get involved
events & opportunities
Looking for ways to connect with others and support children, youth, and families in our community? From family nights and resource fairs to trainings and opportunities for collaboration, we share events that bring people together and strengthen our shared work.
See something you're interested in? Reach out to the event organizer listed in the details—we’re glad to help you get connected.
share an event
Hosting an event that supports children, youth, families, or the professionals who serve them? We’d love to help spread the word. OCOF welcomes submissions for community events, resource fairs, trainings, and other opportunities that align with our mission of building a stronger, more connected community.
Use the link below to submit your event details. Once reviewed, approved events will be added to our calendar.
YOUR EXPERIENCES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE in OUR COMMUNITY.
Your voice matters. By joining research studies, surveys, and focus groups, you can share your lived experiences and ideas to help shape programs, services, and supports. Together, we can build a community of care that truly reflects and responds to the needs of everyone who lives here.
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Contribute to community research
community events
NeuroSpicy Connections - March 2026
Hosted by Neurodivergent Friends of McLennan County, NeuroSpicy Connections is a free monthly hangout where neurodivergent people can be themselves, connect over shared interests, and form real friendships. Dinner is provided, RSVP requested.
Suicide LOSS Support Group - March 2026
Losing someone to suicide is a grief that’s hard to put into words. It can feel confusing, isolating, and heavy. You don’t have to carry it alone. This group is a safe space to talk with others who truly get it. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, you are welcome here. Come as you are, no pressure to share. Find understanding and connection. Your healing journey starts here.
Mentor Group Night
Mentor Group Night will be a chance for families and friends to spend quality time together, play games, eat snacks, learn new skills, and grow as individuals all while meeting emotional needs. Feel free to engage or sit back and listen. Anyone in the community is welcome!
Unbridled Mental Health Professionals Day
In partnership with Freedom Reins Counseling, Unbridled Equine Programs invites licensed mental health professionals to participate in a CEU-approved experiential training to explore the clinical integration of equine-assisted interventions.
Gang Awareness, Prevention & Safety (GAPS) Event
Join the Klaras Center for Families and Gang Awareness, Prevention & Safety (GAPS) for an engaging presentation designed for youth and young adults (4th–12th grade), their caregivers, and community members. This event is a valuable opportunity for families and community members to learn strategies for supporting youth and fostering safe, healthy communities.
ASIST Training - June 2026
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) provides in-depth, hands-on training that helps you recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide and work with them to create a personalized safety plan. You'll explore how attitudes toward suicide affect interventions and how to integrate prevention resources into your community.
Postsecondary Education Opportunities
The Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing is hosting a virtual Parent, Youth, & Young Adult Workshop - Postsecondary Education Opportunities!
During the virtual workshop, participants will be discussing program overviews, requirements, and accommodations for: 18+ transition programs, postsecondary inclusive education programs, lifelong learning/continuing education, and college, university, tech and trade.
Mentor Group Night
Mentor Group Night will be a chance for families and friends to spend quality time together, play games, eat snacks, learn new skills, and grow as individuals all while meeting emotional needs. Feel free to engage or sit back and listen. Anyone in the community is welcome!
Routine Ready Parent Training
Grounded in care and guided by evidence — helping families of children with autism grow through everyday moments.
STARRY Fatherhood Provider Conference
STARRY Fatherhood Program is excited to announce their upcoming 2026 Starry Fatherhood Provider Conference: Fathers Who Lead — a dynamic virtual event for providers and professionals committed to strengthening fathers.
AS+K & SPI Training - February 2026
Two trainings, one day! Learn to recognize suicide warning signs, talk directly about suicide, and take lifesaving steps. Discover how to collaboratively create evidence-based safety plans that reduce suicide risk and enhance hope. AS+K and Safety Planning Intervention trainings emphasize early intervention, compassionate communication, and connecting at-risk individuals to support and safety.
Suicide LOSS Support Group - February 2026
Losing someone to suicide is a grief that’s hard to put into words. It can feel confusing, isolating, and heavy. You don’t have to carry it alone. This group is a safe space to talk with others who truly get it. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, you are welcome here. Come as you are, no pressure to share. Find understanding and connection. Your healing journey starts here.
NeuroSpicy Connections - February 2026
Hosted by Neurodivergent Friends of McLennan County, NeuroSpicy Connections is a free monthly hangout where neurodivergent people can be themselves, connect over shared interests, and form real friendships. Dinner is provided, RSVP requested.
What is Transition?
What is transition? Join our next Parent, Youth, & Young Adult Workshop to learn about parental and student rights, transition assessments, IEP components, and tips for communicating with schools.
Suicide LOSS Support Group - January 2026
Losing someone to suicide is a grief that’s hard to put into words. It can feel confusing, isolating, and heavy. You don’t have to carry it alone. This group is a safe space to talk with others who truly get it. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, you are welcome here. Come as you are, no pressure to share. Find understanding and connection. Your healing journey starts here.
NeuroSpicy Connections - January 2026
Hosted by Neurodivergent Friends of McLennan County, NeuroSpicy Connections is a free monthly hangout where neurodivergent people can be themselves, connect over shared interests, and form real friendships. Dinner is provided, RSVP requested.
ASIST Training - January 2026
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) provides in-depth, hands-on training that helps you recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide and work with them to create a personalized safety plan. You'll explore how attitudes toward suicide affect interventions and how to integrate prevention resources into your community.
