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.
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.
By Alfred Solano
During this time of crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic we are asked to stay at home except for when we are doing essential business. This is an important step to minimize the spread of this disease. Even so, this situation is having a severe impact on business and organizations. In turn, the impact on those entities is severely affecting peoples’ lives in various ways and to varying degrees.
What is apparent to me is that there are dual realities because of this crisis. Some of us are being Inconvenienced while others are being devastated. There are those of us who are able to work from home with little worry about how we will immediately survive. We will likely be able to weather this storm. On the other end of the spectrum, we have a population of folks who are experiencing no or very limited income because their workplace is closed or greatly reduced in capacity, and they have no good way to work from home. Whether they get through this situation is not so assured.
Fortunately, at this time I am only being inconvenienced, and I am thinking of how I can support those who are being devastated. In my case, for example, I am driving very little these days, and even when I do drive, the price of gasoline is very low. My personal budget is benefiting because I am not spending money on fuel like I normally do. That surplus of money is not a huge, but my wife and I are consciously spending it in our local retail shops, restaurants (where we are tipping as generously as we are able), and service businesses.
Money spent locally has a direct and immediate impact on local payroll, the purchase of goods, services, rents/utilities and contributes to the local tax base. At this particular moment that money may be the difference between a local business surviving or shuttering their doors.
I recognize that not all local businesses have online stores and it is very easy to search online and quickly buy what we need or want at the click of a button from an out of the area enterprise. Please remember, those out of area purchases do nothing to support our local economy.
My ask is that each of us evaluate our current situation. If you are able, let’s support local businesses wholeheartedly by buying local to the extent that we can. Together we can get through this crisis. Be well!
Some helpful websites for local businesses who would like to offer products and services on-line:
Creative Waco has created an online marketplace www.makeitinwaco.com to serve as a means for local businesses to easily set up an online store.
The Cen-Tex Chambers have created an online directory free to all local businesses at www.buylocalwaco.com.
Alfred Solano was raised in Waco and is a graduate of Texas State Technical College. He is the President and CEO of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since June of 2018. His community activities include currently serving as a board member of Act Locally Waco, the Family Health Center, Hillcrest Health System, Inc., MCC Foundation, StartUp Waco, and Vice Chairman of Prosper Waco. After 35 years of working in the business community, Alfred enjoys bringing his experiences and various partnerships and relationships to the membership and community that the Hispanic Chamber works to serve. Rachel his wife can be found around town enjoying all the coolness that is Waco. Alfred and Rachel are very proud of his Daughter Elena who works as a Psychotherapist and lives in Austin. Contact information: 254 754-7111 · [email protected] · www.wacohispanicchamber.com.
Press Release
WACO, Texas- The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce’s first Find Your Waco Jobs Spotlight virtual event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. and will feature hiring representatives from Ascension Providence, Clay Pot Restaurant, Pilgrim’s- Waco, and Midway ISD. Job Seekers are encouraged to register for this inaugural event and learn about available positions that span the spectrum of education and skills.
During each weekly event in the series, the hiring representatives from featured companies will provide a short overview of their companies and discuss their job openings, the required skills/ experience to apply, benefits offered, and the application process. “For anyone currently looking for work, this is a must attend event,” remarked Jennifer Branch, Director of Existing Industries & Workforce Development. Branch continued, “In response to the rapid rise of area unemployment caused by the pandemic, the Greater Waco Chamber developed this series to help the adversely affected members of our community. We hope to connect job seekers with their potential new employers!”
The four featured employers will be announced each week in the series. The Find Your Waco Jobs Spotlight series will be held via Zoom and recordings will be available following each event on the Waco Chamber website, wacochamber.com and talent portal, WacoTxJobs.com.
For more information on the Find Your Waco Jobs Spotlight series, please reach out to Jennifer Branch by telephone at 254-757-5625 or email [email protected]. To register, please visit, Find Your Waco Jobs Spotlight.
