FOCUS>> THE HIGH COST OF LIFE

DECEMBER 2008 EDITORS’ NOTE >> TABLE OF CONTENTS In recent months, it seems like you can’t turn on the televi- sion or walk into a coffee shop without hearing the word page HOPE HAS PLUMBING “economy.” It’s an issue that affects everyone. The family of 4 fi ve, the single mom, the college student, the senior citizen — everyone feels the pressure of rising prices in different ways. It could be the extra dollar for a gallon of milk, the 6 NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS record-breaking gasoline prices that now appear to be on a roller coaster, or the unstable state of the housing market. No matter the angle, the cost of living is high and on the 8 FEEDING THE HUNGER rise.

In this issue of FOCUS, we’ve decided to take a deeper 12 CHURCH UNDER THE BRIDGE look at how our unstable economy affects the Waco com- munity. Included are stories about the Open Table program, Ida Jamshidi and Amanda Allen Habitat for Humanity and the World Hunger Relief Farm. Other stories focus on how the economy is affecting 14 WHAT IT MEANS TO CARE children in school, veterans and those who are helped by the Care Center and Church Under the Bridge.

As members of the same community, it is our duty to acknowledge the struggles of our neighbors and to reach out to them with an open heart and mind. As editors, it is our intention to give voices to those who cannot or will not 16 REUSE, REDUCE, RECYCLE speak for themselves, and to recognize the organizations and individuals who have made reaching out a priority. We hope that by shedding light on how people are dealing with the declining economy, we can provide read- ers with a better understanding of the community in which we live and help inspire a greater willingness to bring 18 PICKING UP THE PIECES about the change we all wish to see. EMPTY LUNCHBOXES, STOMACHS EDITORS COVER PHOTO BY 20 Amanda Allen and Ida Jamshidi Sarah Morris

