Connecting Caring Communities News

Community Showcase event nears

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:24:17 GMT

CCC's first annual event sure to be entertaining for all

CCC requests City in-fill funds

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:49:03 GMT

As part of our new North Park Development Project, CCC has requested in-fill development funds from Abilene City Council Doug Myers of the *Abilene Reporter-News* reports on CCC's request for in-fill development funds in the Wednesday, August 13 paper: [Building Friendship: Community project organizers want to move, expand with city's help](http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008/aug/12/building-friendship/) Again on Sunday, August 17, Doug Myers reports on in-fill development within our city in the Abilene Reporter-News: [The foes of infill development: time, money](http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008/aug/16/the-foes-of-infill-development-time-money/) CCC's request for $120,000 of the in-fill development funds goes to public hearing and possible vote before Abilene City Council on Thursday, August 28 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers on the upper level of City Hall. Your help advocating for CCC's request in this project is greatly appreciated!

Community Renewal Road Trip

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:34:42 GMT

Abilenians make trip to Community Renewal International On July 27-29, a group of CCC partners made the trip to visit Community Renewal International in Shreveport, Louisiana. Their goal was to learn more about the community renewal model utilized by Connecting Caring Communities and find ways to increase the impact of our work in Abilene. Attendees, as always, learned much and were energized to make a difference in our own community. Participants included Suzie Ramsey, Margaret Holloway, Mary Glover, Mark Waters, Tim Kennedy, Cindy Martin, Anita Jones-Stevenson, Courtney Jackson, Sarah Frazier, College Heights community coordinator Dusty Garison and CCC executive director Brad Carter. **Much thanks to the (anonymous) donor/s who made this trip possible on a comfortable bus and to the staff of Community Renewal International who welcomed us with open arms. **

CCC New Job Opening

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:14:48 GMT

Seeking someone to lead our Haven House efforts Connecting Caring Communities is seeking a full-time, qualified and motivated individual to lead efforts for our Haven House strategy beginning this summer. [Download information, job description and employment application here](http://wecareabilene.org/downloads/0000/0007/HH_Director_app_packet.pdf)

Summer Fun at City University Camp

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:11:55 GMT

Kids from both Friendship Houses mix learning and fun at facilities around the city. Take **30 kids**, ages 5-15, stir in some **volunteers**, combine with **various Abilene locations**, mix with a lot of **fun**, add a dash of **learning**, and what do you have? ### ***City University Summer Camp!***
Youngsters from the **North Park** and **College Heights** Friendship Houses, along with the coordinators and volunteers, participated a week of activities from June 16-20. Each afternoon, the group visited a different city location and learned about various city services and functions. City staffers **Joy Hedges** and **Jayme Johnston** coordinated the program, with help from Friendship House Coordinators **Danyel Rodgers**, **Stephanie Fletcher**, and **Dusty Garison**, and several parents and other volunteers. On Monday, the kids went to **City Hall**, where they met in the Council chambers and toured various departments. They were welcomed by **City Manager Larry Gilley**, and held a mock City Council meeting in the Council Chamber. They also visited the **Abilene-Taylor County Health Department** and toured the lab and facilities there. Tuesday, they went to the **Abilene Zoo** for a "behind-the-scenes" look at operations there, including a chance to feed the new baby rhino. Wednesday found the group at the **Law Enforcement Center**. They watched a presentation by Abilene SWAT Team, whose members showed their equipment and talked to the kids. They also toured the 9-1-1 Call Center and other police facilities. That day's highlight was a fascinating demonstration by the APD's K-9 unit. **Abilene Fire Station #1** hosted the group on Thursday, where firefighters showed their equipment to the students, including an infrared scanner which can find an injured person in a smoke-filled room, and the "Jaws of Life" rescue tool. The older kids were also allowed to climb into the bucket on the ladder truck, and take a ride up to the end of the ladder. The week concluded with a visit to **Rose Park**, where the youngsters visited the skate park and tennis facility, along with the senior citizen center and the adaptive rec facility. But the highlight of that day was definitely the **pool**! The kids enjoyed cooling off from the hot summer sun and spent the afternoon splashing and swimming. It was a great week, and we appreciate so much those who worked to make it possible. We especially want to thank: * Everyone from the city who graciously hosted us at their facilities * Joy and Jayme for their coordination of each day's events * The parents and volunteers who helped each day * Those who provided snacks * Hardin-Simmons University for transportation assistance We are grateful your partnership with us and look forward to next year!

