As the calendar turns to May, we are taking time to spotlight an issue that affects millions worldwide. It's a time to acknowledge the significance of mental health, advocate for its importance and strive for greater understanding and support for those who struggle with mental health challenges. 

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that mental health is a part of our overall well-being. Just as we prioritize physical health through exercise and nutrition, nurturing mental health is equally vital. The theme of this month extends beyond acknowledging mental health conditions; it's about fostering an environment of acceptance and support. 

1. Education and Awareness: By educating ourselves and others about mental health conditions, we can dismantle misconceptions and replace them with empathy and understanding. 
2. Access to Resources: Unfortunately, many communities face barriers such as financial constraints, lack of insurance coverage or limited availability of mental health professionals. Advocating for improved access to affordable and quality mental health care is paramount. 
3. Promoting Self-Care: Self-care practices play a pivotal role in maintaining good mental health. Encouraging individuals to prioritize self-care activities like mindfulness, exercise, adequate sleep and seeking social support fosters resilience and enhances overall well-being. 
4. Supporting Each Other: Mental health affects us all, directly or indirectly. By offering a listening ear, extending compassion and validating experiences, we create a culture of support where individuals feel valued and understood. 

As we commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month, let us commit to fostering a culture of empathy, acceptance and support. Together, we can create a world where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being.

May marks Foster Care Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the need for quality foster care, raising awareness for the needs of children in foster care and celebrating those who help these children access quality care and homes. 

McLennan County has a larger number of children in its foster care system compared to counties of the same size. There are approximately 387 children and youth who enter foster care in McLennan County. 

Texas is transitioning to a community-based care (CBC) model for foster care that relies on community members and nonprofits to care for and support foster care families and children. Unfortunately, there are not enough local foster families in McLennan County to care for these children, so over half are sent to other counties, taking them further away from their hometowns. These children spend on average 23 months in the foster care system and change homes an average of five times before they are adopted. 

To help with the mandated transition to a CBC model, the Families and Foster Care Coalition has stepped in to create a group of organizations working together to provide resources, engagement opportunities and a network of support to address the issues in foster care. 

It is crucial to recognize that making a difference doesn't require becoming a foster parent. There are a variety of ways to contribute and support children in need of foster care. Whether through volunteering, mentoring or advocating, every effort counts in ensuring the well-being and future success of these children.

Let's take a trip back to the 2018 Campaign Kick-off with ATMOS Energy! Partnerships with businesses like ATMOS are integral to our mission of supporting local nonprofits and their programs.

Since our beginning, we've remained steadfast in our vision of a community where everyone has access to education, health and financial stability to reach their fullest potential. Over the years, we've raised more than $100 million to fuel initiatives that enhance lives and uplift neighborhoods.



Our annual campaigns serve as the cornerstone of these efforts, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the companies that stand with us in realizing our vision. Together, we're making a meaningful impact and building a brighter future for all.

United Ways nationwide are experiencing ongoing phishing attempts and scams, where individuals impersonate staff members to solicit funds. We're committed to empowering you to avoid these situations.

Here's how you can safeguard yourself:

• Get a second opinion.
• Make sure your passwords are strong and difficult to guess.
• Enable multi-factor authentication.
• Don't respond to the scammer.
• Don't click on links in an email you are uncertain of.

You can often spot a scammer by:

• Unusual requests.
• Grammar or spelling errors.

United Way of Waco McLennan County keeps donor information private and does not sell information to outside sources. If you receive an email double check it is from an email ending in @unitedwaywaco.org.



Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help!

Creating Better Lives for Central Texans

The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) is dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible support services to individuals, families and communities in the realm of mental health, developmental disabilities and delays and emotional conflict. Their comprehensive range of programs and resources includes:

• Crisis Services
• Adult Behavioral Health
• Child/Adolescent Behavioral Health
• Early Childhood Intervention
• Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
• Substance Use Disorder Services
• Veteran Support

In addition to their core service offerings, HOTBHN is committed to empowering our community through education and training initiatives. They offer a variety of courses and workshops designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate mental health challenges effectively. From crisis intervention techniques to communication strategies for interacting with individuals with disabilities, training programs empower community members to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

United Way is proud to partner with HOTBHN through our Child Well-being Movement Workgroups working to increase access to mental health resources for families in McLennan County.

Board Member Spotlight: J.T. Carpenter

Meet J.T. Carpenter, our United Way Board Chair! With a heart for community, J.T. compares United Way to a 'supertanker' that tirelessly works to uplift families and individuals. His dedication fuels our mission, steering us toward a brighter future for all. Click on the video above to hear more about J.T.'s passion for United Way!