By Sara Beth Stoltzfus
I was emailing folks a few weeks ago about MCH Family Outreach and the services we provide, sharing that while we are getting creative with our methods (using video chats, phone calls, dropping off items outside homes) we are still open for business during COVID-19. The response I got was, “I think someone should expand on this lovely list and make it into a blog post to share on Act Locally Waco. I think there are many in the community who would benefit from knowing more about what you do!”
I agree! So here goes.
Basically, MCH Family Outreach exists to support families; to help keep families strong, connected and together. We do this through in-home case management programs, parenting classes, and support groups for caregivers. We do this work with many different types of families: families with very little income, families with high income, families with infants as well as families with teenagers. We work with both English and Spanish speaking families. We work with grandparents, aunts/uncles and other relative caregivers as they search for resources, parenting ideas and support. Our services are free and our services are voluntary. And we can meet in a family’s home or another comfortable and safe place.
The goals we make with families through our case management programs are their own, not ours. We meet for one month to get to know a family before we officially set goals. That way, we do not throw a bunch of ideas at a family that they have already tried or cannot use. We try not to throw things in general. ; )
Here are examples of goals we can help with through case management:
- We could help your family feel more connected by working on communication and bonding between family members.
- We could help your family learn to handle difficult emotions by teaching self-regulation skills.
- We could help brainstorm disciplinary strategies that work for your family.
- We could help you become more confident in your parenting by providing information about your child’s developmental stage and provide parenting tips.
- If you are experiencing financial stress, we could help you connect to local resources, prepare a resume, complete a job search, create a budget and learn what benefits you might qualify for.
- We can provide advocacy and support to you as you navigate the legal system.
- We can help get you connected with appropriate therapists, counselors, doctors, food pantries, housing programs and other community resources.
- We can help you navigate the school system, attend ARD meetings with you, advocate for special education services, etc.
- We can help you explore self-care practices and supports that you need as a parent, including, but not limited to connecting you to local parenting groups or counseling.
I love the work that we are able to do at MCH Family Outreach because we are able to work creatively to help families reach their goals and find stability, connection, and even joy. Parenting is definitely not easy, even more so in the past month. Sometimes we all need a little extra support, someone to ask those tough questions, someone to vent to – then brainstorm solutions with, a non-judgmental person to check in with, for motivation and cheering on.
We are here to provide that support and would love to talk to you more about the programs we offer.
Call 254-750-1263 for our local Waco office or check out our website for more information about our case management programs, our parenting classes, workshops and support groups: https://www.mch.org/locations/waco/
Visit our webpage for the contact information of our 13 Outreach offices in Texas and New Mexico. https://www.mch.org/family-outreach-leadership/
This Act Locally Waco blog post was written by Sara Beth Stoltzfus. Sara Beth is a Social Worker at MCH Family Outreach through the Methodist Children’s Home. Sara Beth is originally from Pennsylvania but has been living in Texas for more than 10 years, 8 of which have been spent in Waco.
By Rolando Rodriguez
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended our daily routines and challenged the way schools and colleges across the country operate. These unprecedented times are especially troubling for our most vulnerable population, including the elderly, those with serious underlying medical conditions, young children, low-income families and first-generation college students.
Despite these challenges, Waco Foundation’s MAC College Money Program remains committed to supporting low-income students in McLennan County. Even though our physical office may be closed, MAC Program staff are still available to assist students with the college financial aid process through phone, text, email, social media and virtual Zoom meetings during regular office hours.
The MAC Program’s role in the community is to make college affordable with grants, scholarships and financial aid assistance. That hasn’t changed. Included below are six financial tips available to college students.
Emergency Grants
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), colleges and universities received $7 billion in funds specifically designated for emergency financial aid.
According to a statement from Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education, the emergency grants can be used to “cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.” Expenses include food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare and childcare.
