WACO, tx — Mission Waco has been around for 26 years, and in just over a year they have accomplished a lot.
Starting with the Jubilee Food Market, the community in the area was tired of walking to the closest grocery store over two miles away, they needed a store closer, and Mission Waco delivered.
Even offering something called an Oasis Card, shoppers have a chance to earn $3 to $5 back on $25 or more spent at Jubilee. The grocery store is a non-profit, even though they are selling food they only hope to break even on sales.
"We have a little saying here, people with the problem need to be apart of the solution to the problem. Which means we don't do anything unless they want us to go that direction," Jimmy Dorrell said, President of Mission Waco.
Another project the community asked for, a greenhouse. Opening in July of 2018 Mission Waco helped build the Urban Reap. A place for locals to purchase fresh vegetables, plants and other things. The greenhouse is also used to educate kids on eating and living a healthy lifestyle.
Although Mission Waco has accomplished a lot, they say it's all about the people that grow with it.
"These are the students that were children when they first came here when they were young and have continued to move on in life," Dorrell said.
Latrice Caufield is one of those students.
Being a part of Mission Waco for 23 years now, she's amazed to see the change the organization has brought. Working at World Cup Cafe, helping in the children's center and even helping with a fashion show or two, Mission Waco has helped her grow.
Now raising four kids of her own, she's busy, but had to take it slow after being diagnosed with a thyroid condition called Graves Disease in January 2018.
"Who knew a little butterfly in your throat could cause so much harm," Caufield said.
Graves Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes an overactive thyroid. The immune system attacks the thyroid and causes it to make more thyroid hormones than your body needs. Caufield would faint, she could hardly stand and became very weak.
Mission Waco, seeing her struggle, knew something had to be done.
"They all cooked me meals every day and brought it to the house for the kids and help come and clean up," Caufield said.
Overwhelmed with emotion, knowing that even in her time of need, Mission Waco was there to take care of her and her family.
"I didn't think people could love me as much as I love myself," Caufield said.
Mission Waco, although is about helping a community, seeing them change the lives of others, is all Dorrell can ask for.
"There's nothing more fun than watching the transformation in people's lives," Dorrell said.
For more information on Mission Wacom visit their website.
Mission Waco holds a church service under the I-35 overpass near 4th and 5th streets. Due to construction, this service will move March 3rd to the Silos Downtown.