Suicide LOSS Support Group - DECEMBER 2025
Losing someone to suicide is a grief that’s hard to put into words. It can feel confusing, isolating, and heavy. You don’t have to carry it alone. This group is a safe space to talk with others who truly get it. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, you are welcome here. Come as you are, no pressure to share. Find understanding and connection. Your healing journey starts here.
KCF Mentoring Program Christmas Party
The Klaras Center for Families Mentoring Program team is excited to be hosting a come-and-go Christmas party This free event is open to all families!
Join the Mentoring Program for an evening of Christmas themed games, snacks, and lemonade. A backdrop and photographer are available for your family to take a holiday photo together during the event!
TNOYS Listening Session
Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) is hosting listening sessions to hear input from providers. Your input will help shape TNOYS’ recommendations to the Texas Legislature’s Sunset Commission.
NeuroSpicy Connections - December 2025
Hosted by Neurodivergent Friends of McLennan County, NeuroSpicy Connections is a free monthly hangout where neurodivergent people can be themselves, connect over shared interests, and form real friendships. Dinner is provided, RSVP requested.
Hill County Family Resource Center Open House
Join the Hill County Family Resource Center for their open house event! Explore their new space and discover all of the resources and supports they offer!
Thanksgiving Food Basket Distribution
Thanksgiving food basket distribution and free, live entertainment hosted by We The People Community Outreach Coalition in collaboration with community sponsors.
Family Movie Night
Join the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network Mentoring Program for an exciting evening filled with movies, games, and opportunities to connect with other youth and families. This free community event is open to students ages 3+ and their parents or caregivers who want to enjoy a relaxed night together and learn more about our impactful Mentoring Program.
Come meet new friends, engage in meaningful conversations, and discover the benefits of mentorship in a supportive environment. Hot dogs and lemonade will be provided for all attendees!
AS+K & SPI Training - November 2025
Two trainings, one day! Learn to recognize suicide warning signs, talk directly about suicide, and take lifesaving steps. Discover how to collaboratively create evidence-based safety plans that reduce suicide risk and enhance hope. AS+K and Safety Planning Intervention trainings emphasize early intervention, compassionate communication, and connecting at-risk individuals to support and safety.
Suicide LOSS Support Group - November 2025
Losing someone to suicide is a grief that’s hard to put into words. It can feel confusing, isolating, and heavy. You don’t have to carry it alone. This group is a safe space to talk with others who truly get it. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, you are welcome here. Come as you are, no pressure to share. Find understanding and connection. Your healing journey starts here.
Safety Starts at Home
Join Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing for Safety Starts at Home, a hands-on workshop for parents, youth, and young adults focused on creating safer home environments. Families will work together to identify household dangers and develop personalized Home Safety Plans.
GAPS - November 2025
Join the Klaras Center for Families for an engaging presentation designed for youth and young adults (4th–12th grade), their caregivers, and community members. The evening begins with dinner at 5:30 pm, followed by a presentation from 6:00–7:30 p.m. featuring guest speakers with professional expertise and lived experience.
NeuroSpicy Connections - November 2025
Hosted by Neurodivergent Friends of McLennan County, NeuroSpicy Connections is a free monthly hangout where neurodivergent people can be themselves, connect over shared interests, and form real friendships. Dinner is provided, RSVP requested.
Respect-No Fear: AI, Crypto & Cyber Empowerment
Cybersecurity and cryptocurrency scams are skyrocketing — and becoming more convincing than ever. While anyone can be a victim, scammers often target those who are most vulnerable. Gain the confidence to navigate the digital world safely and understand how to interact with new technologies like AI and crypto without fear.
Making Choices Youth Conference
Join Youth Connection Waco for Making Choices, a one-day student leadership conference featuring motivational speaker Jamar Root. Discover how to build resilience, manage stress, and find your passion through engaging sessions designed to inspire confidence and purpose. Take the next step toward becoming a difference-maker in your life and community.
Klaras Children's Center Trunk or Treat
Join the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network’s Klaras Children’s Center Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program for a spooktacular evening of Halloween fun at their third annual trunk or treat event. Prepare for an unforgettable evening with treats, costumes, and community spirit. Bring your family and friends for an evening of laughter and excitement!
Waco PD & Waco ISD PD Trunk or Treat
Join us and the Waco ISD Police Department as we host our annual Trunk or Treat! Meet all your local first responders and amazing community organizations as we celebrate this spooky season!
Waco Housing Authority Trunk or Treat
Join Waco Housing Authority and Antioch Baptist Church for a free, family-friendly trunk or treat event. Enjoy free food, games, and a free cash prize raffle!
Suicide LOSS Support Group - October 2025
Losing someone to suicide is a grief that’s hard to put into words. It can feel confusing, isolating, and heavy. You don’t have to carry it alone. This group is a safe space to talk with others who truly get it. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, you are welcome here. Come as you are, no pressure to share. Find understanding and connection. Your healing journey starts here.
New Ground - October 2025
Hosted by the Families & Foster Care Coalition, this is a supportive space for youth ages 17-23 (roughly) who are in care, have been in care, or who have aged out. The gatherings will start with DINNER and a community organization will present about supportive resources available to youth aging out of foster care and what is available to those who have already aged out. We always have time for discussion and peer support.