The application process and award amounts vary at each college. If you are a college student experiencing any financial hardships due to COVID-19, please contact your college’s financial aid office as soon as possible. At this time, TASFA students and online-only students are not eligible.
Financial Aid Appeal
Each time you complete your FAFSA or TASFA, you and your family are using taxes that are already two years old by the time you start college. For example, the 2020-2021 FAFSA requires 2018 tax information. However, for many families, 2018 taxes are no longer reflective of their current financial situation, especially if they experienced layoffs or reduced hours.
Students can complete a financial aid appeal form (sometimes referred to as a special circumstances application) with their college’s financial aid office. The appeal allows students to request the college to consider their current financial situation for 2020 rather than 2018 if there is a significant difference. Contact your college’s financial aid office or visit their financial aid website for more information.
You can still receive federal work-study
If your school closes and you lose your federal work-study job, you may still be eligible to continue receiving work-study funds for the remaining period you were expected to work. The amount is based on your award amount rather than hours worked. Contact your college to learn more about their policies.
Pell Grant limits are waived
For students who are not able to complete college this semester, the CARES Act also allows colleges to waive lifetime limits on certain financial aid, including the Pell Grant. Typically, a student is eligible to receive 12 full-time semesters of Pell Grant during their lifetime. Pell grant money used this semester won’t count toward your lifetime limit.
Similarly, students’ satisfactory academic progress requirements have also been waived. If a student was no longer able to complete their courses because of COVID-19, they will not be penalized. The student will not be asked to repay any Pell Grant funds, and they will not lose their satisfactory academic standing.
Some students can receive stimulus checks
Since many students are over 16 and still claimed as dependents on their parents’ taxes, they are not eligible for stimulus checks provided under the CARES Act. Students who are not claimed as dependents on someone else’s tax return are eligible to receive the stimulus check. Generally, a full-time student under the age of 24 is considered a dependent if their parent(s) provide more than half of their support.
Be patient
Many colleges are slowly beginning to roll out their emergency grant applicants along with other policy changes related to the CARES Act. However, colleges, like many of us, are working remotely and with reduced staff. Please be patient with your college’s financial aid office when you call or email.
While your health and safety is always the priority, please take this time during social distancing to check off the last few items on your college checklist and contact your college’s financial aid office for more information about additional funding opportunities to help with any COVID-19 financial hardships.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your FAFSA, TASFA or other financial aid paperwork, the MAC Program is available to help.
Rolando Rodriguez – 254.327.1177 (Call or text) – [email protected]
Maria Arevalo – 254.327.1171 (Call or text) – [email protected]
Rolando Rodriguez is from a small town in Coahuila, Mexico and was raised in Waco. He graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts in professional writing and from University of North Texas with a master’s of science in digital communication analytics. He has been at Waco Foundation since January 2017 and is the Senior MAC & Scholarships Coordinator. His role at the Foundation is to manage scholarships, serve as an advocate of higher education for all students in McLennan County regardless of financial circumstances and assist McLennan County students with the financial aid process for college. Rolando is passionate and honored to serve the community through the same program that paved the way for him.
By Maggie Sanders
With the current COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place guidelines, we are all having to adjust to new ways of doing things. Working and learning at home, cooking instead of eating out and meeting digitally instead of face-to-face are just some of the ways we are coping.
For those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias or their caregivers, the new guidelines add an extra layer of stress. Already confused, our loved ones are now even more so. Unable to understand why they must stay home if they are used to going out. And they may have trouble remembering to wash their hands or to keep their distance. Those residing in facilities, most of which are on lockdown, do not know why their families are no longer visiting.
Caregivers previously benefitting from support groups or seeking information may not know where to turn. Although these groups are not meeting in person, the Alzheimer’s Association provides support with call-in and virtual options. For a list of virtual support groups, visit www.alz.org/crf
Our local staff are working remotely and are available to help virtually as well. The toll-free 24/7 helpline (800) 272-3900 continues to provide information and connections to resources, and Links to online chats, resources and support groups can be found at www.alz.org. Caregivers and persons living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can join message forums on a variety of subjects at www.alzconnected.org.
Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Be safe. We will get through this.
Maggie Sanders is a free-lance artist and writer. Now retired from McLennan Community College, sheo cares for her mother, Vivian Sanders, who is living with severe dementia. Maggie volunteers with the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter and is a member of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee.
By Timothy Holtkamp, McLennan Small Business Development Center
Update: 4/17/20 both the PPP and EIDL programs are currently closed to new applications. However I fully expect these programs to reopen, and when they do it will be critical that you are prepared to respond extremely quickly when they do. Contact me for help preparing, [email protected]
Wow, is it just me or does it seem like we have crammed 10 years of concern, change and toilet paper purchasing into the last 2 weeks?
The next few weeks are critical to set the stage for the economic recovery of Waco. It is imperative that everyone do their part to get the word out about the resources that are available.
So, let me explain who should apply for these resources. People who own rental properties (even just one), Hair stylists, Nail techs, handy men or women, churches (just opened up this week), Non-profits, car dealers, insurance agents, Real Estate agents, Uber or Lyft drivers, event planners, photographers, personal trainers, lawn care, anybody that gets paid with a 1099 or files a schedule C on their tax return even if they have a regular job as well.
The reason it is critical that everyone that can, apply for these resources and take advantage of the free ones for certain and seriously consider the loans is because we need to prime the economy to get it moving.
If you plan on sitting back and waiting to see what other people are going to do before you go out and spend your money then start looking at life in the 1930’s because that’s what life is going to look like.
I understand if you feel like you are taking advantage of a social net put in place to help people who are down on their luck. However, that is not what this is at all.
Think 2008 – the banks were too big to fail or the whole of western civilization would come crashing down! The difference today is that instead of a few banks its tens of thousands of small businesses all across the country.
I’m sure some of you reading this are skeptical and think I am being dramatic. I assure you I am not. Unfortunately you will begin to see the breakdown of society in several countries shortly, that just a month ago were great places to live.
That could happen in the United States, but we can avoid it if enough people access the resources available, I feel we can stave off a collapse of society. I’m optimistic that a major depression can be avoided as well. However, some rough economic times are coming. Supply chains are being reworked and manufacturing shifted back to North America, but all that takes time and money, and some cities and counties will be winners and some will be losers.
Just like in college football, money helps you win. My goal is to get every person that is eligible to apply for the SBA EIDl loan to do so. If that happened with the number of people in Waco/McLennan County that have side hustles, and the $1,000 per employee Grant (you count as 1 employee) for just applying, our community could come out of this ordeal in good shape. That’s my goal.
The Small Business Association Economic Injury Disaster Loan (SBA EIDL) program includes an up to $10,000 grant if you are approved for the loan or turned down for the loan or if you are approved and decide not to take the loan. They are selling it as if you get $1000 minimum for just filling out the application. There may be some exclusions, but it only takes 15 min to fill out so do your civic duty and try. (You can pause Tiger King.) I have attached a YouTube video link where I go thru the application line by line showing you how to fill it out. However, if you have any trouble, call or shoot me an email. I have listed both my phone and email as well as the phone number & email to SBA to check the status of your application.
You can also apply at your local bank for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loan. This loan is possible if you are self-employed. If you follow its guidelines, it’s completely forgivable. It’s worth checking out. If your bank does not do the PPP send me an email and I can help find you one that does. Call me if you have questions about it as well.
How to fill out the application for an SBA EIDL loan
Contact Information
Tim Holtkamp: 254-299-8157 – [email protected]
SBA Customer Service Line: 1-800-659-2955 – [email protected]
Link to the Application: https://covid19relief.sba.gov
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Tim Holtkamp has been a Business Advisor with the McLennan Small Business Development Center for 7 years and is the President of Holtkamp Hill LLC, a private equity company that invests mainly in Real Estate, Agriculture, & Energy.
