A Look Back at 2019
A Look Back at 2019
Recognizing others and their service to Waco is a part of who we are. Our office, Baylor's Office of External Affairs, is inspired to lead, support, engage, and celebrate the collective impact of Waco and Baylor. Together, alongside countless individuals and organizations, we make our city the best it can be, as we live, dine, work and play here. Celebrating that impact is a joy! We look forward to sharing more stories as 2020 progresses—we can't wait to see what the new year has in store for our community.Join us as we reflect upon our Solid Gold Neighbors from 2019—local organizations making an impact in our five core areas of focus (learn more about Solid Gold Neighbor, Baylor's intentional and purposeful community engagement initiative, here).Economic Development
• Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Each month, nearly 100 Hispanic community leaders and other business professionals meet at the Chamber offices on LaSalle Avenue to promote ideas and strive to better serve the increasing cultural diversity of Central Texas.• Rachel E. Pate: As the Vice President of Economic Development at the Central Texas African American Chamber of Commerce and a Waco-native, Rachel E. Pate has had a front-row seat for the unprecedented growth and economic development across Waco in recent years.
• Start Up Waco: Since launch, Start Up Waco has helped nearly one hundred aspirational or existing entrepreneurs through educational programs, training, mentorship, and other resource support needed.
Health
• Compassion Ministries & Jill McCall: Since 1994, Compassion Ministries has worked to reintegrate homeless or near-homeless families with children into permanent housing and employment.• Dr. Jackson Griggs & the Family Health Center: Led by Dr. Jackson Griggs, the Family Health Center operates 15 remote clinics across McLennan County where they focus on a mission "to increase access to, and availability of high quality comprehensive primary and preventative health care for the vulnerable of the Heart of Texas and to provide an excellent educational, training, and research environment in the medical, dental and behavioral health fields."
• Jubilee Food Market: In 2016, Mission Waco's Jubilee Market opened their doors to the public, combatting local food deserts by opening up shop in the North Waco community.
Education
• Angela Tekell: For thirty-three years, spanning numerous roles including attorney, City Center Waco Board of Directors member, former Junior League of Waco President, PTA President, and high school educator, Angela Tekell has embodied servant leadership in Waco.• The Cove: Established in the summer of 2015, The Cove has created a nurturing center designed to provide a safe space for students experiencing homelessness.
• iEngage Summer Civics Institute: The iEngage Institute is a summer camp designed to develop participants' ability to identify community issues, create possible solutions, and learn how to be an effective advocate.
• Inspiracion: This non-profit focuses on empowering at-risk Latino families to break the cycle of poverty by fostering parenting knowledge and skills that directly impact children's development.
Cultural Wealth
• Baylor Law School: At Baylor Law, faculty and staff experts lead local volunteer attorneys and law students in a variety of legal clinics. Through these clinics, students, faculty, staff, and volunteers have dedicated countless hours of pro bono legal services to McLennan county residents.• Darius Brown & Becoming Better Boys / Grow Girls: In 2017, Darius Brown, alongside his fiancé Micah Root, started the youth mentoring organization Becoming Better Boys/Grow Girls.
• Greater Waco Legal Services: Greater Waco Legal Services was founded in 2017 to provide legal services that give individuals opportunities to grow healthier, further their education, and experience financial security.
• Hector Sabido: As Waco City Council Representative for District 2, Hector Sabido serves the his community of South Waco, Baylor University, and a large portion of downtown while also filling crucial roles in the non-profit sector.
• Honoring Vivienne Malone-Mayes, Ph.D: In spring 2019, a dedicated group of Baylor faculty members formally recognized Dr. Vivienne Malone-Mayes with a ceremony and permanent bust on campus, celebrating her legacy as Baylor's first black faculty member.
City Growth
• Waco History Podcast: Randy Lane and Dr. Stephen Sloan celebrate Waco's past while looking to its future by sharing local stories through podcasting. Alongside subject matter experts, the duo covers diverse topics from Elvis in Waco to historic Waco Homes and more.• Waco Restaurant Week: Featuring over 60 local restaurants and eateries, Waco Restaurant Week, led by Carole Fergusson, is building a new type of food community for a cause.
• Waco Tours: Through a team of dedicated staff who share the redemptive stories of Waco, visitors leave feeling encouraged and inspired by the bigger picture of all God is doing within the city. Waco Tours provides fun, life-changing experiences through tours on land, water, and horseback, promoting all Waco has to offer.