CCC Unveils Turner Award

Fri, 09 May 2008 19:33:35 GMT

Board of Directors establishes award in honor of HSU president Craig Turner On Friday, May 9, the board of directors of Connecting Caring Communities unveiled the W. Craig Turner Award in honor of Hardin-Simmons University president Craig Turner. The W. Craig Turner Award is in recognition of Dr. Craig Turner's vision for a community of neighbors helping neighbors and his willingness to lend his leadership and support for the development of a community renewal program in Abilene, Texas. The establishment of Connecting Caring Communities (CCC) is a direct result of Dr. Turner's generosity in sharing the success of the pilot program at Hardin-Simmons University with the entire Abilene community. CCC now exists to further develop the renewal of neighbors helping neighbors and mutually enhancing relationships as the foundation for a sustainable community. The award will be given to an outstanding person, family, or partner who exemplifies the practice of this vision in a remarkable way. The recipient will be determined by the board of directors from nominations made by staff or others directly involved with one of the three Connecting Caring Communities strategies: Caring Team, Haven Houses, or Internal Care Unit (Friendship House) neighborhoods. The CCC board of directors chose to honor Turner as he takes a new role outside of Abilene. Turner has been an invaluable resource, supporter, partner and encourager for CCC since its inception. Dr. Turner said he was humbled by the honor and grateful for the great work Connecting Caring Communities is doing in Abilene.

CCC Job Opening

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:39:32 GMT

CCC seeks new Community Coordinator for College Heights Connecting Caring Communities is seeking a committed, married Christian to live and work as the Community Coordinator in the College Heights Friendship House beginning the spring/summer of 2008. An informational packet that includes program and job description, outcome measures, and application for employment can be downloaded below or in the 'downloads' section of our website. [Community Coordinator Application Packet](http://wecareabilene.org/downloads/0000/0004/ComCoord_App_Packet.pdf)

CCC director wins award

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:32:51 GMT

Brad Carter, CCC executive director, receives 2008 Public Citizen of the Year award The National Association of Social Workers-Texas Branch (NASW-TX), Abilene Chapter held its annual award reception on Thurssday, March 27. Awards were given by the local chapter for Social Work Student of the Year (BS and MS), Social Worker of the Year, Lifetime Acheivement Award and Public Citizen of the Year. Brad Carter, CCC executive director, was awarded the NASW's Public Citizen of the Year award at the reception for his work with Connecting Caring Communities, neighborhood association and a variety of other community groups and organizations. The award honors an outstanding member of the community whose accomplishments exemplify the values and mission of the profession of social work, but is not a social worker. Klista Bomberger, a longtime volunteer and worker at the North Park Friendship House, was also honored at the reception as Social Work Student of the Year (BS).

Local Primary Election Forum

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:11:23 GMT

Sheriff, Commissioner Candidates answer questions Connecting Caring Communities partnered with the African-American Leadership Council and the National Association of Social Workers, Texas Chapter, Abilene Branch, to host a forum with candidates running for Taylor Country Sheriff and Commissioner, precinct 1. All six candidates for these offices attended the forum as well as about three dozen citizens. The forum was held at HSU on Saturday, March 1. More forums are being planned to help inform voters regarding upcoming bond elections, City Council and AISD school board seats. Look for information as it comes to attend, meet candidates and have your questions answered.

You Made Abilene, CCC A Winner!

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:10:20 GMT

CCC Finishes in Top 50 of America's Giving Challenge As we reported in early February, Connecting Caring Communities received over $2,000 from online donors like you during the month of January through America’s Giving Challenge, sponsored by PARADE Magazine and The Case Foundation. Last week, winners of the contest were announced and Connecting Caring Communities finished in the Top 50 and was awarded an additional $1,000 as a finalist in the contest. This brings our Challenge total to over $3,200. To all our donors and those who helped spread the word about the contest— thank you for making Abilene, and CCC, a national winner in America’s Giving Challenge! For more information and details about America's Giving Challenge, go [here](http://www.parade.com/givingchallenge?source=pressAGC).