By Travis Cheatham
Possibly my most annoying quality to people (this is a self-reflection), is that I use the word ‘caveat’ and ‘preface’ way too much. I rarely am able to tell a story or give a basic thought, without saying, “One caveat, though” or “Let me preface that.” I panic at the thought of being misunderstood and strongly believe that context matters. I completely relate to Chidi from The Good Place in questioning my every move and the implications of my actions. So, for me, the most growth comes from having Eleanors (also from The Good Place)come into my life to challenge me and introduce me to new modes of thinking.
So, as expected, let me now provide an important preface to a discussion on stimulus checks. I’ll start by saying that if you are one of the many people who have been critically affected by COVID-19, whether that means a loss of your job, an inability to work due to a lack of childcare/schooling, a pay cut from your job, new financial burdens as you directly care for family and friends etc. the rest of this blog entry is not for you. That’s not to say that you can’t read the rest, but please know this is a fairly niche target audience that I hope will consider what I have to say.
Let me narrow the field a bit further.
For most of my adult life, I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck. I still have enough student loans to make me queasy. I check my bank account regularly before getting groceries or placing an order to make sure I don’t go into the red. Right now, I’ve actually been putting off several cheap home repairs because I’m waiting for my next paycheck. My wife, Amy, and I split paying bills and she has often been the bigger “breadwinner” in our marriage.
Currently, we both work in public schools, which is not a way anyone got rich, but it has at least provided stability. For once in my life, we both have some money in savings and generally no credit card debt. All that to say, if you do not really have any form of savings, you were struggling even before we knew the term COVID-19, or the stability of your job is very uncertain, I think it’s fair to say that this blog entry is not really for you either.
For those who are so very blessed to remain in this conversation, I humbly suggest this – the stimulus checks were not made for us. These unprecedented funds were granted for the vast numbers of people and businesses who are in crisis. I know we all have debt, things we’ve put off, and things we’ve been saving for. For me, ultimately, I feel like this is a gift that isn’t really mine. I know that for many, the stimulus check will be a drop in the bucket and that there will be definite gaps that leave many people in need behind. So what am I proposing? That those of us who are fine without our stimulus checks find some way to donate them to those of us who are not fine.
Before the checks are released, I want to issue this request:
- Regardless of your spiritual tradition, I encourage you to ponder 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Even aside from this unusual time, I think one of the greatest joys of donating is finding an organization, business, or cause that speaks to you and that allows you to be a cheerful giver.
- Discuss the best use of these funds with your family/spouse. You are a team and you need to be on the same page. This is not an everyday occurrence and making decisions like these together strengthens relationships. Amy and I are still deciding what is best for us as a family.
- Think about those around you who are being affected the most. Is there someone in your life that you are uniquely positioned to help? Could that help be done anonymously? Could it be indirect, like contracting them for services?
- Consider organizations/causes that you are passionate about and that have a proven history of managing funds well and getting resources to the people who need it.
- Regardless of where you land on this topic, support local restaurants and businesses however you can. Get take-out meals, buy gift cards, and see how they are doing.
Regarding the greater Waco community, there is no shortage of worthy causes and nonprofits. In addition, there are many conversations going on right now with organizations like Prosper Waco, Waco Foundation, Cooper Foundation, Rapoport Foundation, Grassroots Community Development, United Way and others about the most effective way to gather, administrate, and distribute funds. One of the results of these conversations is a new website called Waco Working Together. In addition to these efforts, I wanted to specifically suggest two organizations:
- Caritas – They have consistently been Waco’s go-to place for urgent assistance with food, clothing, household items, utility assistance, prescription medication assistance, rent or mortgage assistance.
- Waco Immigrants Alliance (WIA) – Probably the largest section of our labor force who are 1) directly impacted by COVID-19 AND 2) will not receive stimulus checks are immigrants. Think about the number of staff in restaurants, hotels, agriculture, construction etc. WIA can help families that are particularly at risk of becoming homeless, falling victim to predatory lending, and other exploitative activities including notarios who do not properly represent them in their immigration cases.
