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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community events
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.
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.
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.
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).
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!
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!
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.
NeuroSpicy Connections - April 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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.