Fall 2014 Grant Recipients
Waco Habitat for Humanity
Amount: $20,500
Purpose: Climate control for the Habitat ReStore
Reason: Waco Habitat is able to fund most of its operations through profits generated through the
ReStore, which enables its financial donors to give directly and fully to construction programs.
However, during the winter and summer months, temperatures in the ReStore reach up to 120
degrees or below freezing, resulting in losses of up to 25% in sales. Based on evidence from other
ReStores nationwide, Waco Habitat is confident that this infrastructure project will increase sales,
sustainably directing more money to home construction.
Family Health Center
Amount: $15,500
Purpose: Prenatal dental care for women over age 21
Reason: In Texas, women over age 21 do not have access to dental care through Medicaid.
Research has shown close association between a mother’s oral health and such things as premature
birth, low birth weight, and children’s future oral health. This grant to FHC will provide treatment
to approximately 125 women.
Shepherd’s Heart
Amount $2,500
Purpose: Completion of Phase One of the Aquaponics project
Reason: The goal of Shepherd’s Heart’s Aquaponics project is to provide a sustainable source of
fresh, whole foods to Wacoans who live in food deserts. This grant will enable Shepherd’s Heart to
complete the first phase of their infrastructure and get the project up and running.
Communities in Schools for the Heart of Texas
Amount: $16,700
Purpose: Funding a Mentor Coordinator position and some program costs
Reason: CIS aims to foster meaningful partnerships between schools and communities in the
greater Waco area. It has built its foundation on the belief that every child needs a one-on-one
relationship with a caring adult. At present, only a fraction of students who qualify for CIS
programs can participate, and many are on a waiting list due to insufficient resources. This new
part-time position will quickly begin to address this gap by providing resources to place waiting
students with able mentors.
Talitha Koum Institute
Amount: $7,000
Purpose: Implementation of Neurosequential Model of Theraputics (NMT) project
Reason: Since its inception, Talitha Koum has always been on the cutting edge of utilizing researchbased therapeutic intervention with Waco children in deep poverty. Although their current
methods have proven successful, they are now seeking an opportunity to supplement their
intervention with the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. This funding will be directed toward
training Dr. Keith Warren on the highly innovative NMT methods so that this treatment can be
implemented with children enrolled at Talitha Koum.
Animal Birth Control Clinic
Amount: $17,300
Purpose: Large dog spay/neuter project
Reason: The City of Waco euthanizes 1,776 dogs on average each year and spends approximately
$110 on each euthanized dog, totaling $195,360 annually. Additionally, large breed dogs pose
health and environmental threats when the population is not properly controlled. This grant will
fund more than 300 spay/neuters, preventing more than 1,500 new puppies from being born and
saving the City of Waco thousands of dollars as our community moves toward “no-kill” status.
Compassion Ministries
Amount: $18,500
Purpose: Funding toward a resource specialist position
Reason: Compassion Ministries serves approximately 160 clients each year who are either
homeless or on the verge of homelessness, helping to reintegrate these individuals into permanent
housing and employment. A new Resource Specialist will help facilitate this process by networking
with housing providers and potential employers and will develop relationships to encourage trust
and confidence in the residents who are seeking to re-establish housing and financial security.
Act Locally Waco
Amount: $2,000
Purpose: Branding development and web design consultation
Reason: Because Act Locally Waco has encountered so much success, exceeding 1,500 subscribers
and 2,500 Facebook followers, the vital channels of communication that it provides to the
community are no longer free. This grant is directed toward a website and newsletter redesign that
can attract sponsorships, thereby developing revenue for reinvestment in Act Locally Waco’s
crucial services.