Laptops for children in Abilene and around the world

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:21:06 GMT

Connecting Caring Communities recently purchased 20 laptop computers for use by children in Abilene and in developing countries around the world. *New computers...for us?” The words of an eager child at the Friendship House exclaimed. Yes, these new stylish and modern marvels were for these wonderful children and they caught the eye of every child. A few sat down for the chance to use one of the five XO laptops bought for each Friendship House.* *Their small fingers traveled along the different textures, memorizing every key, button and device. Grateful grins spread across their faces. Each new program needed experimentation. Volunteers watched and helped them navigate new treasures. LaShay and DeSandra made movies together—movies that would lead to fantastic memories.* Through the “Give One, Get One” program of [One Laptop Per Child Foundation ](http://www.laptop.org)(OLPC), CCC purchased the cutting-edge XO laptops to use in the weekly Kids Club activities in the Friendship Houses. The laptops are designed for educational use by children and for durability of being used by children – at the Friendship House or in the African desert. For each of the ten laptops that recently arrived at the Friendship Houses in early February, a laptop was sent through OLPC to developing countries like Somalia or Haiti. The XO laptop is designed for children to be “learning learning.” The child-designed laptops have many unique qualities. Chief among these ideals is the intentional way the laptop is set-up for children to explore the world, learn about themselves, work on problem-solving and be creative. The laptops are child-sized, but utilize proven methods of teaching while also fulfilling the needs to do online research or write a paper for school. One Laptop Per Child was founded by Nicholas Negroponte with a core of Media Lab veterans with the goal to provide children around the world with new opportunities to explore, experiment and express themselves. Learn more about OLPC and the XO laptop at [www.laptop.org](http://www.laptop.org).

CCC Success with Giving Challenge

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:17:10 GMT

In January 2008, CCC took America's Giving Challenge sponsored by Parade Magazine. Parade Magazine and The Case Foundation partnered together to sponsor America's Giving Challenge in January 2008. Connecting Caring Communities, with over 1200 individuals on its Caring Team, decided to take the Challenge of finding the most online donors during the month. Although CCC was not one of the Challenge finalists, we were able to raise over $2300 from over 115 individual donors. These online donations will help us move toward our aggressive 2008 goals of expansion and increased impact in the community. Online donations are still a great way to financially support CCC. Click the "Donate" button on CCC's home page for more information. In the contest, a minimum $10 donation had to be made online. The four organizations with the most different donors were declared winners-- and received an additional $50,000 prize. Winning organizations were able to secure donations from over 2500 individual donors.

Help CCC win $50,000!

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 05:37:12 GMT

Top four charities with most donors ($10 or more) win! We can do it-- you can help!

Register for Abilene Dinner Table

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:46:18 GMT

Community-wide dinners open for registration The fourth annual Abilene Dinner Table will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2008. Begun by the editorial board of the Abilene Reporter-News in 2005 and led by CCC since, Abilene Dinner Table is about "improving understanding...one dinner at a time." What better way to get to know fellow Abilenians than by breaking bread together? Dinner tables are hosted in homes, churches, restaurants and other locations throughout Abilene. Meals and times vary by assignment. Hosts are still needed. To register as a host or participant, visit [AbileneDinnerTable.com](http://www.abilenedinnertable.com) or call the CCC office 232-8241. Read ARN's "[Dinner event brings community together](http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008/jan/01/dinner-event-brings-community-together/)."

Merry Christmas from CCC!

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 17:50:01 GMT

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas day! During this holiday season, your friends and neighbors at Connecting Caring Communities are thankful for the wonderful blessings of the past year and for the many friends who have given their support, encouragement and gifts to us and our neighbors.