WRITERS PHOTOGRAPHERS DESIGNERS 22 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Alex Abdallah Kelli Boesel Belinda Colunga Billy Collins Michelle Grose Jacqueline Deavenport Lori Cotton Elizabeth Herring Charliss Edsitty Liz Foreman Lauren Irons Michelle Grose Johnathon Graves Sarah Morris Clarissa Nash Elizabeth Herring David Poe Anita Pere Sarah Learman Jill Prentice Perla Sanchez Focus Magazine is owned and published by Baylor Janna Quinn Jenna Williamson Kacie Wall University. It is produced through the student pub- Kate Thomas Jordan Wilson lications department. The entire content of Focus Tiffany Troyer Magazine is protected under the Federal Copyright Noelle Yaquob Act. Reproduction of any portion of any issue by any means, mechanical or otherwise, is not permitted SPECIAL THANKS TO without the consent of Baylor University. Dr. Brad Owens; Julie Freeman; Dr. Clark Baker; Prof. Bob Darden; Prof. Carol Perry; Meghan Giddens and the Baylor Journalism Dept. Copyright © 2008, Focus Magazine for example, 100 percent of the median income would be $50,333. speaks with experience and competence. Habitat would therefore work with a family making between $15,000 “We’ve also gone green,” Littrell said after she paused to direct and $30,000 per year. The monthly income, then, would need to be some Baylor volunteers caulking a kitchen cabinet. She noted that Porch recalled a time in her between $1,258 and $2,517, according to data provided by John Alex- Habitat applies concrete stain that is natural, not acidic, and that ander, executive director of Waco Habitat for Humanity. the organization applies ample insulation in the houses. childhood when men came to Habitat clients have “nowhere near the 100 percent needed for “It’s more economical for [the homeowners],” Littrell said. She rent, much less ownership of a new home,” said Emily Fau, associate said also that Habitat recycles, and that material scraps go to either her home and took the front director of Waco Habitat for Humanity, in an e-mail interview. the ReStore or to area homeowners. The ReStore sells donated door off of her family’s house “As we know, when folks don’t have safe, stable housing … it building materials to Habitat and community members. is very difficult to get ahead,” Fau said. “Frequent moves, caving “People will come by and say, ‘My house is falling apart. Can I because her father couldn’t floors, no heat, faulty plumbing – all are a chaotic environment that have some of this?’” Littrell said, shrugging and glancing across the is particularly rough for children, affecting their health and school room at a half-full, economy-sized bucket of white paint. pay the rent. “I don’t have to performance. It is a cycle that is very hard to break.” Poor living conditions are nothing new for many living in Waco. worry about someone taking Alexander said costs have increased not just for rent, but also for Porch recalled a time in her childhood when men came to her homebuilding. home and took the front door off of her family’s house because her the door off my house now,” “Foundation costs, plumbing, steel – all have just skyrocketed,” father couldn’t pay the rent. he said. “I don’t have to worry about someone taking the door off my she told the audience at the According to Alexander, plumbing costs, including labor and ma- house now,” she told the audience at the dedication ceremony. dedication ceremony. terials, have increased approximately 47 percent between 2004 Porch stroked one of the still-unpainted columns of the patio, and 2008. Foundation costs have increased 11 percent, and roof looking at her own, new front door, which stood wide open. Just trusses and heating/air conditioning have increased 15 and 16 per- beyond it was the sight of refreshments atop tablecloths. The smell cent, respectively. of homemade spaghetti wafted out into the hazy afternoon. To protect the homeowners from these rising costs, Alexander “I wanted to one day own a home,” said Porch, moving a nervous said Habitat has found additional sources of funding, such as the hand through her closely-cropped black hair. “But I knew it was go- city and state. ing to be hard for me.” Porch’s house, for example, is the first Habitat home to be spon- Unlike many Habitat homeowners, Porch is single, so she had no sored by the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation, said Tom one with whom to split the 300 “sweat equity” hours. She is paying Stanton, executive director of the foundation. $485 per month in her current accommodations, so she said she was Alexander said, however, that rising costs affect the number of glad to save money by owning a Habitat home, which averages $350 homes Habitat can build each year, because the organization now per month including mortgage, tax and insurance. needs to raise more money per home. “I’ve been excited,” Porch said. “I’ve been going out and buying Habitat has helped to offset costs by increasing the length of things.” the zero-interest mortgages from 20 years to 25 years, as the price The ceremony ended with the introduction of food within the of the house has increased from $36,000 in 2004 to more than new house, and most adjourned within, each congratulating Porch $50,000 in 2008. on her new home before disappearing inside. Whatever the costs and fundraising efforts, the organization has “People need to be cared for and need to be loved,” Stanton homebuilding down to an art. said. “I think, functionally, we’ve done these houses where they’re very affordable,” said Tracey Littrell, construction supervisor for Waco Habitat for Humanity. She has served in this role for two years and > Written by Kate Thomas Hope has Plumbing TEARS HAD BEEN BREWING THROUGH THE PRAYER, houses for low-income people and requires only a very low, zero- through the smiling speeches, through the a capella “Amazing interest mortgage and what is called “sweat equity,” in which the Waco’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity has helped build 10 “dreams” on Brown and Bolt streets. In an Grace.” family puts in 150 hours toward building other houses, and 150 hours economy riddled with inflation and dominated by the difficulty of obtaining credit, the organization helps But it was the garden hose that finally made her cry. toward its own. She was supposed to speak, say a few words to the audience. But The Baylor and Waco chapters of Habitat for Humanity worked families living below the poverty line achieve the American dream of home ownership. it took a few minutes and physical support from associate executive on Porch’s house, as well as the other 10 Habitat houses on Brown director of Caritas before Ruby Porch could finally address those and Bolt streets. Habitat members, as well as Leadership Living who sat in folding chairs or stood against the timbers of her new and Learning Center students, Caritas members and representa- house. tives from the Family Support Committee and Master Gardeners, “Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us, and this is a all attended Ruby Porch’s house dedication. prime example,” Porch said, beaming through her tears. She spoke Caritas, which provides those in need with low-cost food and fur- directly to the woman from Master Gardeners who had presented nishings, works with Habitat by stocking the pantries of new houses her with a garden hose and hoe. for the occupants. The Family Support Committee, meanwhile, in- Porch, who works at The Flying J’s service station as a cashier, had structs families on such topics as proper home maintenance and waited a year and a half to stand before the people of Habitat for landscaping, said Fernando Arroyo, the director of family services. Humanity, to stand at the dedication ceremony of her new house. Habitat for Humanity works with families that are within 30 per- Habitat for Humanity is an international organization that builds cent to 60 percent below annual median income. For a family of four, 4 > Photos by Kelli Boesel; Design by Anita Pere 5 photo by Mark Wiewel Pecan Valley is part of an 18-lot subdivision A large tree is growing behind two houses The Heart O’ Texas Coliseum held a home created by NeighborWorks Waco, a non- in Pecan Valley. The branches have become ownership expo in 2002. Nash, still new to profit organization that works to educate so large that they are reaching down onto NeighborWorks, was present to hand out people on how to buy a new home. Nash, the the roofs of Delilah Decker’s home and free food and educate people abut lending executive director of NeighborWorks Waco, the model home to the left. Each time the and buying new homes. A woman present and his staff, work with low-income clients to wind blows, the leaves and twigs on these with her children was asked if she was help them buy homes. For many of them, it branches scratch, poke and mar the small interested in purchasing a house. She told is their first. After their clients complete the black shingles on the two roofs. If this were him that she was only there for a few free education seminars, they can buy a house any other neighborhood, Decker would have hotdogs for her kids. It wasn’t until later that built by NeighborWorks or find one on their to take care of this herself. She might have she told NeighborWorks President Gale own. When a person or family walks into to call a friend to come chop the branches Edwards that she couldn’t read and thought NeighborWorks office in downtown Waco, down, or hire someone to do the job, but that would hold her back from getting they are asked to give a history of their the only call made was to Nash. His crew a home. After going over her forms and financial information. Once their application applications, NeighborWorks discovered is reviewed, they can be approved for 16 “These people have seen most that this woman had near-perfect credit and hours of homebuyers training, designed to of life’s challenges and just earned enough income from her two jobs to teach hopeful buyers about home buying. qualify for a home loan. She proceeded with NeighborWorks strives hard to ensure that want to experience the the training and was able to close on her they can still be approved for a home. American dream.” first home within the next two months. “It’s “These people have seen most of life’s because of people and stories like this that challenges and just want to experience the -Roy Nash, executive director of keep NeighborWorks going,” Nash said. American dream,” Nash said. NeighborWorks Pecan Valley houses every kind of family. The training program at NeighborWorks called for a community project. There are single mothers who live there with was established to help those who really Calvin Hodde, the construction manager, their children, elderly couples, single men want help. Daniel Garcia, loan specialist and climbed on top of the roof to cut off the and two parent homes all within the two foreclosure intervention counselor, said, difficult branches. Rev. Wilbert Austin, a streets of the community. “We work to help people who are serious, member of the City Council in Waco and a Pecan Valley is different. Residents are and that seems to work out pretty good.” founding member of the “Painting Pastor’s” growing and changing the face of Waco. Not Neighbors Those who choose to buy a home built assisted in sprucing up the area around the only are they educating people, but they by NeighborWorks work closely with Karen neighborhood. Saucedo cleaned and talked are caring for them. There are many people Saucedo, the construction specialist. Her to the residents of Pecan Valley. Among who live in Waco for a short time and never office doubles as a showroom, complete them were many others who showed up to experience the city in this way. By putting with brick and tile samples, floor plans and change Waco in this positive way. In 15 years, into action what so many forget to do, this pictures of former clients’ homes hanging on more than 1,600 families have benefitted group of people believes in taking care of the walls. NeighborWorks builds homes that from the NeighborWorks program. Nash, each other and taking care of the city. are Energy Star rated, so clients are getting who has served on staff on staff for the Neighbors the most for their money and equipped to past six and a half years, recalls a client who be environmentally friendly. stuck out in his mind. > Written by Lori Cotton

Take a left turn into East Waco’s Pecan Valley housing division and nothing is out of the ordinary. Every day, the people who live in these three-and four-bedroom houses walk outside in robes and slippers to pick up the paper while sipping their morning coffee. Later, children will play in the cul-de-sacs and listen for their parents to call them in for dinner. Everyone living in this small community follows their routines just like other Waco citizens.

