By: Julie Aluiso, Extraco Mortgage; Casey Mooney, Feed My Sheep; and Thomas Wells, Cloud Construction, Leadership Temple Class of 2027

The first Leadership Temple Day, Social Services Day, was an experience that opened our eyes to challenges in our own community that are easy to overlook when we are not directly experiencing them. Throughout the day, we visited several organizations that serve people in different ways, but each reinforced the same message: the needs in our community are often greater than the resources available.

Our first stop was Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, where we learned about programs that help individuals and families overcome barriers to employment, including childcare, transportation, and criminal backgrounds. Workforce Solutions supports both job seekers and employers, strengthening individuals and the community as a whole.

Next, we visited Feed My Sheep, which takes a holistic approach to serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Beyond providing food, the organization offers emotional and spiritual support, addressing the needs of the whole person. Casey Mooney, Operations Director and a Leadership Temple classmate, shared that they “wished more people understood the gravity of the situation of homelessness in our own community.” Their work reminded us that hunger and poverty are not always visible and are often far more complicated than simply not having enough money.

At United Way of Central Texas, we learned about the organization’s commitment to health, education, and financial stability. We listened to 211 calls and participated in a financial simulation that demonstrated how quickly an unexpected expense can derail a household budget. The experience highlighted the difficult choices families may face, such as choosing between putting food on the table and repairing a vehicle needed to get to work.

Our visit to the Ronald McDonald House showed us the vital support provided to families with children receiving care at McLane Children’s Hospital. Their tagline, “Family Stays,” resonated with our class. Parents should be able to focus on their child’s recovery rather than worry about food, lodging, or remaining close to their child. We also learned that the Temple House relies primarily on individual donors and community support to continue its mission.

Our final presentation came from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas, where we gained a greater appreciation for the services provided to children and families affected by abuse and trauma. Their work demonstrates the importance of creating a safe environment where children can receive support and have their voices heard.

One thing became clear throughout the day: Temple is fortunate to have organizations doing invaluable work, but resources are not always available when people need them. Limited funding, waitlists, and exhausted programs can create even greater hardships for families already struggling.

Meaningful community change requires action. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, each of us has something we can contribute.

Leadership Temple is equipping local leaders to recognize challenges, understand the people behind the statistics, and take action. Leadership is not simply holding a position or having a title; it is being willing to see the needs of our community and decide that they matter to us.