A Special Gift

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:59:02 GMT

Neighbors thoughtful gifts help show love and support for the work at the Northpark Friendship House. Several of our Northpark neighbors brought thoughtful gifts by the Friendship House this year including gift cards, homeade breads and cookies, but one gift truly showed that the Friendship House is making a difference in the life of the elderly in the neighborhood. One senior who began reluctantly attending the neighbor lunch several years ago, now never misses the event and always shows up with a smile on her face and a story to share. This year she truly gave a special gift to show her appreciation. She made a homeade skirt for Danyel Rogers, the community coordinator as a way to show how much she cares for Danyel and the work she is doing in the community. This was such a thoughtful and special gift.-THANK YOU TO OUR LOVING NEIGHBORS, YOU TRULY ARE A BLESSING!

Friendship House Open House

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:50:55 GMT

The North Park Friendship House hosted an open house for the We Care Team and the Hardin-Simmons Family for their support in sponsoring the House. The open house was held on Tuesday, December 11 at the North Park Friendship House. Over 40 We Care Team members and HSU faculty and staff came by to see the Friendship House and enjoy some fellowship and homemade goodies. We at the North Park Friendship House want to thank everyone who came by to visit and support our work in the neighborhood and Abilene Community. We hope to make this an annual event.

Friendship Park in progress

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:41:54 GMT

CCC partners with other local groups for new pocket park in Old Town Abilene Old Town Abilene is preparing for a new pocket park in its neighborhood. Located at 417 Meander St, Connecting Caring Communities is partnering with the Old Town Abilene Neighborhood Association and the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest to open the park. A sign announcing the park was put up this past weekend and work will continue as winter turns to spring. Read [this article](http://www.reporternews.com/news/2007/dec/02/neighborhoods-pocket-park-up-for-national-grant/) in the *Abilene Reporter-News *for information about the park.

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:46:23 GMT

A Northpark Neighbor reaches out to the elderly on her street during the Holiday Season. One of the neighbors in the North Park Neighborhood, we'll call her by her first name only, Diane, called the Friendship House to see about getting help with groceries to cook a Thanksgiving lunch. However, Diane was not asking for the food for herself, she wants to cook lunch to take for the elderly who live on her block. She admits a few of them get one meal from meals-on-wheels but she wants them to have a full Thanksgiving feast, homeade in her own kitchen. She is a great example of how neighbors can reach out to one another. Diane is herself disabled, but this doesn't stop her from helping others. A couple of Hardin-Simmons Faculty and Staff pitched in and were able to get groceries for Diane to have everything she needs to prepare the feast.

CCC Sponsors ArtWalk

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:59:57 GMT

CCC redefined ArtWalk sponsorship November's "Thanks Giving" ArtWalk theme was a perfect fit for getting the message of Connecting Caring Communities out. As sponsor of ArtWalk on November 8, CCC also held camp at Minter Park where we gave away Tshirts, signed people up for the Caring Team, talked about CCC and showed our newest video on the water wall. We were glad to meet many new friends and sign up over 50 Caring Team members. CCC also sponsored two story-times with Golden Books *The Little Red Hen* and *The Tawny Scrawny Lion* at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL). This included a great stick puppet show. ArtWalk served as our kick-off to Abilene Dinner Table sign-ups. Abilene Dinner Table will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2008. You can learn more and register at www.abilenedinnertable.com. Thanks to all our volunteers and staff who helped make our presence at ArtWalk a huge success!

Trivia Night Success

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 04:46:45 GMT

Over $600 raised at first ever Trivia Night! Great food, great fun and lots of competitive trivia fun was had at our first annual Trivia Night on Saturday, November 3 at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church. Chick-fil-A, MCM Elegante Suites, Buffalo Wild Wings, Domino's Pizza, Gatti's, Starbucks, and Dr. Pepper were generous donors of food and prizes for the enjoyable evening. Terri Burke, CCC board member and executive director of Texans for the Arts, was the emcee. Much thanks also goes to Stephanie Fletcher and Jeremy Tatum, CCC staffers who worked very hard to make the Trivia Night a reality. The $600 raised at the Trivia Night will be used by CCC to continue its work in community renewal throughout Abilene. The evening was so much fun, plans for future Trivia Nights are already being made.

