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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community events
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Diwali Festival
Join the Asian Leaders Network (ALN) and Waco Downtown Farmers Market (WDFM) for our second annual Waco Diwali Festival! Experience the vibrancy of Diwali, the Festival of Lights celebrated across India and South Asia, right here in Waco, TX. Enjoy free family-friendly festivities, vibrant performers and local vendors, arts and crafts, and much more community fun!
Community Game Night
Join Klaras Center for Families for a community game night at Thrst Coffee in Waco! Whether you enjoy old favorite board games, want to learn a new game, or bring a game to share, there’s sure to be something for everyone!
All community members are welcome to attend. The first 30 attendees will enjoy free Poppa Rollo’s pizza and Loyalhood lemonade!
NeuroSpicy Connections - October 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.
Boos on the Brazos
Join the Arc of McLennan County for an unforgettable adults-only dinner and dance, costume party and haunted library under the eerie moonlight of Halloween!
National Night Out with The WorkSITE
National Night Out is all about bringing neighbors together, building community connections, and enjoying a safe and fun evening with family and friends. This is a great chance to connect with neighbors, explore The WorkSITE, and enjoy a night out with your kiddos. We can’t wait to see you there!
New Ground - September 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.
2025 Fall Hiring Fair
Don’t miss the BIGGEST Hiring Fair of the year! Swing by the Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions Fall Hiring Fair to connect with recruiters and hiring managers from over 60 businesses, apply to jobs onsite, and even interview during the event with select employers, only at the Fall Hiring Fair!
NeuroSpicy Connections - September 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.
Baby Social Play Hour
Bring your little one (0–24 months) for nursery rhymes, sensory play, and caregiver connection! Hosted by Baylor University’s Center for Developmental Disabilities.
Mexia Family Fun Day
Join the Advocacy Center’s Prevention and Education team for our first Family Fun Day in Mexia! This is a completely free event open to everyone. No registration or RSVP needed, just show up ready for fun!
Waco Family Fun Day
Join the Advocacy Center’s Prevention and Education team for family-friendly fun, food, and games! This is a completely free event open to everyone. No registration or RSVP needed, just show up ready for fun!
Children's Mental Health Awareness Walk
About the event
Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network’s Klaras Center for Families (KCF) will be hosting their FIRST annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Walk on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
This event will be held at Brazos Park East from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. There will be beverages, snacks, games, music, community resources, and more! We hope to see you there!
Boys to Men Conference
See attached for the fliers for both the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department Boys' Conference (April 19th from 9 AM to 1 PM), which will be held at the Doris Miller Community Center on 1020 Elm Avenue, Waco, TX 76704.
Please contact Ms. Jones at juliettj@wacotx.gov or 254-749-0153 if you have any questions about these highly educational programs.
GAPS - April 18th
We’re super excited to announce that our next GAPS (Gang Awareness, Prevention, and Safety) community event will be on Tuesday, April 8th held at the Waco Multi-purpose Facility location!
This event is geared towards youth/young adults that are in 4th-12th grade and caregivers as well as for all community members where there will be a presentation and an amazing lived experienced speaker that will share their powerful impactful testimonies, free dinner and childcare for the younger children, and chances to win some awesome prizes 😊
Girls Girls Girls Conference
See attached for the fliers for both the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department Girls' Conference (April 12th from 9 AM to 1 PM), which will be held at the Doris Miller Community Center on 1020 Elm Avenue, Waco, TX 76704.
Please contact Ms. Jones at juliettj@wacotx.gov or 254-749-0153 if you have any questions about these highly educational programs.
Spring Bling Car Show
A car, truck and bike show benefiting Father's and kids in the community. Run by I-35 Legends Car and Truck Club. Check out their Facebook page for more details and contacts.
Location: Waco High School

