© 2024-2026 Midnight Hope Foundation
Website Donated by: Digital Media Butterfly
The Midnight Hope Foundation is a 100% community-based organization, committed not only to supporting those impacted by tragedy but also to creating a lasting, positive impact in our community.
Together, we’ll bring hope, healing, and help when it’s needed most. Whether it’s responding in the immediate aftermath of a disaster or walking alongside families through recovery, we aim to be a steady source of strength. Through local partnerships, volunteer involvement, and generous community support, we work to restore lives, uplift spirits, and build a stronger, more connected Waco for all.
After witnessing the emotional and financial strain that disasters cause local families, leaving them without the comfort of their home, or any guidance on what’s to come, Dakota knew there was so much more we could do as a community. With his experiences, relationships, & local resources, he realized he can serve as the guiding light from disaster to recovery.
He brings that passion and purpose to his role with the Midnight Hope Foundation, where he believes that, with the right team and local support, we can make a meaningful difference for families navigating uncertainty and loss.
In his professional career, Dakota is the Regional Manager for both Belfor Property Restoration and 1-800BoardUp of Waco. He also sits on the board for the Waco Professional Firefighter’s Benefit Association & the Heart of Texas Apartment Association.
Dakota and his wife, BreAnne, are proud parents to two daughters, Brinley and Ellie. Whether at home or in the field, Dakota’s mission remains the same: to serve others with compassion, leadership, and unwavering hope.
With over a decade of experience in the fire and life safety industry, Paul has seen the aftermath of devastating events—the heartbreak, the confusion, and the sense of loss that follows. After personally witnessing the devastation of a close friend losing their home to a fire, there was a deep spark—a calling to do more. From that moment, the Midnight Hope Foundation was born.
Paul has been a Waco resident for over 20 years. While attending Baylor University, he built strong relationships and quickly fell in love with the close-knit community and culture of Waco. After graduating, he poured his energy into serving local organizations, living out his belief that God placed him here with a purpose—to make a difference.
Paul continues his work in fire and life safety, a field he’s passionate about because of its potential to save lives and provide peace of mind. He also serves on the Board of Directors for both the Heart of Texas Apartment Association and the Heart of Texas Builders Association, and proudly Co-Chairs Love To The Rescue, benefiting Shriners Children’s Texas.
When he’s not working or volunteering, Paul enjoys spending time with family and friends—hunting, golfing, or working on the land. He is a dedicated member of First Baptist Woodway, where his faith continues to be the foundation of everything he does.
Through the Midnight Hope Foundation, Paul is committed to walking alongside those affected by tragedy, offering tangible support and a reminder that hope is never out of reach.
Barney Owen serves as a dedicated board member of the Midnight Hope Foundation, bringing over a decade of experience in the construction and restoration industry. Raised in Waco, Texas, Barney has spent his career helping individuals and families recover from crisis—restoring not just structures, but lives, communities, and hope. His deep passion for serving others during their most vulnerable moments is at the heart of his work with the Foundation. He is honored to support an organization committed to standing with people when they need it most.
Outside of his professional life, Barney is a proud husband and father to three energetic boys.
Bubba Badgett is passionate about serving families during some of life’s darkest moments, which is what drew him to the Midnight Hope Foundation. Inspired by the founders’ willingness to step in and meet a critical need, Bubba believes Midnight Hope offers families a glimpse of light and hope when they need it most.Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Bubba has a heart for community involvement and youth mentorship, having served on Young Life committees and volunteered as a Young Life leader. Professionally, he has worked in industrial distribution for more than 10 years and currently serves as Technology and Innovation Manager at Puget Sound Pipe.Bubba and his wife, Katie, have been married since 2014 and are raising their three young children — Coy, Ro, and Mary Nell — in the Woodway area. As a family, they love spending time outdoors and exploring all that Texas has to offer.
Hyla Ruiz is passionate about making a difference in the Waco community and helping families when they are most vulnerable. She was drawn to the Midnight Hope Foundation because of its commitment to providing support and hope to those facing difficult circumstances, and she is excited to be part of an organization that is already impacting so many lives — with even more families to serve in the future.
With a professional background in banking, real estate, and property management, Hyla brings a strong foundation of service, relationship-building, and community involvement to the Foundation. Her experience working closely with people from all walks of life has fueled her passion for helping others and meeting needs wherever she can.
Hyla is grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside the Midnight Hope Foundation team and looks forward to helping bring comfort, care, and hope to families throughout the Waco area when they need it most.
Taylor’s passion for giving back was ignited early. She began volunteering in high school and carried that commitment through college, driven by a belief that community service is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. After a season focused on building her career and family, that calling never faded. She knew it was time to step back into service, and Midnight Hope Foundation offered the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Taylor is proud to be part of an organization that so genuinely embodies what a local nonprofit should stand for. One that shows up for its community with heart, purpose, and action. Being a part of Midnight Hope Foundation fills her with joy and reaffirms her belief in the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
Outside of her work with the Foundation, Taylor is a proud Baylor Alumni alongside her husband, Austin, to whom she has been happily married for 15 years. Together, they are raising two children — a 9-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter — and are deeply rooted in the Waco community they love.