Annual Luncheon Success

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:49:13 GMT

Our second annual luncheon was a great success on Thursday, September 27. With over 100 caring partners in attendance, our annual luncheon at First United Methodist Church (202 Butternut) was a great success. Attendees ranged from neighbors in our Internal Care Unit (ICU) neighborhoods, organizational partners, churches, and community members from every area of our city. Our great new video about the work of CCC was shown. And CCC Executive Director Brad Carter was the main speaker. His message entitled "The More We Get Together" was a challenge for us all to work together in increasing our love and solving community problems by working hand-in-hand. In addition to raising awareness, attendees were invited to attend CART Training, Haven House training, to join the Caring Team and be a partner in the work by board member Nancy Coburn. Over 500 dollars was raised through donations and the sale of centerpieces made by the Hendrick Medical Center Gift Shop (which donated 30% of sales to CCC). Special thanks is due to the many volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. Bob Collins and Isaiah 58 Ministries provided a wonderful brisket meal for attendees-- they did all the work from preparation, to cooking, serving and cleaning up! Linda Carleton, Nancy Coburn, Nadell Mangum and Lori Thornton ensured we were set to go. Brandon Rogers "saved the day" with his help in the tech room. Thanks is also due to First United Methodist Church, ARAMARK, and the Scripps Howard Foundation. *Read the news article ["Creating Caring Communities"](http://reporternews.com/news/2007/sep/27/creating-caring-communities/) by Loretta Fulton on the* Abilene Reporter-News *website. It originally appeared in the September 28 print edition about CCC's annual luncheon.*

OneStar Foundation Awards CCC

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 03:15:33 GMT

The OneStar Foundation in Austin, Texas selected Connecting Caring Communities as one of thirteen participants in the 2007 Governor’s Faith-based and Community Initiatives Capacity-Building Project. The OneStar Foundation in Austin, Texas selected Connecting Caring Communities as one of thirteen participants in the 2007 Governor’s Faith-based and Community Initiatives Capacity-Building Project. Eighty-three organizations applied through this three phase grant process. CCC was awarded training and technical assistance valued at $5,700. Seven of the thirteen grantees were awarded training and technical assistance. Phase II of the application process included an organizational assessment utilizing a capacity benchmarking tool. The staff and board of CCC used the assessment results to identify areas in need of improvement have began efforts in building a stronger organization. The grant award will further these efforts to build the organizational effectiveness of our nonprofit. “As an independent nonprofit, CCC is very young,” says executive director Brad Carter, “and this capacity-building project has been and will continue to help us put into place some of the missing pieces. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with OneStar in making this happen.”

Coffee, Cake and Conversation a Success

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 03:15:33 GMT

The Women of CCC hosted "Coffee, Cake and Conversation" on Sunday afternoon, September 16. The Women of CCC hosted "Coffee, Cake and Conversation" on Sunday afternoon, September 16 at the home of board member Terri Burke. Linda Carleton, Nancy Coburn and Sarah Mulkey, all members of the CCC Board of Directors, served as co-hostesses. The goal of the event was to raise awareness about the efforts of Connecting Caring Communities and to enlist the support of those in attendance. A new video about our work also debuted at the event. Linda Carleton shared about her experiences with CCC and encouraged the women in attendance to consider volunteering as Haven House leaders on their blocks. Haven House leaders are volunteers who aid the efforts of community renewal by making friends on the block where they live. They were also asked to consider supporting with financial gifts. Over sixty women attended the event.

WeCareAbilene.org Unveiled

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 03:15:33 GMT

Connecting Caring Communities went live with a completely new website this month. Connecting Caring Communities went live with a completely new website this month. Web visitors may now learn more about CCC’s strategies, download resources and the CCC video (soon!), as well as utilize online tools for donations, signing up for events and trainings and subscribing to feeds of the latest CCC news and events. Residents in our target neighborhoods are also able to use the CCC website to access the news and events of our Friendship Houses. CCC community coordinators are excited about their new ability to communicate with neighbors and volunteers about the activities at their houses. “We are more than pleased with our great new web site and the wonderful work of web designers Colby Blaisdell and Jonathan Towell,” said executive director Brad Carter about the new website. CCC will continue to explore ways to use technology in the work of community renewal in Abilene.

