As summer winds down, it's time to gear up for the new school year. Ensuring that every child has the resources they need, including necessary vaccinations, is crucial for a successful and healthy start. Here's a guide to help you navigate back-to-school preparations and community resources.

Importance of Immunizations

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to review your child's vaccination status. Staying up-to-date with immunizations is essential for preventing illness and protecting public health. Vaccines help keep students healthy and reduce the spread of contagious diseases, making it easier for them to focus on learning.

Local Health Resources

• Heart of Texas Red Cross: Provides vaccination programs and health services. Learn more at https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/central-and-south-texas/about-us/locations/heart-of-texas.html.
• Ascension Providence Foundation: Supports community health initiatives and vaccination access. Visit https://supportprovidence.org/about-us/.
• Baylor Scott & White Foundation: Enhances local healthcare services, including vaccination opportunities. Learn more at https://ctxfoundation.bswhealth.com/areas-of-need/waco.
• Waco Family Medicine: Offers comprehensive healthcare services, including vaccinations. For more information visit https://wacofamilymedicine.org/.
• Waco-McLennan Public Health District: Has an Immunization Clinic that offers all recommended vaccines for children and adults. For more information visit https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Health-District/Public-Health-Nursing/Immunization-Services.

Back to School Resources

As students return to the classroom, having the right supplies can make all the difference. Here are some local organizations dedicated to ensuring every child has what they need.

• Caritas of Waco: Provides school supplies to help children start the year prepared. Find out more about their services at https://www.caritas-waco.org/.
• The Salvation Army of Waco: Hosts school supply drives and distributions to support families in need. Learn more at https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/waco/.
• Mission Waco: Offers events and supplies to support educational needs. Discover more at https://missionwaco.org/mission-waco/.
• McLennan County Library System: Provides educational programs and resources to engage kids in learning. Explore their offerings at https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Library.

United We Succeed

United Way of Waco-McLennan County is proud to support local efforts ensuring every student has the tools they need to succeed. By working together, we can make a significant impact in our community, helping every child start the school year with confidence and readiness.

For more information on vaccinations or back-to-school resources, don't hesitate to reach out to these organizations.

We recently kicked off our 2024 Workplace Campaign and celebrated the exceptional contributors from our 2023 campaign. This annual effort is vital for building a community where everyone belongs and can live their best life.



Funds raised through the United Way Annual Campaign go into the United Way General Impact Fund, supporting grants to highly qualified nonprofit organizations. These grants improve community outcomes in education, health, financial stability and safety net services, benefiting McLennan County residents.

Good Corporate Neighbor Spotlights:

ATMOS Energy - Platinum Level Sponsor $2500

Extraco Banks, Waco - Gold Level Sponsor $1000

Deidra Emerson, Deputy City Manager for the City of Waco and a dedicated member of the United Way of Waco-McLennan County Board, shares her insights on the impactful work of United Way.

"United Way is committed to bridging gaps that prevent individuals and families from achieving financial stability and success. The United Way of Waco-McLennan County has made significant strides in educating the community, fostering collaborations and ensuring opportunities for everyone, from our youngest residents to the most experienced members of our community," Deidra explains.

When asked about getting involved with United Way, Deidra advises, "Don't hesitate—just dive in! United Way is doing incredible work. You can get involved by volunteering with a United Way-funded agency, supporting the United Way campaign or simply spreading the word about their initiatives to others who might want to join in."

Congratulations to Deidra on her recent participation in The Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education - Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.

Join Deidra in supporting United Way and be a part of making a positive difference in our community today!

For more than 100 years, United Way of Waco-McLennan County has been a steadfast force in building a stronger community. While our name has evolved over the decades, our mission has remained constant: to mobilize resources and make a measurable impact on lives throughout our region.

We reflect on our past by revisiting an article from Generally Speaking that captures a significant moment in our history—our 25th anniversary in 1949. This article highlights the achievements and growth of United Way throughout the decades and serves as a testament to our enduring commitment to community betterment.

Take a moment to look back with us and see how far we've come. Join us in continuing our mission to create a better community for all.

Mission Waco Mission World

Mission Waco Mission World is a beacon of hope and support for the Waco community, with a special emphasis on improving the lives of children. Founded in 1991, Mission Waco Mission World is dedicated to addressing the needs of underserved populations through a variety of impactful programs.

One of their core areas of focus is enhancing educational opportunities for children. Here’s how they make a difference:

Educational Support and Enrichment

• After-School Programs: Mission Waco runs after-school programs that provide a safe and supportive environment for children. These programs offer academic tutoring, mentoring and enrichment activities designed to help students excel in their studies and develop essential life skills.
• School Supplies and Resources: The organization helps bridge the gap by providing school supplies and other essential resources to students in need. This support ensures that all children have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Through various mentorship programs, Mission Waco connects children with role models who offer guidance, support and encouragement. These relationships help foster a sense of confidence and ambition in young students.

Mission Waco's commitment to empowering children through education exemplifies their dedication to creating a brighter future for all. By addressing educational needs and providing critical support, they are helping to shape the next generation in our community.

Click here to visit their website.

United Way is proud to support Mission Waco Mission World through grants.