Altrusa of the Brazos know the importance of serving, the power of friendship, and the magic that happens when an Altrusa Club unites with the community.
Altrusa Foundation
The Brazos is a monetary supporter to the International Foundation every year.
Compassion Ministries/Hope House
A transitional housing shelter for men, women and children, residents live in their own furnished apartment. Since its dedication June 2002, Altrusa has adopted one of the Hope House apartments. Members keep the apartment furnished with linens, food, and other items for each new resident. The goal of Compassion Ministries is to reintegrate homeless individuals and families and those on the verge of homelessness into permanent housing. Since our participation at its inception nine years ago, 75% of our tenants have graduated and have achieved self- sufficiency.
Education Scholarships
2011-2012 will be our first year to award scholarships to qualifying individuals planning to attend college. We will begin writing the criteria and guidelines after the first of the calendar year.
Gospel Cafe
A facility which provides a daily lunch meal to area residents, Gospel Cafe is supported by a local area church and volunteers. Altrusans not only contribute hours serving the lunches, but they also provide food. The goal is to offer good food and unconditional acceptance to all who come to these tables. Because, of our troubled economy, there is a greater need than ever before.
Nursing Home Bingo
Altrusans plan an afternoon party of Bingo, prizes and treats for residents at a local nursing home bringing joy to our aging population.
McLennan County Veterans Association
The McLennan County Veterans Association was established to remember and honor our veterans’ of all wars! Altrusans have the opportunity to 'serve' in the activities MCVA supports.
The Shepherd’s Heart—Food Pantry and ‘Things from the Heart’ Resale Store
This is our newest project for 2011-2012. Their mission is to minister to the needs of the hungry within our city and nearby areas, targeting neighborhoods in North and East Waco. They are becoming one of the largest food pantries in the Central Texas area staffed by volunteers. They are currently serving over 2000 families monthly. Altrusa of The Brazos collects macaroni & cheese and cereal monthly for the panty, aids in the distribution every Thursday and has begun to assist on Saturday’s when the big trucks come to stock the pantry. We have purchased book shelves and a floor mat for the children’s area and are collecting books to be donated for this area as a part of our literacy project for Make A Difference Day 2011. We have also partnered with this 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation to begin collecting items for their new resale store.
Pictures of various Altrusa happenings!