CCC seeks 200 Volunteers for Surveying

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 03:15:33 GMT

Volunteers will cover every neighborhood in Abilene surveying residents about community resiliency. Volunteers will cover every neighborhood in Abilene surveying residents about community resiliency. CCC is seeking at least 200 volunteers who will conduct personal interviews with randomly-selected and previously-notified households. The interviews will take place the first two weeks of October. Connecting Caring Communities has partnered with the Terrorism and Disaster Center, part of the Health Sciences Center of the University of Oklahoma, to utilize their Community Assessment of Resiliency Tool (CART) throughout Abilene. This tool helps gauge neighborhood health regarding the resiliency factors of connectedness, resources, transformative potential, and disaster prevention. We have partnered with the Nonprofit Management Center, Community Foundation, United Way, Hardin-Simmons University, Hendrick Medical Center, 2-1-1 A Call for Help, and Abilene Christian University to be the first community to implement the tool city-wide. We believe it will be useful in helping neighborhoods determine assets and needs, particularly when compiled with other information and recent surveys conducted in our community. Training for volunteers implementing CART will take place at various times between September 27-29. See the CCC calendar for training times. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us or register to attend the CART Volunteer Training of your choice.

CCC to Host 2nd Annual Luncheon

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 03:15:33 GMT

On Thursday, September 27, CCC will host its second annual luncheon at the activity center of First United Methodist Church, 202 Butternut Street. On Thursday, September 27, CCC will host its second annual luncheon at the activity center of First United Methodist Church, 202 Butternut Street. The luncheon is free and its goal is to introduce attendees to the work of CCC, update partners on happenings, and provide opportunities for caring persons to meet others in our community. Reservations for the luncheon are currently being taken by contacting the CCC office or by making your reservation online using our events calendar. Please make your reservation by Monday, September 24. The first luncheon was held in September 2006, following the dedication of the College Heights Friendship House sponsored by Hendrick Health System. Rev. Mack McCarter, founder of Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal, was the keynote speaker.

North Park Friendship House Begins Fall Programming

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 03:15:33 GMT

The residents of North Park neighborhood begin their exciting fall programming this week. The residents of North Park neighborhood begin their exciting fall programming this week. Community Coordinator Danyel Rogers has been planning and training volunteers—mainly Hardin-Simmons University students—for the past several weeks and months. Fall programming includes Kids Club activities for children and youth after school. At Kids Club students complete schoolwork, receive reading tutoring, are involved in physical activity, Bible studies and other fun activities. Gatherings of neighborhood mothers, senior adults and others are also part of the ongoing activities at the Friendship House.

College Heights Friendship House Begins Fall Programming

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 03:15:33 GMT

After anxiously waiting for a few weeks since school began, students involved in the College Heights Kids Clubs got their fall start this week. After anxiously waiting for a few weeks since school began, students involved in the College Heights Kids Clubs got their fall start this week. Kids Club meets each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school where children and youth are involved in tutoring, Bible study, physical activity, and other educational and fun activities. Under the theme “I Can Do All Things Through Christ”, community coordinator Stephanie Fletcher with her team of volunteers will be challenging neighbors to set a goal or work toward a dream this fall. “All of us—the kids and adults involved at the Friendship House—are going to try to accomplish a goal under this theme of ‘doing all things through Christ.’ It will be great when we can look back at the end of the year and see the great things that have been done.”

McMurry Servant-Leaders Choose to Volunteer with CCC

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 03:15:33 GMT

The students in Mark Waters’s Honors Servant-Leader class at McMurry University have chosen Connecting Caring Communities to complete service hours this semester. The students in Mark Waters’s Honors Servant-Leader class at McMurry University have chosen Connecting Caring Communities to complete service hours this semester. The students are meeting with CCC staff to explore ways their talents, fields of study and areas of interest can be part of the work of community renewal. The five students are committing 28 hours of service each this semester. The work of community renewal is dependent upon volunteers, and servant-leadership is a core principle to the CCC model. Like many local nonprofits, we rely heavily on college students to accomplish our goals. This new partnership with the Servant-Leader class is an exciting addition to our efforts this fall.