United Way of Waco-McLennan County

Happy New Year from United Way! As we step into 2024, we are excited to continue living united and working together to strengthen our community and create a brighter future for all. Here's to another year of positive change and shared progress!

Launched by the City of Waco's Economic Development team, the Waco Opportunity Navigator tool is a game-changing resource connecting job seekers and employers with vital workforce development and financial stability services. For Job Seekers:  🔹 Access to job training and educational resources 🔹 Connections to stable, reliable employment opportunities For Employers: 🔹 Inclusive recruitment strategies 🔹 Support for career growth and mentorship programs 🔗https://lnkd.in/guGZjXKr By utilizing the Waco Opportunity Navigator tool, we can continue to enhance workforce development and ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive. 💼✨

🩺 Spotlight on Waco Family Medicine 🩺 United Way of Waco-McLennan County is proud to highlight Waco Family Medicine (WFM) as a resource for our community’s health and wellness. Since 1969, WFM has been dedicated to improving access to primary care for low-income and underserved populations in the Heart of Texas. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), WFM provides comprehensive health services on an income-based sliding fee scale, ensuring that everyone can receive the care they need. In addition to its vital health services, WFM offers compassionate, culturally sensitive care through its Residency Program, training tomorrow’s top family physicians right here in our community. 💙 Together, we’re building a healthier future for our neighbors!

🌟 Empowering Our Community 🌟 As a supporter of United Way of Waco-McLennan County, you help make a real difference in our community. Your support strengthens key areas that impact thousands of lives: 💰 Financial Stability: Helping families build wealth and financial independence, especially in a county where 40% of homes earn less than the cost of living. 📚 Education: Ensuring kids are ready for school and supporting caregivers for academic and social success, with more than 50% of McLennan County students entering kindergarten unprepared. 🏠 Safety Net Services: Providing essential resources like food, shelter and crisis care to vulnerable families, as nearly 24% of local children face food insecurity. ❤️ Health: Promoting accessible healthcare for underserved communities, addressing issues like 39% of McLennan County births lacking prenatal care. For more than 100 years, we’ve worked together to create a stronger, more resilient community. Thank you for being an essential part of this mission! 💪

Today marks the final day of our United Way 100 Year Anniversary Campaign!  It’s been a joy looking back through our archives and sharing the milestones that have shaped our journey. Today, we reflect on the past year, adding it to the rich history of more than 100 years of Living United. We’d love to see your memories with us! If you have any photos from events or activities with United Way — whether from this year or years past — please share them in the comments or send them to us directly. Thank you for being a part of our story, and for continuing to make a difference in the lives of others. Here's to many more years of living united! 💙

Education for a healthier tomorrow! VOICE (Viable Options in Community Endeavors) is dedicated to empowering children and families by providing education presentations that promote behavioral health and wellness. What they cover:  ✅ Behavioral health topics ✅ Tobacco, alcohol and drug use prevention These events also feature Red Ribbon and Tobacco-Free campaigns, where materials such as banners, pencils and bracelets are distributed to promote the message of healthy living. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future!

Merry Christmas from United Way of Waco-McLennan County! 🎄✨ This holiday season, we’re grateful for the incredible support from our community, volunteers and partners who help make a difference in the lives of so many. Your generosity brings hope, joy and opportunity to those in need. Wishing you and your loved ones peace, love and happiness this Christmas and throughout the New Year! 🎁💫

Are you ready to take the next step toward your future? 🎓💼 Workforce Solutions-HOT Youth Services, in partnership with Communities In Schools of Central Texas, provides free career coaching for youth ages 16-24 — both in and out of school. Through the Workforce Development Program, participants receive support with: ✅ Academic Assistance ✅ GED Preparation ✅ Career Exploration ✅ Job Placement Opportunities ✅ Entry into Post-Secondary Education 🚍 Need transportation? Services are available to help you get where you need to go! Take charge of your education, career, and future today. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gP-dZczU. United Way is proud to support Communities in Schools through grants. 

Are You a New Parent or Expecting? 🤱👶 Care Net Pregnancy Center of Central Texas offers Parenting Classes to help you feel confident and prepared! Located at their support site (800 W Waco Drive), Care Net provides a safe and encouraging space for women and men to learn and connect. These daily classes equip new parents with essential tools and knowledge to thrive. 📚 Topics include: - Toddler Safety - Handling Tantrums - Bonding with Your Baby - Labor & Delivery Training - Breastfeeding - Potty Training - Car Seat Safety - Financial Emergencies & Budgeting - Cooking on a WIC Budget Take advantage of these resources and start your parenting journey with support, community, and confidence! ➡️ For more information, visit their website https://lnkd.in/gwvB5T4U. United Way proudly supports Care Net Pregnancy Center of Central Texas through grants. 

Curious about the benefits of hosting an annual United Way Workplace Campaign? Don’t just take our word for it—hear it directly from our supporters! A big thank you to Tammie Bowman from Atmos Energy for sharing her experience with us!