Karine Young is honored to serve on the board of the Midnight Hope Foundation, where she is passionate about supporting families during some of life’s most difficult moments. She was drawn to the Foundation’s mission because of its ability to provide immediate, compassionate care to families after a house fire — offering essentials, relief, and a small sense of normalcy when it’s needed most. Helping bring comfort and hope to others during times of crisis is deeply meaningful to her.
With more than 25 years of experience in hospitality, Karine has dedicated her career to serving people and creating memorable experiences. She began working in hospitality at just 15 years old in kids’ activities and has since built a diverse career across hotel operations, condo rentals, resorts, and timeshare management throughout Florida. Today, she serves as the Director of Rooms for AC Hotels in Waco. Karine believes hospitality is about bringing positive energy to every interaction and making each guest or colleague feel valued and cared for.
After relocating from Panama City Beach nearly two years ago, Karine quickly fell in love with the strong sense of community in Waco. Together with her husband, a proud Waco native, she is grateful to be building a life rooted in service, connection, and community involvement. They are also proud parents to a daughter who has already discovered her love for horses and riding, making Waco truly feel like home for their family.
Courtney’s connection to the Midnight Hope Foundation began as a hotel partner, where she witnessed firsthand the real impact the organization was making in the community. When Dakota called and asked if she would consider joining the board, it was an easy yes. She had already seen the Foundation’s heart for people, and joining was simply a chance to serve even more deeply and help expand its reach.
Courtney brings over 15 years of experience in hospitality management, with a career built on leading teams, building relationships, and serving others. She currently serves as a General Manager in the hospitality industry, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Lacy Lakeview Police Department, and President of the Greater Lacy Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. Through these roles, she has developed experience in community outreach, grant writing, nonprofit fundraising, and building partnerships between businesses, nonprofits, and local organizations.
At the core of everything Courtney does is a belief that strong communities are built through collaboration, compassion, and people willing to step up and serve. She is passionate about creating meaningful connections and finding ways to make a lasting, positive difference. She is grateful to work alongside a team that shares that same commitment to helping the community grow and thrive.
All donations are tax-deductible. (EIN #33-1278488)
Website Donated by: Digital Media Butterfly
Co-Founder / VP
Having lived through the natural disaster of a house fire caused by a lightning strike, Joe understands firsthand the feeling of fear, confusion, and loss. That experience shaped his perspective and fuels his passion for supporting families facing similar situations. He cannot think of a better way to support local families in navigating that than by giving back through the Midnight Hope Foundation and standing beside local families during their most difficult moments to help guide them toward hope, healing, and stability.
Co-Founder / Secretary
Barney Owen serves as a dedicated board member of the Midnight Hope Foundation, bringing over a decade of experience in the construction and restoration industry. Raised in Waco, Texas, Barney has spent his career helping individuals and families recover from crisis—restoring not just structures, but lives, communities, and hope. His deep passion for serving others during their most vulnerable moments is at the heart of his work with the Foundation. He is honored to support an organization committed to standing with people when they need it most.
Outside of his professional life, Barney is a proud husband and father to three energetic boys.
Co-Founder / President
After witnessing the emotional and financial strain that disasters cause local families, leaving them without the comfort of their home, or any guidance on what’s to come, Dakota knew there was so much more we could do as a community. With his experiences, relationships, & local resources, he realized he can serve as the guiding light from disaster to recovery.
He brings that passion and purpose to his role with the Midnight Hope Foundation, where he believes that, with the right team and local support, we can make a meaningful difference for families navigating uncertainty and loss.
In his professional career, Dakota handles business development for Belfor Property Restoration and serves as the Director of Emergency Services for 1-800BoardUp of Waco. He also sits on the board for the Waco Professional Firefighter’s Benefit Association & the Heart of Texas Apartment Association.
Dakota and his wife, BreAnne, are proud parents to two daughters, Brinley and Ellie. Whether at home or in the field, Dakota’s mission remains the same: to serve others with compassion, leadership, and unwavering hope.
Co-founder / Treasurer
With over a decade of experience in the fire and life safety industry, Paul has seen the aftermath of devastating events—the heartbreak, the confusion, and the sense of loss that follows. After personally witnessing the devastation of a close friend losing their home to a fire, there was a deep spark—a calling to do more. From that moment, the Midnight Hope Foundation was born.
Paul has been a Waco resident for over 20 years. While attending Baylor University, he built strong relationships and quickly fell in love with the close-knit community and culture of Waco. After graduating, he poured his energy into serving local organizations, living out his belief that God placed him here with a purpose—to make a difference.
Paul continues his work in fire and life safety, a field he’s passionate about because of its potential to save lives and provide peace of mind. He also serves on the Board of Directors for both the Heart of Texas Apartment Association and the Heart of Texas Builders Association, and proudly Co-Chairs Love To The Rescue, benefiting Shriners Children’s Texas.
When he’s not working or volunteering, Paul enjoys spending time with family and friends—hunting, golfing, or working on the land. He is a dedicated member of First Baptist Woodway, where his faith continues to be the foundation of everything he does.
Through the Midnight Hope Foundation, Paul is committed to walking alongside those affected by tragedy, offering tangible support and a reminder that hope is never out of reach.