But this neighborhood and this morning are different. Today these people don’t wake up to their

alarm clocks and radios. They wake up to the sound of a crosscut saw and Roy Nash’s excited

Ruben Andrade, NeighborWorks teacher voice yelling, “Let’s make sure that tree won’t bother that house for 10 years!”

6 > Photos by Jordan Wilson; Design by Clarissa Nash 7 “Intentional simplicity” is the way McLemore, a 26-year-old Bay- lor alumnus and local musician, describes his lifestyle. “It’s a very intentional way of stepping away from those things that can be done without,” McLemore said. “Like things that possibly every- Just as he sits down on the modest couch with his freshly made meal between slices of bread, one in the world can’t have.” He is not alone in his alternative lifestyle. He lives with room- mates, all with different stories. One thing bands them together he sighs and stands up. My eyes follow as he walks out the door into the front yard. A moment — their experience living and working at the World Hunger Relief farm, a local nonprofit. After plans to go abroad and help refugees in Darfur fell through later, he climbs back up the porch steps and enters the living room brandishing a single green for McLemore’s housemate, 23-year-old Belton native Jessica Studinka, she went to the farm to re-evaluate her life. This sustain- able farm is located in Elm Mott, 10 miles from Waco. leaf, smiling. A quick dusting-off and he slides the greenery in between slices of toasted bread and World Hunger Relief received a charter in 1976 and is a place where people from all over the world come to live in a Christian community, work, and learn about sustainable agriculture. The takes a bite. I wonder how many Americans know where the lettuce on their sandwich was grown. main mission of the nonprofit is to formally educate interns to address hunger worldwide through sustainable food production. This means educating interns from other countries who bring T.J. McLemore knows. He picks it from the garden in his front yard. sustainable farming back to their homeland, as well as teaching American interns to take this type of farming abroad. The volunteers and employees practice sustainable agriculture, growing fruits, vegetables and pecans. Livestock is grass-fed natu- rally, not fattened prior to slaughter like animals in commercial feeding lots. Poultry is also naturally raised and referred to as “pastured poultry,” not locked up in cages like factory chickens. McLemore and Studinka both worked as live-in volunteers and were provided room and board at the farm in exchange for 20 hours a week of labor. This little utopia on the outskirts of town is a self-sustaining community, but few people know much about World Hunger Relief. “Once people leave the farm and enter back into the commu- nity, that’s where the difference shows,” Studinka said. “There is a regained connection with creation, a transformation that happens so deeply we don’t want to continue life as it was.” After leaving the farm, the housemates decided to perpetuate the farm’s ideals at their own home. They now have a vegetable garden in their front yard and raise chickens in the backyard. McLemore said that while living at the farm, he became accus- tomed to eating very little meat, since it is only present at a meal if someone on the farm actually slaughtered the animal. It is estimated that Americans consume twice the daily global average in meat and two to three times more than recommended. It would be disastrous if everyone in the world ate as much meat as Americans do, McLemore explained. It’s the concepts of giving and community that both McLemore and Studinka took from the farm’s ideology and put into practice in everyday life, by living locally and thinking globally. “Every choice you make has an impact on others,” Studinka said. It’s this mantra that helps her to remain mindful as she strives to live simply, surrounded by a bloated consumerist culture.

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8 > Photos by David Poe; Design by Charliss Edsitty 9 “I feel like becoming aware of how my decisions have an effect ing greenery. on other people motivates me in making smarter, wiser or more “I’ve got a lot of friends who finished school and were really ex- Every choice you globally friendly choices,” she explained. cited about finding a house in a really great neighborhood in the These choices range from the type of clothes she buys — avoid- suburbs,” Studinka said. “I also know a lot of people in Waco who ing clothes made in sweat shops — to the fact that she chooses to are intentionally placing themselves within places considered to be eat food either from her garden or other local gardens and farms. less safe areas and finding a way to live in the heart of the city.” make has an “In terms of being consumers, we’re all consumers,” Studinka She and her roommates consciously chose to go against the so- “ said. “We can’t just stop consuming, but if we’re going to consume cietal trend of “white flight,” as it has been termed by sociologists, — because we’re western, because we’re humans — then we can do to live in this diverse area. it in such a way that it causes less harm or promotes more good.” “To be committed to living within this city is a commitment to impact The food we eat typically travels between 1,500 and 3,000 miles benefiting this town and working against that norm of letting the from the place it was produced to our plates, according to research bad things stay bad and get worse,” she said. by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State Studinka chooses to live in a diversely populated and low-income University. This adds up to an enormous amount of energy used area, and she works here, too. on others. before the food even gets cooked. A graduate of Mary Hardin-Baylor University, Studinka works at Raising chickens that produce eggs and maybe meat someday, as Doris Miller Elementary, one of the most racially diverse and poor- well as growing vegetables, greatly reduces the amount of food we est schools in Waco, teaching preschool children. eat coming from places so far away, Studinka said. “Kids are our future,” she said. “A lot of these kids don’t have - Jessica Studinka McLemore views the way they live as both ethical and economi- someone to believe in them, to show them that there’s another cal. With the hurting economy, more people are feeling the impact way, or show them that they can be happy with what they have and Belton Baylor graduate of high food prices. Growing one’s own vegetables can also reduce that they can be successful in what they try to do.” the cost of food and prove more environmentally friendly. Studinka said her perspective on poverty from a young age led “Planting a garden in your front yard and raising chickens is so her into this inner-city position. easy,” McLemore said. “Having people see this and showing them “An understanding of the grace of God as a young teenager a way to economically bolster their food supply and work together helped me to see that I have the unmerited privilege of being born ” as families or a household in the yard is important. It gives individu- where I was born,” she said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m als an opportunity to work together towards a common goal. When happier than people with less, but I am so fortunate and it is by you take this idea to the level of the community and the city, you no doing of my own that I have what I have. It’s by no doing of any start seeing changes.” other child in the world if they don’t have what we do.” By choosing not to work enough to afford a second car or a big- “It’s not a secret that money doesn’t make someone happy. I ger house, Studinka said, she has more time and energy to focus on don’t have to teach the kids that,” Studinka said. “But it is tough to bettering her community and relationships. live by that, it’s hard to actively choose to move against that flow.” “I think that simplifying one’s own life has emotional and spiritual Studinka said. “We all know it, but we still all want it.” benefits for one’s own being,” she said. “It’s about choosing not to be so much a part of the rat race and just slowing down.” The roommates’ modest blue and yellow house sits in an ethni- cally diverse neighborhood in the heart of Waco’s urban housing district. It looks like every house on the block except for the gar- den in front, with its neatly lined mounds of dirt covered in sprout- > Written by Liz Foreman

