Committed to a brighter future for children, neighbors and communities.

We consider a healthy neighborhood to be one that is safe, clean, and diverse; one in which it makes economic sense for people to invest and one where neighbors manage change successfully.

We consider a healthy neighborhood to be one that is safe, clean, and diverse; one in which it makes economic sense for people to invest and one where neighbors manage change successfully.

International Women’s Day

2022-03-08-InternationalWomensDay

I celebrated International Women’s Day for the first time in the spring of 2003 while teaching ESL in a small town in Georgia without really knowing it’s rich history. I had been volunteering at an intentional Christian community called Jubilee Partners (one of its founders actually grew up in Waco) whose main goal was to offer hospitality to refugees. I celebrated with a group of women from Afghanistan, Sudan, Taiwan, Canada, and the U.S; some of us volunteers and some of us refugees. We shared food, danced and the women shared how the day was celebrated in their countries.

It is a day where people come together to celebrate the social, cultural, and political achievements of women. In many countries, the day is commemorated with a women’s march, with women receiving gifts and sometimes even being given the day off from work.

The first International Women’s Day was held in 1909 and has led to many important gains for women’s rights. “The Worker must have bread, but she must have roses, too.” Originally taken from a poem written by James Oppenheim, was a rallying cry of women’s movements and International Women’s Day. The quote points out that not only must a person have food to survive, but they also need to have a good quality of life.

International Women’s Day has had a hand in women all over the world:

  • Gaining the right to vote
  • Gaining better working conditions, pay, and maternity leave
  • And has even been a major catalyst in overthrowing Czar Nicholas II during the Russian Revolution

 

Since then, I have tried to honor the day by celebrating the achievements of women I know by acknowledging their work towards creating a more welcoming society. Each year International Women’s Day organizations pick a theme to focus on. This year the theme is: Breaking the Bias. You can celebrate by continuing to work towards a more equitable, diverse, inclusive world free of stereotypes and discrimination. You can also celebrate by acknowledging the achievements of women in your family and your community.

Happy International Women’s Day!

– DeShauna Hollie

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Grassroots Community Development
Grassroots Community Development5 days ago
"One of the things I often hear, from those who have grown up in Waco and those who are still relatively new—is how neighborly our neighborhoods are. Today, on National Good Neighbor Day, let’s celebrate one of the things that makes Waco such a special place to live!"

Read more about National Good Neighbor Day in our latest blog post. https://grassrootswaco.org/blog/good-neighbor-day/
Grassroots Community Development
Grassroots Community Development1 week ago
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique voices and experiences of Hispanic/Latino Americans and recognize their history, journeys, and achievements. Take a look at some of the programming going on around Waco and immerse yourself in the community!
Grassroots Community Development
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Our Annual Charity Golf Scramble is just 4 weeks away. Join us for a day of golfing, good food, and fun at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course!

Thursday, October 19th
Check-in & Lunch at 11:30am
Tee off at 1:00pm

For more information call Mike Stone at (254) 235-7358 ext. 206 or get the registration form at https://tinyurl.com/4ks8vcke
Grassroots Community Development
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In our latest blog post, Grassroots housing counselor, Darrell, shares about identity theft and how to protect yourself. Learn more at https://grassrootswaco.org/blog/how-to-protect-yourself-from-identity-theft/
Grassroots Community Development
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We are now accepting applications for our Roof Repair Program for City of Waco residents. The open enrollment and application process goes through Thursday, November 2nd.

The services provided are supported through a grant from the City of Waco. This program is at no cost to low-income families who live in the City of Waco limits and meet the application qualifications.

You can learn more and download an application at https://grassrootswaco.org/special-programs/

You may also stop by our office to pick up an application at 1624 Colcord Ave, Monday- Friday 8-5pm

For more information, please call Project Manager Brian at 254-235-7358 ext 210.
Grassroots Community Development
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Today, 25th Street Furniture provides affordable furniture with unique designs and capabilities. 25th Street Furniture prides itself on being a place for the community. When you walk into the store and engage with Daysi and her team, they get to know your preferences and needs so that every conversation and purchase is tailored to the individual customer. Daysi gives back to the community through 25th Street Furniture and her involvement with the Hispanic Chamber. She is a big advocate for business owners being connected and learning from each other.

25th Street Furniture is located at 1108 N. 25th St. and open at 10 am on weekdays. Daysi and her team are available and ready to support the Waco community with their furniture needs. Daysi shares with the community, “It is important to see situations as learning experiences. Strive to look towards the solution and learn something from the situation.”

Take the time to get to know the local businesses in North Waco and visit Daysi and her team on 25th street!