The Miracle on Clay Ave, Waco Texas

There are a variety of non-profit organizations located within ¼ square mile of Clay and 13th St in Waco TX. Baylor University is located to the north east on S 5th St. This is a conservative Baptist University. MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) which ministers to a diverse congregation is located a few blocks south on Clay. Planned Parenthood is located on Ross just a short two blocks to the east. Gospel Café provides free lunches Wednesday through Friday and is located on 10th St a few blocks to the northeast. Caritas, a food pantry and thrift store is located on S 15th, 3 blocks to the west. This area of Waco is known as South Waco. It is home to some of the poorest families in Waco. It is also home to a unique childcare center.

Talitha Koum Nurture Center is in the heart of this geographic area. This non-profit organization is a therapeutic nursery that serves 24 children, from infancy to six years, and their families. Talitha Koum uses a mental health therapeutic approach based on curriculum and principles proven to decrease crime and arrest rates and increase graduation rates and income levels of the children who attend the center as well as their parents. Individual donations support the center.

“Make a Memory Luncheon” held on May 10, 2007 at The Palladium, 729 Austin Ave, Waco TX honored mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and sisters, wives, friends, and benefited Talitha Koum Nurture Center. Nelwyn Reagan, Lisa Jaynes and Russell Trippet hosted the luncheon. Special sponsors were Phil Adkins, Central National Bank, Festive Occasions, First National Bank of Central Texas, Tom Stanton, and Jim Hawkins.

Morganna Harwood gave the keynote address titled “A Message for Moms”. Nan Holmes, previously of KWBU and now Executive Director of Talitha Koum recognized one of Talitha Koum’s special volunteers.

The program, which also included an audio and visual presentation, was a tribute to all Mothers and to the Talitha Koum Ministry, which is truly a Miracle on Clay Ave.
For more information, visit Talitha Koum’s website.

From right to left: Nelwyn Reagan, Nan Holmes, Morganna Harwood, and Pat Clemons.