10 > Photos by David Poe; Design by Charliss Edsitty 11 Bridge has brought us closer to God. I didn’t have a raw understand- increased.” ing about what He can do in your life, and now I have a real true Church Under the Bridge helps by advocating for a higher mini- relationship with God.” mum wage, offering transportation services to and from church, and Due to their disabilities, it is nearly impossible for either of them to donating an astounding 57 percent of their budget to the poor, both hold a steady job. Each month they spend $634.93 for their house, local and overseas. Last year its total income was $106,000, of $150 for electricity, $50 for water, $100 in gas, $60 for insurance, which $60,420 was donated. The church also serves a meal every and depending on how much they want to eat, about $300 in gro- Sunday before the service starts. The meal is determined by what ceries. They receive $940 per month from the government, which the worshippers can take with them for a snack, because it might be was decreased by nearly $400 when they were married, and that the only thing they eat all week. Churches from throughout the city, is supposed to help them attempt to pay, at minimum, $1,294.93 a and even some from Dallas and Fort Worth, have hosted the meals. month. “These are our people,” Dorrell said. “In any life crisis, the fact is “We have made really great friendships, which mean a lot to us,” that God is with us. If Church Under the Bridge is doing its first job, Marvin said. “It has helped us get work really easy so we can make it’s a community of people that care. We have worked hard to over- it every month.” come typical barriers.” According to the Holcombs, Waco has proved to be a more diffi- cult place to live because of the lack of opportunities offered by the city for the struggling and homeless. Although Austin’s rent is more expensive, public transportation is more accessible and emergency food stamps are available. In Waco, people cannot qualify for food stamps if they do not have a place to live. The Holcombs receive $100 in food stamps every month. “Things have gotten harder and the average person who is poor lives harder,” Dorrell said. “At least half of the congregation has debt or financial shortfalls. It’s a way of life for them … and it has > Written by Tiffany Troyer CHURCH under the BRIDGE An ordinary bridge made holy by His presence

DESPITE THE OVERPOWERING NOISE OF TRAFFIC going to be a church to the unchurched, calling to the poor and mar- and pigeons flying overhead, the massive crowd falls silent when ginalized, and continuing the theme of biblical justice. Today, it has Claude begins to sing, “Jesus Loves Me.” become a large fellowship, with some 300 people. Congregating under a bridge does not seem like a typical way “My biggest accomplishment is the genuineness of it all,” volun- to worship God, but that was the idea behind the Church Under teer Pastor Jimmy Dorrell said. “Church renewal is my heart and a the Bridge‘s founding 16 years ago. The founders wanted to create place where I can be valid.” a church that accepted people from every denomination, culture, Waco has degenerated into the fifth poorest and seventh most vi- economic circumstance and race. olent city in the state of Texas, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Claude is one of three mentally disabled men who participate With factory layoffs and increasing gas, grocery and utility prices, with the band for worship every Sunday. Patrick performs front and it doesn’t look like the economy is going to improve any time soon. center, playing his guitar that only has two strings. Charles is the Church Under the Bridge has implemented plans to help people song leader for “I’ll Fly Away.” Their inclusion is one of the many fea- deal with the current downturn and strengthen the faith of its mem- tures that separate Church Under the Bridge from the traditional bers in the process. church experience. Marvin “Cowboy” Holcomb lives with a chronic right-shoulder in- In 1992, Jimmy and Janet Dorrell invited five homeless men and jury that causes him to hold his elbow at a constant 90 degree an- a woman to have breakfast at Taco Cabana. After breakfast, the gle. His wife, Evan Holcomb, is bipolar and has been on continuous Dorrells extended an invitation for them to come visit their camp, un- medication since she was 7 years old. They met when they were both derneath the Interstate 35 bridge at Fourth and Fifth streets, where homeless in Austin for five months. They were married at Church they led a Bible study. The group continued to grow and began to Under the Bridge last July and have been members for nearly two include a variety of people from the Waco community. The church years. developed its nine core values as a reminder of its priorities. It was “We are blessed on a daily basis,” Evan said. “Church Under the 12 > Photos by Sarah Morris; Design by Belinda Colunga 13 Waco resident Janie Gonzales

