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2010 – February

Special Announcement: Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry is looking for a new home. Do you know of a good place for a food pantry? For the full article, click here: Shepherd’s heart.

Now till Tax time – Free help with taxes! - Click on the links to see the schedules:

Family Abuse Center Volunteer Orientation – Will be held EVERY Monday 2-3pm; Tuesday 9-10am; Thursday 5:30-6:30; and EVERY Second Saturday of the month. Exceptions include Monday January 25th, 2010. Fill out an online application by going to www.familyabusecenter.org and clicking on the “How Can I Help?” tab then sign up to come to our one hour orientation to become a volunteer. Potential volunteers must call 254.772.8999 X2232 to sign up for an orientation date or send an email to Raquel.Salinas@familyabusecenter.org. Come be a part of helping survivors of domestic violence!

Now through February 7 – Apply for Summer 2010 White House Internship Program. The Summer 2010 White House internship program application is now available at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships . White House internships are full time, unpaid positions and participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing. In addition to office duties, interns will supplement their learning experience by attending a weekly lecture series hosted by senior staff, assist at White House events and volunteer in community service projects. For a PDF with more information click here: White House 2010 Internship Program.

Now thru March 12 – Applications due for Bread For the World Hunger Justice Leader training. Two years ago, 75 young leaders came to the nation’s capital for intensive training in advocacy for hungry and poor people. Since then, they have served as powerful agents of change in their communities. Now Bread for the World is looking for the best and brightest 20- to 30-year-old advocates to join our next class of Hunger Justice Leaders. Do you have what it takes to be Hunger Justice Leader? Or do you know someone who does? Selected participants will attend an advocacy training workshop—all expenses paid—in Washington, D.C., June 12-15, 2010. Then they too will commit to going back to their communities to lead advocacy efforts. To learn more or to apply, click here: Hunger Justice Leaders.

February 1 – New classes begin at Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC). If you know someone who would be interested in participating this semester, ask them to call at 757-0416.

February 4 – Caritas “Food From the Faithful” Congregation Appreciation and Awareness Breakfast. Time: 8 to 9 a.m. Place: Caritas of Waco, 300 S. 15th, Waco. Please invite members of your congregation who have been involved with Caritas, or who are interested in getting involved with Caritas, to join us for a breakfast of coffee, juice and pastries and a tour of Caritas. RSVP by phone at 254-753-4593 or email at bfcaritas@grandecom.net .

February 8 thru 13 – World Cup Café & Fair Trade Market Anniversary Celebration. We’re four years old! The World Cup Café has been serving some great breakfast and lunch meals since Valentine’s Day, 2006. We added the “Fair Trade” items in the café two years later. To celebrate the success, you are invited to a week of specials. For more information about the World Cup Café, visit the website: www.missionwaco.org/wcc .

February 9 – Mission Waco Banquet. Place: Ferrell Center. “Looking for the city that is yet to come” (Hebrews 13:14) is the theme of this year’s banquet that is the most important one yet! In one evening, you will be overwhelmed with encouragement when you hear from various community leaders about the good things that are emerging in our community for the poor. Besides Mission Waco’s role, you will hear briefly from the Mayor, Chambers of Commerce, all three colleges, churches, businesses and ministries how Waco is diligently partnering for the poor and marginalized of the community. Underwriters and table-sponsorships and silent auction gifts are currently being sought. Mission Waco hopes to raise funds and bring about more commitment to address the incredible 27% poverty rate in Waco. Tables of 10 are $350 for churches/non-profits; $500-$750 for corporations, and $1000-$5000 for underwriting. For more information contact Joyce or Jimmy at 254.753.4900.

February 11 – McLennan County Hunger Coalition (MCHC) meeting – 11:45-1:00, Caritas of Waco Conference Room, 300 S. 15th. A coalition of representatives of food pantries, feeding programs, governmental agencies, faith-based organizations, businesses, and interested individuals committed to solving the problems of food insecurity and hunger in the local area, the MCHC meets monthly, usually on the second Thursday of each month. Anyone who has an interest is welcome. For more information contact Esther Morales at 753-3545 or foodoutreach@grandecom.net.

February 11 – Baylor University School of Education Distinguished Lecture: The Evolution of Human Leadership. Time: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Place: Region 12 Education Service Center, 2101 West Loop 340, in the community auditorium. The Baylor School of Education Lecture Series seeks to engage the school, university and community in discussing important, relevant and challenging educational topics. This lecture will be presented by Dr. Robert Birnbaum from the University of Maryland (retired). For a postcard with more information click here: Birnbaum Lecture. For more information, contact the Baylor School of Education by phone at 254-710-3111.