Finally, for anyone reading this, know that I’m not proposing this is an all or nothing or one-size-fits-all concept. Any donation is meaningful, so consider what you can do.
Travis Cheatham has worked with local schools and nonprofits for the past 6 years. In 2019, he was honored as one of the Greater Waco Chamber’s 40 Under 40 finalists. Travis is the current chair of the Mentor Waco Coalition (one of Prosper Waco’s working groups). Travis is also the Chef/Owner of Cuppa, Waco, TX a catering and food consulting business. Travis is a ’06 Baylor grad who loves this community and loves to travel with his wife, Amy, whenever possible.
By Alfred Solano, President and CEO of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
1. Lead by example. You as a business owner /Leader/Entrepreneur are where you are for lots of reasons and people are looking to you for guidance. Be the example by practicing the recommended and ordered current new normal guidelines, social distancing, the new Art of handwashing, protective masks… We all want folks to shop with us, and now more than ever shopping local matters. Find local online resellers for the products you need when you can.
2. Ask for Assistance. Get educated about the SBA backed Disaster Loans, the current Unemployment rules and opportunities by engaging the local professional community of attorneys, healthcare professionals, CPA’s, bookkeepers, Insurance professionals, bankers, credit unions, and IT pros. We all have access to business support available through Startup Waco, the Chambers of Commerce (10 in McLennan county), Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions, McLennan Small Business Development Center, United Way, Prosper Waco, and the Small Business Administration.
3. Be patient. I heard someone say today that this may be the most difficult thing for an entrepreneur to do because by nature they move at a fast pace and don’t have time to waste. However, these are unprecedented times, and the rulebook and guidelines are fluid and sometimes changing from one day to the next. Likely you will be asked to resubmit information, or for additional information, and deadlines will not be met. My advice is hang in there, stay the course, and do whatever you do to calm yourself – yoga, meditate, run, martial arts, read – and then keep going.
4. Keep great Records. The financial resources offered from recently adopted legislation and other existing resources have requirements that will be reviewed when we get through this situation. If you have a system and have always kept great documentation, then keep doing that. If you have not, then start now. This is the perfect time to get a process that works for your business. Having easily accessible records of your financials will pay dividend in the future.
5. Be kind to yourself. Business is absolutely upside down for a lot of folks. The fear of dealing with the Coronavirus disease and loss of work is real. It is also true that in times of great struggle and pressure our senses and abilities are heightened so that we can meet the challenges that exist. So, do what you can everyday and then stop. Close your office door, kitchen table office, laptop, closet, or phone, whatever is now your “Work space.” Then rest or go for a walk, bike ride, a virtual exercise class, lift weights, call you Mom, siblings, children and live the life that you work so hard for every day. I think that there has never been a better time to close down the home kitchen and get some delivery or take-out from that place “You have always wanted to try.” We are going to get through this and no doubt some things will be changed in a bad way, but I am confident that there will be lessons learned and memories made that when we look back at this current reality it will be a (template/mold/turning point) for growing healthy, mobile, and creative commerce. Be Well!
Alfred Solano was raised in Waco and is a graduate of Texas State Technical College. He is the President and CEO of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since June of 2018. His community activities include currently serving as a board member of Act Locally Waco, the Family Health Center, Hillcrest Health System, Inc., MCC Foundation, StartUp Waco, and Vice Chairman of Prosper Waco. After 35 years of working in the business community, Alfred enjoys bringing his experiences and various partnerships and relationships to the membership and community that the Hispanic Chamber works to serve. Rachel his wife can be found around town enjoying all the coolness that is Waco. Alfred and Rachel are very proud of his Daughter Elena who works as a Psychotherapist and lives in Austin. Contact information: 254 754-7111 · [email protected] · www.wacohispanicchamber.com.