Volunteer Kay Harvill

what it means to Volunteer Levene Grant

THE CARE CENTER PROVIDES people in need with clothes, shoes, coats, bill support and bibles. With the help SHE STILL TOO YOUNG TO SPEAK. SHE CAN BARELY WALK. particular porch, including the handful of unknown visitors that join care from church volunteers and donors, the care center is packed with a variety of goods for all sizes and ages. She’s hoping to have a sweater by winter. Little Lillianna is the 1-year- Modilla on her bench. old granddaughter of a 1975 Mexican immigrant who came to America But this porch doesn’t belong to her. It belongs to Highland Bap- for factory work. For many immigrants at that time, working in the tist Church, one of the many places Modilla depends on for food, Tuesday nights, applicants are given food for their families and free filling clothes rack but makes minimal eye contact with others around American factories meant a new life for themselves and their families. clothes and even money for bills. The church’s poverty aid initiative reign of a substantial clothing selection. her. Lilliana falls, and under her own strength, climbs to her feet and When she ended up in Waco, Maria Modilla’s life became entirely is run out of its Care Center – a one-story red-brick house complete But the Care Center’s mission is much larger. “Many people have runs back to her grandmother, laughing. dependant on a single sewing factory. with a front porch and modest garden. The only feature that sets it such a bad self-image that they can’t see themselves doing much of Once the porch rack is filled for the week, no more clothes are That factory, one of the last hopes for an American manufacturing apart from the other neighborhood houses is a small sign buried in anything,” Care Center Director Eva Harkrider said. brought outside. In order to help someone make a commitment to industry, paid Modilla enough to raise her family and take pride in her the front yard with blue letters spelling “Jesus Cares.” Harkrider hopes to show clients that the cycles of poverty can be truly changing his or her life, the Care Center’s policy only allows own accomplishments. She raised her daughter to reflect the same “This place is like a home,” long-time volunteer Kay Harwill said. She broken by something beyond a handout of food and a few shirts. “We applicants to receive clothing and bill support every six months and pride she had developed by remaining bilingual and never forgetting and Levene Grant spend their days at the Care Center transforming try to show them the love of Jesus here,” she said. food every two months. her Mexican roots. Modilla hopes to pass this tradition on to Lilliana the poverty aid institution into a home. In one week, they created a Clients are also required to meet with a counselor who talks with Lilliana and her grandmother leave the Care Center without a when she’s old enough. Right now, Lilliana’s mouth isn’t known for stone walking path and a small garden out of the dingy patch of sand them about their economic situations and the Gospel of Jesus. sweater. Modilla hopes she can keep her granddaughter warm this its words. It’s known for a beautiful smile, a few small teeth and the that came with the house. “We want [the clients] to know how special Harkrider often finds it difficult to recall specific stories of people winter because her pride no longer rests in herself but in the future constant mumbled expressions of curiosity. they are,” Harwill said. who have completely turned their lives around. “It’s hard to get people of her granddaughter. When American manufacturing companies began to outsource la- Modilla doesn’t just come to watch the sunrise though. to commit to something,” she said. “I can’t be so results-oriented.” “For me, [poverty] is like a depression,” Modilla said. “Kids just bor to foreign countries, the Waco factories closed. Modilla’s pride, On Monday mornings, Harwill, Grant and other volunteers hang Beyond the Care Center are many organizations specifically able want to eat. They don’t know where it comes from. They don’t know self-assurance and hope for her family dissolved along with the Amer- excess clothing donations on a clothing rack near the front porch. to help people get jobs or earn education. The Care Center tries to the difference about being poor.” ican job market. Two generations later, Lilliana is dependant on her Occasionally, the volunteers even provide doughnuts and coffee. funnel its clients into organizations that help them get back on their Modilla prays that little Lilliana won’t know the poverty cycle. She grandmother’s retirement checks and the hope that her mother’s next “We come here to get clothes for the baby,” Modilla said. It’s getting feet. There are the few that continue to come back. Modilla reminds prays that she won’t have to want a sweater after winter has already shot at getting a GED will warrant respect from potential employers. colder, and her granddaughter needs a sweater. Harkrider that everyone is needy. hit. She prays that she will know what it means to care. “When I turned 65, I just retired,” Modila said. “There are not enough The porch clothing selection isn’t always promising. It’s only a “My hope and prayer is that no one looks down on anyone here,” jobs for people now.” reflection of what families can receive if they apply for assistance Harkrider said. On certain mornings Modilla can be found sitting on an old wood- from the Care Center. Care Center aid comes in the form of food, Modilla remembers first applying to the Care Center. “They really en bench, enjoying the front-porch-sitting culture embraced by her clothes and bill support — all donated by church members. Normally, helped me when I was sick,” she said in a broken, tearful voice. “It’s neighbors. Her curious granddaughter explores the mysteries of this the Care Center receives a truckload of food every six weeks, but nice to find somebody who cares for the rest of the world.” with rising prices, it’s running out of food quicker than expected. On She watches her granddaughter explore the jungle formed by the > Written by Billy Collins 14 > Photos by Lauren Irons; Design by Michelle Grose 15 Street said it is important to use native said. Surprisingly, Waco is one of the top cities plants when gardening or landscaping. Plants for recycling compared to other cities about that are native to the Texas area last longer the size of Waco. and require less water. Native plants also are Every material deposited at the Cobbs helpful to butterflies, bees and birds in the Center is recycled for a specific purpose. For area. example, metal cans will go to a metal recycler When it comes to household appliances, where they are made into automobiles and file Street said purchasing the more expensive, cabinets. Newspapers will be pulped into a energy-saving appliances will result in substance for insulation. RE immediate electric savings. She estimates Miller also stressed the importance of that the extra cost will pay for itself in about “precycling.” This is when the packaging of a a year. product is considered before it is purchased. However, there are many other money- Products that have less packaging or are saving options if pricey appliances are not in not individually wrapped reduce the impact your budget. For example, start dishwashers on the environment and are less expensive and washing machines only when completely because the company spends less money on full. the wrapping. For example, a great way to Instead of using a dryer, “Put up a clothesline. cut back is by using a single hard plastic or Your clothes will smell better anyway,” Street metal water bottle instead of buying a pack of said. disposable plastic water bottles. Another way to save electricity is by using Havelka estimates that about 60 percent compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) light bulbs to 80 percent of the waste brought into the instead of traditional light bulbs. While each landfill is recyclable. Meanwhile, the Waco bulb costs about $1 - $4 more, CFL bulbs last landfill only will last for 17 more years. longer and are better for the environment, Havelka said that many reusable items, RE saving electricity and reducing greenhouse ranging from golf clubs to unopened candy, emissions. Street estimates that she saves and even a go-cart, are brought to the landfill. about $200 per year on her electric bill. However, nothing that is brought in can be Street emphasized that the switch to CFL be minimized by using natural cleaners. “scavenged” for health and safety reasons. bulbs can be made gradually. “But you can make it yourself for pennies on This means that even if it is not trash, whatever “I just started replacing my traditional bulbs the dollar,” Miller said. is brought into the landfill must be “buried” as with the CFL bulbs every time a traditional As a promotional gift at Household trash. light bulb burned out and slowly changed out Hazardous Wastes Day, Cobbs Center