Our latest newsletter is here to bring you the resources, support, and community you need as you navigate your grief journey. In this edition, you'll find information about becoming a volunteer, helpful tips, and more about our upcoming documentaries. Be sure to explore the downloadable PDF version for easy access to all the articles and insights!
2025
Newsletter
When you volunteer with Archway of Hope,
You're more than just a helping hand,
You're a cherished member of a loving family.
Together, we can bring hope and create positive change for those who need it most.
2025
At Archway of Hope, our mission is to bring hope and healing to individuals who have experienced the pain of losing a loved one too early. As our reach expands, we are looking for compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our growing volunteer team. Together, we can touch more lives and provide the support needed to navigate the difficult journey of grief. You can make a meaningful difference
in someone’s life. Join us in creating a community where no one has to face loss alone, and where every act of kindness helps rebuild hope for the future.
Your kindness, empathy, and willingness to serve can bring light into someone’s darkest days. Whether you can contribute a few hours a month or are ready to dive in with both feet, your help matters.
For more information, please contact us at paul@archwayofhope.org. We look forward to welcoming you to the Archway of Hope family!
We are seeking volunteers who are ready to make a meaningful impact by assisting with a variety of tasks, including:
Gathering Information:
Helping us stay informed about new losses in the community to ensure no one is left without support.
Sending Contact Cards:
Reaching out with thoughtful messages to let grievingindividuals know we care.
Writing Letters:
Crafting heartfelt birthday and “heaven day” letters to provide encouragement and solace.
Being a Point of Connection:
Serving as a friendly faceand a source of comfort for those who are grieving
Event Planning:
Assisting in organizing events thatbring people together and honor their loved ones.
Fundraising Support:
Helping us raise the necessary funds to sustain and grow our outreach efforts.
Grief can be isolating, but through our efforts, we aim to remind those who are grieving that they are not alone. Volunteers play a vital role in carrying out this mission by offering comfort, creating connections, and fostering a sense of community for those in need.
If you have a heart for helping others and would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer with Archway of Hope, we invite you to attend our upcoming Volunteer Information Session.
When: Wednesday, February 12 | 6:00pm
Where: Archway of Hope Office, 2114 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX
This session will be an opportunity to meet our team, learn about our mission, and discover how you can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
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Newsletter
2025
2025 is here and the Archway team is looking forward to expanding our reach and connecting in new and meaningful ways with people who are navigating the difficult path of grief. Archway is a faith-based organization that works to offer hope to people who have lost someone too early. Those grieving a tragic loss can find themselves unable to move forward with life in a manner that makes room for healing. They need to know that they are not alone.They need to understand that life is possible again. They need stories of hope, points of connection, and relevant resources to help them along the way as they try to make sense of their new reality.
In 2024 we told the stories of two law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Trooper ChadWalker and Deputy Matt Jones lost their lives in different ways, but both in service to their communities through selfless acts of kindness and duty. Archway was proud to tell their stories and get to know and love their friends and families and held public events in April and November to premiere these documentary films. In 2025 we will be premiering two high-profile documentary films on Navy Seal, Chris Kyle, and the Aviles family who were victims of the mass shooting in McGregor in 2022.
Last year we also offered an eight-week group counseling program facilitated by Dr. Kristy Donaldson PhD, LPC-S, RPT-STM, and CHST, owner of Premier Neurofeedback and Counseling Services. Our participants represented a variety of losses, but all shared in the universal pain of grief. Feedback about the experience was very positive and we are currently working to facilitate a second group in 2025.
Empowering volunteers will be a priority for Archway in 2025. There are many people who ask how they can help in addition to monetary donations. We are working on a plan to expand our reach and offer ways for people to offer hope to others dealing with the pain of grief. We will be offering simple, but meaningful opportunities for people to connect and make an impact in the lives of others.
Archway of Hope wants to continue our mission in 2025 by offering hope to people who have lost someone too early. We sincerely want to thank you for helping make this possible with your gifts and willingness to help where you can. We look forward to visiting with you soon.
Sincerely
Paul Allison, President, Archway of Hope
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Newsletter
2025
The World’s Biggest Boombox made its triumphant return last August when Retro Radio 2024 rocked Waco with music, video, lights, dancing, and great food and drink. In addition to our normal attractions we had a mechanical bull that tossed our guests in the air all in the name of raising funds and a good time.
Thanks to our donors and guests, we raised over $150,000 which will help us reach more people and tell impactful stories of hope.
We are thrilled to announce that this year’s highly anticipated Retro 2025 event is just around the corner! Mark your calendars and join us, as we bring everyone together once again for a day filled with nostalgia, fun, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’ve attended in the past or this will be your first time, we can’t wait to welcome you to this special celebration. Bring your friends and family, and get ready for an event that promises to be even better than before.
If you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring this exciting event, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to have your support in making Retro 2025 truly unforgettable. We look forward to seeing all of your familiar faces, along with some new ones, as we create an experience to remember.
See you then!
SAVE
the
DATE
August
23
2025
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Newsletter
2025
Archway’s full length documentary films serve two main purposes. First, they are created to be a legacy piece for the family of someone who has been lost too early. This film can be shared with family and friends for generations to come. Just as important, the films are created to be inspirational stories of hope where we show how families and friends have been able to persevere and move forward to live meaningful lives in the face of tragedy.
These films can be viewed on Youtube or at archwayofhope.org.
At Archway of Hope, we believe that stories of hope can heal and unite. They remind us we’re never truly alone, even in the darkest times. If you have a story to share, we’d be honored to hear it. Sharing your journey can inspire and uplift others—please reach out using the contact details above.
In September of 2022, Ezra and Zion Aviles lost their mother and sister in a horrific shooting in McGregor, Tx. The young men had also lost their father to cancer two years earlier. This is the story of two young men rebuilding their lives after two tragic events in 2 years.This is a story of faith, perseverance, and hope.
Most people know Chris Kyle as the American Sniper,the Legend, and a true American hero, but few knowwho he really was away from the spotlight. From anearly age Chris was a servant, protector, and kind-hearted human being. Experience Chris Kyle through the perspective of afather, a mother, and a brother.
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Newsletter
2025
The intense desire to make your loved one’s legacy last is an emotional bond that those who have experienced loss jointly share. Archway remembers by sending condolence gift cards, birthday cards, and heaven day cards to the families of the lost. We do this to let grieving families know that there is someone who remembers important milestones as they walk the journey of tragic loss.
When someone tells
their story of life, loss, and hope, it can have
a powerful impact on others experiencing
a similar tragedy. Storytelling is Archway’s most significant method of offering hope to those who have lost someone too early. We do this through full-length documentaries, short survival videos, and tributes. These stories can resonate with those who share the pain of loss and help them to know that they are not alone.
Archway desires to be a place that connects with needed resources to help them as they navigate the path of grief. Publications, support groups, articles and professional services can all be integral components in the journey toward hope. We want to be a place of connection, helping match people with resources that provide comfort, healing, and hope.
We rely on the generosity of our donors to continue providing hope and help to those who have lost someone too soon.
To make a donation on our website click on the“Donate” button.
Every contribution makes a difference in helping us bring hope to those in need, whether you are helping to fund stories of hope, counseling services, or tangible acts of kindness for grieving families, each donation makes an impact in the lives of those we serve.
You can support our work by donating directly at:
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