By: Lauren Lamb, BA 2016
Our class was in a very difficult and unique position this week when we used our accumulated knowledge and the mission of our board to guide us in narrowing down our pool of philanthropies into the twenty-five that we will personally visit. As we analyzed the different philanthropic organizations working in Waco, I was struck by the amazing passion of the hundreds of people working to make Waco a better place. So many remarkable people are dedicating their entire careers to serving the needs of Waco and making it a more fulfilling place to live. They believe in their cause and they believe in their city. For this reason, Waco is extremely special. It is rare to find the kind of genuine care, love and the emphasis of community togetherness that is overwhelmingly apparent in Waco through each small initiative and every big picture plan. We have all been given a remarkable opportunity and blessing to get to be a part of the Waco community and everything it is doing for its people.
Simply put, Waco cares about enriching the lives of its citizens. It is inspiring to see the ways that Waco is striving to set itself apart as a cultural center of Texas. The many philanthropic organizations that are pursuing this effort are working tirelessly to blend together the different cultural backgrounds residing in Waco to fashion a unique identity for the city as a whole. Whether through the farmers market, city theatres, art centers or community houses, Waco is successfully bringing together people from all walks of life to create a place where each person can feel like a true Wacoan.
We are also living in a community that experiences tremendous need. Waco is not blind to the extreme level of poverty existing throughout its streets. This week we have heard from roughly sixty Waco organizations that are tirelessly serving Waco’s people in order to improve their overall quality of life. From free legal services, to centers for the abused, to educational programs for Waco youths, advocacy is present on every corner. Waco is truly fostering a city that prides itself on service.
Although it was difficult to move forward in this process knowing that we were leaving incredibly worthy organizations behind, I am so encouraged to know that these organizations will be propped up by a city that cares so deeply and serves so readily. This process of board meetings showed me how many incredible people are working behind the scenes to make Waco the compassionate cultured community we all love. I am confident that Waco will always be a city where philanthropy thrives and I am excited to get to know more about the organizations we will be visiting in the upcoming weeks.
About the Author: Lauren Lamb is a senior from Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She plans to attend law school next fall. She is an active member of the Baylor Honors Program and Delta Delta Delta.