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.

To Involve or to Engage, that is the question?

Through our work with local schools, the terms involvement and engagement are heard quite often. While they may be similar in meaning there is a strong distinction between the two that must be clearly defined if we are to be most effective when interacting with parents. To best show the distinction between these terms I want to refer to the words of Educator, and Author Larry Ferazzo. “When schools involve parents they are leading with their institutional self-interest and desires When schools engage parents they are leading with the parents’ self-interests (their wants and dreams) in an effort to develop a genuine partnership. When we’re involving parents, the parent is generally directed towards completing tasks selected by the school staff — or the parent may be a client who receives services and information. When we’re engaging parents, the parent is considered a leader or a potential leader who is integral to identifying a vision and goals. He/she encourages others to contribute their own vision to that big picture and helps perform the tasks that need to be achieved in order to reach those goals.”

While both involvement and engagement are beneficial and needed at the school level, too often do we sacrifice the impact of engagement for the easiness of involvement? Recognizing the need for stronger family engagement at our local schools, the Grassroots community organizing team has recently started work with staff at Alta Vista Elementary to train teachers on best approaches to conduct high impact family engagement strategies on their campus.
Content covered during the training included; Reasons for Family Engagement, 4 Core Beliefs that school’s should possess when engaging with families, the roles of parents at the school and how they can support their children’s learning through setting high expectations for their child and serving as advocates. These topics, along with several others, were derived from resources such as the Flamboyan Foundation, a leading organization focused on addressing inequities within education and the book “Beyond the Bake Sale” which highlights strategies for achieving effective family engagement

Going forward Alta Vista teachers, are ready to implement what they have learned and team up with parents to form a core group to develop family engagement strategies that they can begin to implement campus-wide during the 2019-2020 school year. Several strategies are being considered going forward including; how to create a welcoming environment for all visitors to the school, and activities that help parents and community members gain a better understanding of the learning that is happening within the classroom.

It is our belief that through this approach, we will not only see stronger family engagement, but we will also see stronger partnerships between teachers, parents, and the community making for a more successful school.

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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
Grassroots Community Development2 weeks ago
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
Grassroots Community Development2 weeks ago
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
Grassroots Community Development2 weeks ago
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
Grassroots Community Development2 weeks ago
“Always look at the opportunities and possibilities in a situation,” Daysi, founder and owner of 25th Street Furniture Store, shared. Daysi started in 2013 with a dream of serving the North Waco community and providing a service that betters the lives of her neighbors. With a laptop and an innovative mind, Daysi started a money transfer business that served the community and brought ease to many of her customers. Ten years later, Daysi was able to lean into that innovative spirit, grow her knowledge about running a business, and ultimately build her business into a furniture store that is for the community. “I never turn down a request,” Daysi shared, “I may need to think creatively with the customer, and we brainstorm how to make their request a reality, but I always work to say yes to an opportunity to do something new.”

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!