February 12 & 13 – Literacy Connexus Central Texas Literacy Missions Conference. Place: First Baptist Church, Waco, 500 Webster. Participants can learn how to Teach English as a Second Language, Develop Literacy programs and much more. Literacy Connexus is an ecumenical ministry dedicated to Helping Churches Help People with Literacy Needs. More details coming soon. For more information contact Literacy Connexus by phone at: 1.877.696.9898 or by email at info@literacyconnexus.org .

February 16 – One Book, One Waco Book Discussion: The Summer Kitchen. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m,Place: Central Library, 1717 Austin Ave. One Book One Waco invites you to participate in a community book discussion on The Summer Kitchen, this Spring’s book selection inspired by Waco’s Gospel Café. Admission is free, a canned item is requested. For more information, contact Alexis Weaver, 757-5630 or aweaver@wacochamber.com.

February 16 – Free Legal Support Forum for Central Texas Senior Citizens. Time: 9am – Noon. Place: Waco Area Agency on Aging facility located at 1514 S. New Road, Waco (near the VA Hospital.) Topics such as navigating the Medicare system, Medical and Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Directives, Guardianships, Wills and the Probate process, will be covered. All information will be presented in an easily accessible group format designed to help both seniors and their caregivers through the sometimes overwhelming decision-making process involved in long term-care planning. Refreshments will be served at each event. For a press release with more information, including additional dates and times, please click here: Legal Support Forums press release. For more information please contact Francine Lumbard by phone at 254-757-3401, or by email at legalassistanceproject@yahoo.com.

February 18 – EOAC Waco Charter School Black History Month Celebration. Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm. Place: EOAC Waco Charter School, 615 N 25th Street.

February 20 – Baylor Law School, The People’s Law School. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Free. The People’s Law School is your opportunity to learn some fundamentals that may help you in your day-to-day personal and business life or satisfy your curiosity about the law and how it works. Complete information on all of the courses offered this year and online registration will be available on February 8, 2010, at law.baylor.edu. In the meantime, save the date!

February 21 - Classical Piano Recital to Benefit Legal Assistance Project. Time: 2:00. Place: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 800 N. New Road, Waco. The recital will feature a classical piano performance by Dr. Robin Wallace, Professor of Musicology at Baylor University and noted scholarly authority on Beethoven. Professor Wallace will be performing selections from Schubert, Chopin, and Debussy for this event. There is no charge for admission; however, audience members will be asked to contribute free-will tax-deductible donations to support the Project. There will be a hosted reception to follow the performance. The Legal Assistance Project does not provide attorney representation, but rather provides one-on-one educational counseling with technical support and free public legal educational forums to low-moderate income persons throughout the Central Texas region. For a press release click here, Piano Recital Press Release. For more information, please contact Francine Lumbard, Director, Lutheran Ministries and Social Services of Waco (LMSS-Waco) by phone at: (254) 757-3401 or email at: legalassistanceproject@yahoo.com. Or Check out our web-site at: www.lmss-waco.org .

February 22 – High School Book Discussion: The Summer Kitchen. Time: 7 to 8:30 pm, Place: Barnes & Noble, 4909 W. Waco Dr. High School students who have read or who are reading The Summer Kitchen are invited to a special book discussion. Information on the Essay Contest will be available. For more information, contact Alexis Weaver, 757-5630 or aweaver@wacochamber.com.

February 24 – Inspiring one-hour presentation about the work of the “Truth be Told” organization. Time: 5:00 – 6:00. Place: The offices of Patillo, Brown & Hill, LLP – 401 W. Hwy 6, Waco. “Truth be Told” which has been working in the State Prison at Lockhart since 2000, is expanding its programs to include the prison at Gatesville. Come hear about these exciting programs that provide transformational tools for women behind bars and beyond. Truth Be Told programs provide respectful listening and creative tools for personal and spiritual growth for incarcerated women. They encourage in them a deeper sense of personal responsibility and help them face the truth of their pasts and embrace the hope of their futures. For a letter with more information, click here: Truth be Told letter. Or visit their website at www.truth-be-told.org. For more information or to RSVP contact Carol Waid by email at carol@truth-be-told.org or by phone at 512-292-6200 or (cell) 512-415-5024.

February 23 – Heart of Texas Crop Walk for Hunger Steering Committee meeting. Time: 5:30 pm. Place: Seeds of Hope office at 7th & James Baptist Church, 602 James (call 755-7745 or email seedseditor@clearwire.net for directions) Join us to help plan the 2010 Waco CROP walk. Three-fourths of the proceeds from the CROP walk will go to Church World Service (CWS) a world-wide relief, development, and refugee assistance ministry. One-fourth of the proceeds will go to a hunger-related charity. For more information call Linda Freeto at Central United Methodist Church: 420-2862 or LFreeto@CentralFaith.com. To visit the Crop Walk website, click here: Waco CROP walk.

