With more than 45 years of service rooted in community, education, and financial empowerment, Betty Black brings a legacy of compassion and commitment to the mission of helping Waco residents achieve stable, successful futures through homeownership.
Betty began her leadership journey serving as secretary to the Business Manager at Paul Quinn College when it was located in Waco, an experience that shaped her understanding of financial systems and budgeting. She also worked closely with youth and young adults, including roles as a youth advisor for the Delta Upsilon Zeta Chapter and as a home parent at the Methodist Children’s Home. “Throughout my career, I’ve either worked with money or worked with youth,” she reflects. She used those financial skills to teach young people about budgeting, money management, and the practical life skills necessary to become self-sufficient.
Although she has been retired for 15 years, Betty remains deeply active in service. She currently serves in leadership at her church as the chairperson of the pastor parish relationship committee and as church treasurer. Her heart for helping others remains as strong as ever.
Betty first connected with NeighborWorks Waco by volunteering with summer youth programs held at the organization. But her appreciation for its work grew even deeper when her own daughter, a single parent, became a homeowner through NeighborWorks Waco’s homebuying program. “I don’t think she would have been able to get a house on her own if that program wasn’t there,” Betty says. Witnessing the direct impact of the program on her family, she became even more committed to supporting its mission.
She strongly believes in the transformative power of financial education and homeownership. “When people are equipped with the knowledge and tools to manage their finances, they can make better decisions, reduce debt, and invest in their future,” she explains. For Betty, homeownership brings more than just a place to live. It creates stability, strengthens neighborhoods, increases local investment, and enhances community pride. “NeighborWorks helps create lasting economic impact that transforms renters into owners and dreams into attainable reality.”
As a board member, Betty’s goal is to see more individuals and families experience the success her daughter did. She wants more people to learn about available resources like down payment and closing cost assistance, credit-building support, and financial education programs that help turn the dream of owning a home into a meaningful next step in life.
Looking ahead, Betty hopes the organization remains adaptive and forward-thinking while continuing to lead with compassion, integrity, and excellence. “NeighborWorks Waco is doing a fabulous job. My hope is that it will always be a trusted resource in Waco, a place where people can come to build better lives and brighter futures.”
NeighborWorks Waco is honored to have Betty Black on our board. Her decades of service, personal experience, and unwavering belief in the power of opportunity are helping shape a stronger, more inclusive Waco for all.