gives Living in this fast-paced urban nation, Street all the bulbs in my house,” she said. out spray bottles with homemade household believes that we have simply forgotten how to However, the light bulbs cannot simply be cleaner recipes, and even gardening spray reuse our belongings. thrown away in the trash because they do recipes that are made with water and everyday It has been said for years, but the need to contain some mercury in them, said Miller. products. Numerous recipes can be found “reduce, reuse, and recycle” is imperative, Home Depot will dispose of them for free, or online and the spray bottles can be purchased perhaps especially in the hardest of economic the light bulbs can be saved for Household at www.safespray.com. times. Hazardous Wastes Day. Cobbs Convenience Center is a division Miller hopes that the eco-conscious lifestyle RE Household Hazardous Wastes Day is held of Waco’s solid waste services. It serves as becomes ingrained in people’s lives and that every year at Cobbs Convenience Center. This drop-off for bulky waste and brush for Waco their sense of stewardship to mother earth is year it is on May 16. The day gives residents of residents and a free drop-off for recyclables. passed on to their children. Waco and surrounding areas the opportunity One of the easiest ways to be to properly dispose of automotive fluid, paint, environmentally friendly is simply to recycle. mercury, and any type of battery, from car Although the city of Waco tries to spread the to traditional batteries (which should not be word about the free curbside recycling bins it AS A MOTHER OF FIVE CHILDREN SHOPS IN THE CLEANING the executive director of Keep Waco Beautiful. thrown in the trash) free of charge. offers, only about 12 percentto 17 percent of AISLE of the local grocery store, she may consider purchasing the en- Keep Waco Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to Even household environmental hazards can Wacoans take advantage of the service, Miller Written by Alex Abdallah vironmentally friendly cleaning product “Seven Generations,” priced making Waco a cleaner, healthier, more beautiful place to work, live, > at $2.14. This thought quickly fades when she compares it to the ge- and play. It holds multiple cleanup events around Waco throughout neric “Hill Country Fare” cleaner at only 92 cents. the year. America is striving to become more eco-conscious. Megan Miller, Only two active staff members work for Keep Waco Beautiful; the program coordinator for Waco’s Cobbs Convenience Center, said she organization depends mostly on volunteers. Street hopes that through thinks people are slowly getting there. volunteering, Wacoans will develop pride for the city, and make a “For some people, recycling is a novelty and it is something new,” conscious effort to care for it because they know the hard work that Miller says. “Others have been doing it for years.” goes into it. “... eco-consciousness will become a life- But tough economic times and a higher cost of living cause average “When people help out, they take ownership,” Street said. “If they citizens to believe that environmentally aware choices cannot be a participated in a Lake Waco cleanup, they are not going to leave their style, not a trend.” top priority. trash there the next time they go to have a picnic.” Fortunately, many environmentally friendly choices are free, and Keep Waco Beautiful also holds impromptu sessions for new — Sherri Street, Keep Waco Beautiful often save consumers money. homeowners with informational tips on being more efficient. “I hope when people see the difference being environmentally The sessions get creative with efficiency. One gardening session friendly is making and the benefits it brings them, that eco- addressed where to plant trees in order to optimize shade on the consciousness will become a lifestyle, not a trend,” said Sherri Sweet, house and save money on the electric bill. 16 > Photos by Jenna Williamson; Design by Perla Sanchez 17 “I was Daddy’s girl,” she said. “I felt she was trying to take over Daddy, which she did.” It has been three years since she has spoken with him, but she wants to make amends. “I would like to make a relationship with him, but it takes time for wounds to heal.” up the Despite her problems with alcohol, Brown is clear on what she wants her future to hold. Pic king “I’m a hard worker, even while drinking,” she said. “I knew what I wanted and could think clearly about how to get there.” Brown wants to become a Certified Nurse’s Aide. She eventually wants the opportunity to go to nursing school. Ideally, she wants to work in a nursing home. “If you work for them, they’ll train you,” she said. At Compassion Ministries, unemployed residents are required to find a job within 30 days of entering the program. “We encourage them to go after a job with their skills,” McCall Pieces said. Brown works five days a week at a local fast-food restaurant. She does not have a vehicle, so she takes the bus to work. Residents pay rent based on their income. If they leave the pro- Compassion Ministries helped gram successfully, half of their payments are reimbursed. To leave successfully, residents need to have a full-time job, move one alcoholic get back on her feet. into permanent housing and receive credit for at least 12 budgeting sessions. Brown thinks Compassion Ministries’ vision is a wonderful idea. Twenty-six-year-old Cynthia Brown* lost her home, ruined her re- “When we leave, we get to be up on our feet,” she said. lationships and couldn’t get a job. Alcohol was the most important Two volunteers are assigned per resident. The volunteers help with part of her life. a weekly budget. Residents must write a receipt for everything they “I’m an alcoholic,” she admits. spend money on and give it to their volunteer. The volunteer can Brown came to Compassion Ministries at the end of July after a then pinpoint where money cuts can be made and help them make 28-day program at the Freeman House, a recovery program for alco- healthier choices. holics in the Heart of Texas. In addition to budgeting classes, Brown is involved in 12-step meet- “Before the Freeman House, I was living from place to place, and ings at the Freeman House as part of her recovery process. She is I couldn’t afford to get my own place,” she said. Prior to the Free- learning how to manage sobriety and real-world problems. man House and Compassion Ministries, Brown stayed with different Compassion Ministries has a zero tolerance policy for alcohol, Mc- friends. Call said. Whether residents are on or off the premises, consuming Compassion Ministries of Waco strives to reintegrate individuals alcohol is grounds for being dismissed from the program. and families who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness into Despite Brown’s angst in the beginning, she found her fears fad- permanent housing and employment. ing. Jill McCall, executive director, said transitional housing is different “It does get better. It gets easier,” she said. “You just got to hang in from emergency shelters. Residents can stay up to six months. there. There are people who still care and are willing to help.” “Emergency shelters are for people who need a place to stay right People need to know that if they have fallen into tough times, there away in a crisis,” McCall said, “but it’s not enough time to get your life are places they can go, Brown said. back together.” “Compassion Ministries is a great place for people in recovery,” she Brown heard about Compassion Ministries through her counselors said. “They really want you to recover and get back on your feet.” at the Freeman House. She decided to go there to get back on her Brown is trying to take her alcoholism and experiences as a learn- feet. ing process. “I had anxiety at first coming in,” she said, “but I figured I didn’t “You have to let it go and learn from it,” she said. “You try to make have much to lose, except for my sobriety … and I didn’t want to lose amends and start a fresh relationship, both with yourself and oth- that.” ers.” Before entering the Freeman House, Brown’s income source was Compassion Ministries holds interviews at 2 p.m. every Tuesday Labor Ready, an industry that uses temporary workers for manual day on a first come/first served basis for people who want to enter the labor. program. It is located at 1421 Austin Ave. in Waco, Texas. “I would work one day and get paid for that day,” she said. The money was not enough to cover her expenses. “I couldn’t pay my bills,” she said. “All my money went to alcohol.” In addition to not having much money, Brown found that her alco- holism was ruining her friendships. “I couldn’t manage my relationships, a job or a place to live,” she said. When Brown was 8 years old, her mother died from cancer. Her father remarried a woman Brown called the Evil Witch of the West. > Written by Janna Quinn 8 *Name has been changed. > Photos by Jill Prentice; Design by Kacie Wall 19 EMPTY LUNCHBOXES, EMPTY STOMACHS