February 25 – Habitat for Humanity Informational Meeting (Spanish). Time: 7 p.m. Place: Habitat Office, 220 N. 11th Street. Looking for an affordable opportunity to buy a safe, decent home? Wait no more! Attend one of our informational meetings (required to apply for a home through Waco Habitat’s partnership housing program). For more information, including a list of dates for information meetings in English and Spanish, visit this website: http://www.wacohabitat.org/apply . Contact Habitat for Humanity Waco by phone at 254-756-7575 or email at info@wacohabitat.org .

February 25 – Informational Meeting about the Grandparents as Parents Program (GAPP) presented by The Methodist Children’s Home in collaboration with Family of Faith Worship Center. Time: 6-7 pm, Place: Family of Faith Worship Center, located at 2225 Cumberland Avenue. This program offers a variety of free services, including education, case management, referral, parent education and support groups. A complimentary meal and childcare will also be provided. For a flyer with more information (English and Spanish), click here: GAPP flyer. For more information contact Rehan McNeil by phone at 254-750-1353 or by email at: rmcneil@mchwaco.org or contact David McHam by phone at: 254-722-8405 or by email at: dmcham@mchwaco.org .

February 25&26 – Texas Volunteer Conference:There’s No Such Things as “Just A Volunteer” sponsored by Retired Senior Volunteer Program at McLennan Community College. Place: MCC Community Services Building, 4601 North 19th St., Waco. Cost: $99. CEU approved for 12 Continuing Education Hours or 1.2 CEUs. For more information, visit the website: www.texasvolunteerconference.org . To Register call 254-299-8888 (Continuing Education @ MCC).

February 27 – Single Parent Support Workshop. Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Place: First Baptist Church of Waco – Activities Center, 5th and Webster. Parents are invited to come and get information about different resources available to them for help and support as well as apply for government assistance programs. Government agencies as well as local non-profits will be represented. Free childcare will be available for children 3-12 years old. Participants can pre-register by calling Nicky at 254-752-3000 or register at the workshop. Volunteers are needed for various tasks on the day of the event. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please contact Jodi Stacey at jstacey2@hot.rr.com. For a flyer (English and Spanish) about the event, click here: Single Parent Workshop Flyer.

February 27 – Habitat ReStore 50% off sale. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Place: Habitat Restore, 1224 Franklin Ave, Waco. Lots of items 50% off; brick & pavers 25%. For more information, visit www.wacorestore.org .

February 27 – Beyond the Backyard (Garden Training Series – Part 2). Starting Seeds, Finding Funding. Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm, followed by a potluck and garden Q&A. Place: AJ Moore Academy, 500 North University Parks Drive. Cost: Suggested donation of $10 to cover material costs. Workshop Topics: Garden ground prep. Transplants and seeding. Budgeting the garden. Funding sources. Interested in learning more about growing a garden and building community? Join the HOT Urban Gardening Coalition for our first garden training series – in 6 parts. For more information, see UGC’s website: http://hotugc.wordpress.com . To register, contact Bethel Erickson at vista@worldhungerrelief.org.

February 28 – Civil Rights RetroPerspective: Fellowship Meal and Community Conversation. Time: 4 p.m. Place: Wesley UMC Church, 125 Turner Street, Waco. Wesley Student Leadership Corps, Methodist Children’s Home and Baylor University students share how going on a Civil Rights Tour impacted their lives. For more information call the Wesley church at 254-752-1822.

February 28 – Shane Claiborne to Preach at Church Under the Bridge. Time: 11:00 am, but you are invited to come earlier as we feed the homeless and fellowship. Place: Church Under the Bridge, IH 35/S. 4th street overpass. As a nationally sought speaker (and internationally) and author of “Irresistible Revolution: Living as an ordinary radical,” Shane has challenged Christians to joyfully follow Jesus in some powerful ways. You won’t want to miss him! His books will also be available. Any donations to the church you make that morning go to serve the poor and marginalized of Waco. (Note: Unfortunately Shane will not available for any other engagements, so please don’t ask!) For a flyer, click here: Shane at Barfield. For more information call 254-753-4900.

February 28 – Shane Claiborne to Speak on Baylor Campus; Proceeds support Mission Waco work in Haiti. Time: 7:00 PM. Place: Barfield Drawing Room, Baylor Campus, 5th Street. Cost: A $5 or more donation is requested which goes to our work in Haiti. Electronic tickets are available online at www.missionwaco.org. As a nationally sought speaker (and internationally) and author of “Irresistible Revolution: Living as an ordinary radical,” Shane has challenged Christians to joyfully follow Jesus in some powerful ways. You won’t want to miss him! His books will also be available. All donations will go to help our work in Haiti, this year to expand a church-based health clinic. Mission Waco takes annual trips there (and India and MxCity) each year to work among some of the world’s poorest, drilling water wells, school sponsorships, and other Christian community development . (Note: Unfortunately Shane will not available for any other engagements, so please don’t ask!) For a flyer, click here: Shane at Barfield. For more information call 254-753-4900.

Act Locally: Waco

2010 – February