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.
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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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community events
Mother Forward INFORMED VOTING CAMPAIGN
Mother Forward Texas invites you to attend the launch of their Vote Like an M(other)F(orward)’er informed voting campaign. Mother Forward is not here to tell you who to vote for. We’re here to make sure moms get informed, ask questions, and show up on the issues hitting our families and our bank accounts.
Waco Regional Capacity Building Event
Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) is coming to Waco on Tuesday, July 28 for a free, day-long event dedicated to strengthening resources and building capacity across youth-serving systems in Waco and beyond.
Bi-Stone Back to School Bash
Join Presbyterian Children’s Homes & Services for their Back to School Bash. Limestone and Freestone County Families will walk through and visit at least 5 tables with information on resources who serve Limestone and Freestone Counties and then be given school supplies. Police, fire, paramedics, balloon animals, food trucks, bounce houses, etc will be on hand.
Back to School Parent Group (Copy)
As the new school year begins, give yourself the tools and confidence to support your child's success. Join HOPES Waco’s 3-Week Back-to-School Parent Psychoeducation Group, where we'll discuss how to prepare for the school year. Connect with other parents, gain practical strategies, and leave feeling empowered to navigate the school year with confidence.
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!
Gear Up for Greatness
Join the Klaras Center for Families and Gang Awareness, Prevention & Safety (GAPS) for Gear Up for Greatness, a family-oriented back-to-school celebration.
Project Homeless Connect
Project Homeless Connect is a one-stop shop of care and services for those experiencing homelessness in the Waco area.
Pathways to Possibilities Conference
Join the Partners Resource Network and Baylor University’s Center for Disability & Flourishing for the 2026 Pathways to Possibilities Conference—a day dedicated to connecting families, youth with disabilities, self-advocates, and community organizations with valuable information, resources, and opportunities.
Whether you're looking for educational resources, transition planning, community services, or ways to better support individuals with disabilities, this conference is designed to help you take the next step with confidence.
Walk for the Homeless
Join Mission Waco/Mission World and visit several local organizations who serve our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Come learn about all the incredible resources our city has to offer and how YOU can get involved.
Making Choices Youth Conference
Today’s students have pressures coming at them from many different directions. The Internet and cell phones relentlessly remind them of these pressures 24 hours per day. Because bullying, drug abuse, and self-esteem constantly affect student happiness and school safety, it has become crucial for students to step up as difference makers who can generate a positive change in their lives. Presented by Jamar Root, TEEN TRUTH’S #1 youth speaker, this session will empower students to identify the pressures they face, find their voices, and take action to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others!
Back to School Bash
Friends for Life is partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) for their Annual BCBSTX Back to School Bash. This event is for Children with Special Needs and their school aged siblings and is open to the community.
Back to School Parent Group
As the new school year begins, give yourself the tools and confidence to support your child's success. Join HOPES Waco’s 3-Week Back-to-School Parent Psychoeducation Group, where we'll discuss how to prepare for the school year. Connect with other parents, gain practical strategies, and leave feeling empowered to navigate the school year with confidence.
Suicide LOSS Support Group - July 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.
Disability in the Arts
The Waco Committee for People with Disabilities is partnering with Art Center Waco to host the Disability in the Arts Exhibit. We will kick of the month-long exhibit featuring artists with disabilities with a celebration on July 18th!
Back to School Parent Group
As the new school year begins, give yourself the tools and confidence to support your child's success. Join HOPES Waco’s 3-Week Back-to-School Parent Psychoeducation Group, where we'll discuss how to prepare for the school year. Connect with other parents, gain practical strategies, and leave feeling empowered to navigate the school year with confidence.
Parent Cafe
Come join HOPES Waco for their monthly parent cafe on July 14th! We will have interactive stations that touch on the past, present and future of parenting. As a reminder, children are not allowed to attend parent cafes. We hope to see you there!
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!
NeuroSpicy Connections - July 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.
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!
Community Resource Fair
"Honoring Women, Empowering Families," a VASA Community Resource Fair will be held to connect families to valuable resources and small presentations that inform families about the dangers and risks attributed to Substance use/misuse among our youth and adults alike. There will be fun activities for the youth, food trucks, Woodway Police, in attendance, free hot dogs, and several items to be raffled for the women in the community as well as bags for the women in attendance (while supplies last).
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!
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.
Suicide LOSS Support Group - June 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.
Family Fun Day
Join the Advocacy Center’s Prevention and Education team for family-centered fun, games, a splash pad, and free food! There will also be opportunities to learn more about the Advocacy Center’s programs and services.
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!
NeuroSpicy Connections - June 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.
Mother Forward Texas Meeting
Mother Forward Texas invites you to attend their first meeting. This kickoff meeting is about bringing moms together from across Texas to connect, share what families are facing, and start building something together.
Hooked on Hope Fish Clinic
Join STARRY Counseling Fatherhood Program for a day of fun for the whole family. Families and young people will have the opportunity to learn how to fish while building confidence, connection, and community.
Suicide LOSS Support Group - May 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!
Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
Join us for a fun-filled evening at Cameron Park Zoo as Klaras Center for Families hosts Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, presented by Bird Kultgen Ford! This free family event promises entertainment, resources, and support for the whole family. Enjoy zoo activities and interactive exhibits while learning about children's mental health. We'll have something for kids of all ages, so bring the whole crew! Come connect with us and let's prioritize our community's mental well-being together.
HOPES 10th Birthday Celebration
HOPES Waco is Turning 10! Come join us as we celebrate 10 years of HOPES! We will have fun games, birthday activities, & free food ! To any previous HOPES staff and families, we would love to have you there as well! The birthday party count down begins!
NeuroSpicy Connections - May 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.
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!
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.
Community Opportunity Event
The Waco Police Department’s Neighborhood Engagement Team and Waco Parks and Recreation are coming together to host the 5th Annual Community Opportunity Event at the Dewey Park & Recreation Center!
"The COE" is designed to be a bridge for our community, bringing together a wide range of organizations dedicated to supporting our youth, teens, and young adults. Our goal is to empower the next generation by providing direct access to essential resources.
Suicide LOSS Support Group - April 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!
Autism Acceptance Month with Baylor Softball
The Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing is partnering with Baylor Softball to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. Join the BCDF at the game against Utah and watch the Bears take on the Utes.
College, Career & Trade Enrollment Night
Join Heart of Texas Goodwill Industries for their exciting event happening next week on April 16th ! Staff will be onsite to assist with applications for GED or adult high school diploma programs. Everyone is welcome regardless of their educational level.
This is also a great opportunity to ask questions about financial aid. FAFSA experts will be available to help you create your account, walk you through the application process, and answer any questions you may have.