Children eat lunch at Provident Heights Elementary School. CHILDREN’S LAUGHTER ROLLS DOWN THE HALLWAY the child home alone without food. many Monday afternoons from school cafeterias as students crowd A child who suffers from periodic starvation has distinct behavior. around long tables with their friends to eat. Sack lunches and trays Oftentimes children are irritable or lethargic when they are under- full of food litter the tables as students trade pudding for Oreo nourished. The child may have disruptive behavior and become cookies. But one child hasn’t eaten since last Friday’s school-lunch labeled as one of the “problem children” because he or she does Food insecurity and hunger can be minimized in fish sticks. Hurriedly he eats his portion of beef enchiladas today, not feel well, said Tasha Moore, the program manager for Communi- and begins to eye the trays around him. His parents either could not ties in Schools in the Heart of Texas (CIS-HOT) at Provident Heights the United States by parents putting children as a afford to feed him over the weekend, or they were working, leaving Elementary. During tests, a malnourished child has a harder time concentrating because he or she is constantly hungry, she said. With the continual falling of the economy, feeding a family is top priority, and their health as a top priority. increasingly difficult. Many times, those who are struggling to make it week to week have to overcome the stigma society has placed on “ — Dr. Suzy Weems, Baylor professor the inability to provide for one’s family without outside help. Many times pride keeps people from asking for help, and often those who are more affluent do not understand the struggle. In Waco, 85 percent of public-school children are part of the government free or reduced lunch program. For students to qualify for this program, their parents income must be below the poverty Friday, the student must return the bag. This program is already Walters said. line. Many children who get government aid for lunch suffer from feeding children in Austin and Dallas. Provident Heights hopes this Many parents are not equipped with the skills to cook meals periodic starvation at home. will be a tool to meet the needs of their students. from recipes without the aid of preprocessed food.” They were not When children do not know when their next meals might come, a “Food insecurity and hunger can be minimized in the United taught by their parents to cook whole meals. They opt for a quick sense of urgency engulfs them when they encounter food. Chil- States by parents putting children as a top priority and their health solution that tastes good but may not be a healthy alternative. A dren, especially on Monday mornings, will eat ravenously and ask as a top priority,” said Dr. Suzy Weems, chairwoman of the family gap is developing between the older generations that could cook a for more food, or take someone else’s food. If one child leaves food and consumer sciences department at Baylor University. Chil- table full of homemade food and their grandchildren who sit in front unattended, another, who is underfed, may claim the food as their dren’s calories and nutrient intake are not balanced according to of televisions and eat out of cardboard boxes. As they are raised in own, Moore said, especially if that school meal is the only substan- what their bodies need. Bulk-processed food found in the freezer an environment where processed food is the norm, they, like their tial meal they will have that day. Children might steal food or sneak section, like chicken rings and five pound bags of tater tots, are eco- parents, will not know how to cook, Walters said. food off their lunch trays from school on Fridays, knowing that their nomical and easy to cook. However, many quick meals are high in Organizations like Smart Start were created to teach educators next meal will be the following school breakfast on Monday. fat, sugar, and salt and lower in needed nutrients; fresh alternatives how to give proper nutrition to the children thwwey work with. At Provident Heights Elementary, 97 percent of the students are provide higher levels of nutrients. Various government-sponsored programs, such as Team Nutrition, part of the free or reduced lunch program. Out of their 376 stu- “Parents have gotten lazy,” Dr. Janelle Walters, a professor in established by the Department of Agriculture, help teach families to dents, only 10 can afford to pay full price for lunch. The administra- family and consumer sciences at Baylor University, said. People buy create balanced, healthy meals. tion hopes to begin a new program in January to give children food what tastes good and what they want; nutrition is an afterthought, Area nonprofit organizations extend help with food. Local food over the weekend if the child usually does not get it. The school is she said. banks help stock bare cupboards, and local churches offer free currently giving out information on the program to potential spon- “Less money doesn’t mean anyone is in peril; they just need to meals throughout the week. The Talitha Koum Institute helps edu- sors. The North Texas Food Bank’s Kids Packs are a way to feed make better choices,” Walters said. As fuel prices steadily increase, cate parents on proper childcare and nutrition. Churches in Waco chronically hungry children, those who do not get enough food at so does the cost of food. This correlation between the rising gas collectively give the most financial support to those who are without home on a regular basis. To provide a pack for one child from Janu- prices and the cost of transporting food around the country and food. They offer weekly meals for free, have their own food pantries ary to May costs $135. world reaches into the pockets of Americans with both hands. As and partner with schools in the area to give financial and volunteer Every Friday, each child in the program is given a normal back- life gets more hectic with each generation, people who have to work support. pack with nonperishable food in containers they can open them- two and three jobs to feed and shelter their families feel the blow selves. The backpack helps disguise the food so the child may leave of the falling economy. school without others knowing they do not have enough food at Weems said there is little guidance offered on how to prepare a home. If a family has multiple children who cannot get enough food, meal, budget and seek available aid, especially to those who would each child is given a backpack. Each pack has enough food to feed benefit the most. the child for a weekend. In order to get more food the following “You can make a nutritious diet no matter your financial level,” > Written by Elizabeth Herring 20 > Photos by Elizabeth Herring; Design by Jacqueline Deavenport 21 MALARIA MORE

