March holds particular significance as we observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, reminders of the inherent dignity, gifts, and contributions of people with developmental disabilities in every community. This month also reflects meaningful momentum for our Center. From launching The Whole Body Project through a transformative Lilly Endowment Inc. grant, to celebrating churches equipped through the Bridges to Belonging project, together, these efforts reflect our shared commitment to building communities where every person is known, needed, and loved. Thank you for partnering with us in this mission and helping foster belonging and flourishing for all.
-Erik Carter and Kristen Padilla
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We are honored to receive a new grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for “The Whole Body Project: Flourishing Together in Faith and Life.” In partnership with multiple campus centers and collaborators, this 5-year storytelling initiative will equip churches across the country to become places of mutual belonging for individuals and families impacted by disability and mental health conditions. The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life, which seeks to help organizations identify, produce and share compelling stories about ways that Christians from many different backgrounds and in a broad range of settings are living vibrant lives of faith and engaging in acts of love and service for others. Read more.
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Our Bridges to Belonging project recently concluded its inaugural two-year congregational cohort, equipping churches across Texas to create more accessible and welcoming ministries for youth and young adults with disabilities, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses. Through interdisciplinary collaboration among Truett Theological Seminary and the Center for Church and Community Impact, church leaders engaged in worship, training, and research-informed practice that led to meaningful changes in awareness, accessibility, and belonging. Read more .
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We are actively recruiting for Raising Texas Voices, a research study focused on listening to Texans with disabilities, their parents, and siblings to better understand what matters most to them, including how they talk about disability, advocate, and learn and find help. By learning directly from lived experiences, this research will help identify priorities, challenges, and opportunities that can inform stronger, more effective advocacy efforts in Texas. Please take our survey.
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We are seeking a director to lead The Whole Body Project, a 5-year storytelling initiative funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. We are seeking a visionary, highly experienced leader who is eager to translate research and lived experience into narratives that inspire congregations nationwide. If you or someone in your network has experience leading large-scale initiatives, managing grant-funded projects, and advancing faith-informed social impact work, we encourage you to learn more and apply.
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Join us on March 23, 2026 from 1-2 p.m. in the Moody School of Education courtyard as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA).
- We are excited to cohost Community Field Day on April 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at McLane Stadium! Interested in volunteering? Email Callan_Glascock@baylor.edu.
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We invite you to help carry this mission forward. Your generosity, partnership, and prayers fuel every program, every training, every breakthrough, and every story of hope.
We can do so much more together.
Let's build a world where every person is known, needed, and loved—and where all can flourish.
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Give to advance research and expand access
- Partner to host trainings, events, and collaborative projects
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Collaborate on research, community outreach, and interdisciplinary initiatives
- Share about our latest updates by following our social media channels.
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