and other gatherings in a unique and transformative way. “At the same time, the additional space available on the first floor of the building allowed us to dream and look for strategic opportunities for how MCH could better serve the Waco community and surrounding areas,” he said.

MCH and The Cove have worked together in the past when former Cove students were able to participate in MCH’s independent living program. The Cove opened in October 2016 with a focus on Waco Independent School District high school students who were identified as lacking Fixed, Adequate and Regular housing.

The Cove prepares young people for self-sustainability guided by four principles: Care, Opportunity, Value, and Empowerment. Students can visit The Cove to gain access to basic needs, case management, mentors, and academic support.

Faced with the reality that only 1 in 4 Texas youth without a stable place to call home will graduate from high school, The Cove places a key focus on scholastic support for students. Such support requires space for technology – something that has been a challenge for The Cove in its previous setup. “The potential for an extensive technology hub is one of the things I’m most excited about for Cove Scholars in this new location,” Atkinson said. “Students will have access to the equipment they need to catch up on classes, complete homework, receive tutoring, and fill out college and job applications. Now more than ever, we must create alternative learning environments for high-school-aged youth who need to become career-ready and self-sufficient.” Her hope is that The Cove’s new home will provide just such an environment.

ABOUT THE COVE – HEART OF TEXAS, INC.: Founded in 2016, The Cove – Heart of Texas, Inc. aims to increase self-sustainability among high school-aged youth who lack Fixed, Adequate, and Regular (FAR) housing. Through early identification, homelessness prevention, and nurturing social supports, The Cove serves as a low-barrier entry point to care where young people can access the resources they need to thrive in the areas of housing, employment, physical wellness, education, and relationships. To learn more, visit thecovewaco.org.

ABOUT METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME: Established in 1890 in Waco, Texas, Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) is a nationally accredited nonprofit childcare ministry serving more than 5,000 individuals annually through residential programs for children ages 11-18 on the Waco campus and MCH Boys Ranch, transition living programs for alumni ages 18-26, and foster care and in-home services through 13 MCH Family Outreach offices in Texas and New Mexico. MCH programs are evidence-based, trauma-informed and mission-focused. MCH offers opportunities to develop healthy relationships, grow spiritually and experience educational success up to and after graduation with a generous tuition assistance program for MCH alumni. To learn more, visit MCH.org.

Press release – The Board of Directors for Caritas of Waco is pleased to announce the appointments of Alicia Jallah and Ann Owen as Co-Executive Directors of the nonprofit devoted to providing urgent support to people in need. Jallah and Owen will succeed Buddy Edwards, who is retiring at the end of May after serving the organization as Executive Director since 2008.

“We are grateful for Buddy’s leadership throughout his tenure with Caritas and wish him well as he nears retirement. The Board is excited with the talent and experience Alicia and Ann bring to the position and we look forward to working with them,” said Cindy Wood, President.

Jallah earned her Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry from Denver Seminary and her Bachelors Degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She joined the Caritas staff in 2018 as an Assistant Executive Director. Before coming to Caritas, Jallah was Executive Director of the Lamar County Food Pantry in Paris, Texas.  

“I am thrilled to be leading Caritas with Ann and working alongside the hardworking volunteers, staff and board of directors. We are committed in the fight against food insecurity and poverty so that those who are vulnerable among us can hold onto hope. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Buddy for his strength in leadership and legacy of kindness and compassion.”

Owen holds an AAS in Data Processing with a minor in Business from McLennan Community College and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Baylor University. She joined Caritas in April of 2014 as Development Director before becoming an Assistant Executive Director in 2018.

“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to work alongside Alicia in leading Caritas. We are poised to build on the momentum created by Buddy’s leadership. We have an outstanding staff who are dedicated to helping those in need and I look forward to working with each of them, as well as our board of directors and many volunteers, in the fight to eliminate food insecurity and poverty in this great community of ours.”

About Caritas of Waco: The mission of Caritas is to provide urgent support to people in need in our community.  Caritas is supported by the generosity of individual and corporate donations, charitable foundations, faith communities, civic and service organizations, and the United Way of Waco-McLennan County. For more information, call Caritas of Waco at 254-753-4593 or visit our website at www.caritas-waco.org.

By Barbara Mosacchio

This is a proud time to be part of the United Way network, and to be leading United Way of Waco-McLennan County. The United Way system has been designed to consistently support and increase the capacity of nonprofits by ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to generate impact. Across our system at United Way Worldwide (UWW), advocating on behalf of the nonprofit sector has always been part of our DNA, but never more so than in times of crisis like we are experiencing today.

Under the umbrella of UWW, community-based United Ways have played a central role in ensuring nonprofits have equal access to advocacy and philanthropic support. UWW was recently on Capitol Hill with other national nonprofit leaders to promote significant support for our sector via the Cares Act. The culmination of this work has led to the nonprofit sector’s eligibility to access the SBA loan program, in addition to an increase in funding for FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter program. Alongside these efforts happening in Washington, D.C., United Ways across the country continue to secure corporate giving for the relief and recovery of individuals and families impacted by COVID-19. Our global network has successfully raised millions of dollars—some of which have made their way into McLennan County.

The focus of United Ways to support the nonprofit sector stems from two fundamental ideals. The first is the knowledge that on any given day, it is our nonprofit sector who does the heavy lifting and cares for those who are most in need. Nonprofits fight hard to ensure equity and inclusion through programming and supports for our children, families, and individuals.

The second reason is that in times of crisis like this, we see how quickly the nonprofit sector responds to the challenge. Since my arrival in Waco, I have been taken with the generosity of this community and the true collective will of all who support and engage with the important work our nonprofits do every day. Even in the best of circumstances, the work they do is hard and the challenges are great. Our finest nonprofit organizations balance multiple needs and donor expectations to assure their services are responsive and relevant while also bringing heart, soul, compassion, and empathy to their work.  

 As we are seeing this new crisis unfold all around us today, the increase in need was almost instantaneous. Nonprofits are being asked daily to adjust the way in which they deliver service, and on many levels, to whom. And these organizations are delivering this service with dedication and unwavering commitment. What we are coming to understand is that while there is a very significant and specific need for services today, we also know that if our community is going to fully recover, we will need a strong and vibrant nonprofit ecosystem to address emerging and longer-term needs. As unemployment soars, as mental and physical health continue to be tested, as children are out of school paired with a lack of childcare options, and as communities’ grapple with the effects of COVID-19, it is our nonprofits who will be called upon to provide the critical support our communities need.

The challenges we are facing globally are almost beyond comprehension. None of us, I think, could ever fathom how hard and heartbreaking life would get for so many, so quickly. Yet, in each crisis there is often resilience and passion. While we have grieved for lives lost and families experiencing pain, we have also rejoiced and celebrated the truly outstanding heroes in our current story, which includes not only our nonprofit leaders, but also our doctors, nurses, teachers, working parents who are home schooling, and our city and county leaders.

Today, I am asking you to join United Way in celebrating, honoring, thanking, and supporting the nonprofit leaders and staff who are on the front lines doing the heavy lifting to uplift our community and give us all hope.

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Barbara Mosacchio has been the CEO of United Way of Waco-McLennan County since 2017.  She brings to this role significant experience in both nonprofit program leadership and philanthropic leadership having led the YWCA in Dallas, the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, and Chicago Youth Centers prior to moving her leadership to Waco, TX.