The ONE Campaign-Baylor is sponsoring a competition that will continue through Dec. 14, between Baylor student organizations to raise funds for Malaria No More, a national partner of the ONE Campaign. The organization that raises the most funds will have a joint press release issued from the ONE Campaign and Malaria No More sent to their national headquarters. Malaria No More is an organization dedicated to raising money to buy bed nets for those at high risk of contracting malaria in Africa. If you have questions or would like to participate, contact Jaime Bates at jaime_bates@ baylor.edu.

> Written by Johnathon Graves FUZZY FRIENDS World Hunger Relief Inc. helps some of the world’s poorest families “People think that fair trade is expensive, but it isn’t if you cut out Reigning winner of Waco’s “Best Charity Event,” Fuzzy Friends Animal Rescue will support themselves while educating Waco residents about hunger the middle man,” Barron said. host its eighth annual Barkin Ball to usher in the New Year. and social injustice. Cutting out the middle man benefi ts the artisans by allowing them These families sell their products in the World Hunger Relief Vil- to keep more of the money earned from selling their products, Barron The ball will be held from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31 at the Heart of Texas Fair Com- lage Store. The store carries both food and artisan-crafted items. The said. Fairly traded products are cheaper and sold faster without the food items range from meat, dairy and poultry products to coffee, tea, middle man. The products in the Village Store help shorten the time plex and includes catered food and a champagne breakfast at midnight. Silent and au- and chocolate. Other items in the store include glassware, tea sets, that the families wait to be paid for their work. dible auctions will be held. Tickets are $150 per person or $1,500 clothes, notebooks and toys. The store is located in the educational World Hunger Relief Inc. also has other ways to help out and learn building at the World Hunger Relief farm and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 how to prevent hunger. Some ways to get involved are the Spring to reserve a table of 10 and can be purchased by e-mailing p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Farm Day, gardening workshops, tours, and movie nights on social in- Fuzzy Friends your contact information and the number “The Village Store’s products are made around the world and are justice. Volunteers and donations are also needed to keep the farm produced in safe, humane conditions,” said Dale Barron, development running. of tickets you would director at World Hunger Relief Inc. Most of the products hold the The World Hunger Relief Inc. farm was created in 1979, three years Fair Trade or Equal Exchange labels. These organizations make sure after the organization was chartered. The farm is located in north like. the artisans are paid fairly for the cost of labor and are able to sup- Waco near Connally High School at 356 Spring Lake Road. The goal More than 50 percent port their families. Other products are made in areas where World of the organization is to be a Christian mission that trains people on Hunger Relief alumni are working. By purchasing items from the Vil- how to help communities better their lives in every possible way. It of Fuzzy Friends’ funding lage Store, customers are helping to create a trade environment that does this by teaching farming techniques that allow families to use is raised through this event. The or- benefi ts everyone. the land without damaging it as well as conservation. Each of the products at the Village Store has a story behind it. For To contact World Hunger Relief, Inc. for more information call (254) ganization receives 70 calls a day but does not example, the hand-painted scarves found in the Village Store are 799-561, email [email protected], or visit the website at made by a group of about 36 women in Bolivia. These women are www.worldhungerrelief.org. believe in euthanasia. Therefore, the funds raised at the single mothers or wives of husbands who are not able to work. By Barkin Ball are necessary for satisfying the high need for supplies. selling their scarves at World Hunger Relief, they have the ability to support their families. The products range from less than $1 to more > Written by Noelle Yaquob than $100, but most products are from around $5 to about $20. > Written by Sarah Learman > Photo courtesy of Hannah West 22 23 <<

FOCUS MAGAZINE A perspective on the Waco volunteer community and the issues that affect us.