First Baptist Church of Waco Community Partnership Historic partners Since 1851, First Baptist Church has continually impacted its community and state, and its expansive vision for ministry has led to its being called a world-vision church. A flagship church among Texas Baptists, First Baptist Church is also one of the most prominent churches in Baptist life the world today. Buckner Children and Family Services of North Texas is devoted to protecting children, promoting independence, and building strong families. Now these two historic entities have entered a new chapter in their work, joining together to provide high-quality, responsible social programs to the Waco community. Innovative collaboration First Baptist Church of Waco and Buckner Children and Family Services of North Texas are joining in an innovative collaboration to reach common goals, meet common needs, and seize common opportunities. This collaboration is centered on a shared vision, shared expectations, shared communication, shared ownership, shared accountability, shared resources, and shared ministry. As a part of this partnership First Baptist Church of Waco will provide its resources and a pool of lay volunteers. Buckner will provide from its extensive experience in conducting social ministry. This includes church in community assessments, volunteer management, volunteer coordination, direct services, program design, and serving as a catalyst for social ministry in the community. According to Diana Garland, dean of the School of Social-Work, at Baylor University, "Buckner can provide the professional resources for children and families and congregations, but it cannot itself be the congregation or the community. But the potential for partnership between the professional resources of Buckner and the strong communities of congregations can turn back even today’s Pharaohs who threaten children." Services Provided: • School Partnerships – Join with others from FBC as they reach out to children in local elementary schools to provide mentoring and tutoring. Also, work with the school on special projects throughout the year to benefit children and their families. • Habitat for Humanity – Join with others from Buckner/FBC as they work together on a local HFH home. Previous projects have been in partnership with other local denominations. • Rebuilding Together – Help repair and restore older homes in low income neighborhoods to help the residents maintain their independence. New projects start on a quarterly basis. • Benevolence Minstry – The partnership provides crisis assistance by offering help with referrals, bus tickets, prescription assistance, and food or gas vouchers. • Gospel Cafe – On the fourth Friday of each month, volunteers provide food and service at the Gospel Cafe, a ministry of Cross Ties Ecumenical Church For more information or to support the partnership, contact: Leigh Jackson Director of Community Ministries First Baptist Church 500 Webster Avenue Waco, TX 76706 (254) 752-3000 ljackson@fbcwaco.org URL for FBC Waco and Buckner site http://fbcwaco.org/sites/document.asp?did=729