Center for Transforming Lives, one of the longest-serving poverty-reduction agencies in Fort Worth, today announces the launch of a capital campaign – Changing the Landscape – to grow its abilities to serve Tarrant County women and children. Funds raised through this effort will support the construction of, and move to, a larger, more accessible headquarters in southeast Fort Worth in order to help the greater community.
Together with employees, supporters and friends, Center for Transforming Lives Board President Scott Lydick and Chief Executive Officer Carol Klocek will host a groundbreaking today, Monday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m., at the future site of Center for Transforming Lives’ Riverside Campus: 3001 S. Riverside Drive in Fort Worth. Dignitaries from Fort Worth and Tarrant County will deliver remarks, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Fort Worth City Councilman Chris Nettles (District 8) and Tarrant County Commissioner Roy C. Brooks (Precinct 1).
Center for Transforming Lives focuses its services on mothers with young children, fueled by the fact that one-third of Tarrant County’s single mothers with a child under the age of five are living in poverty. The Center’s programs are extensive, specifically trauma-informed and two-generational, incorporating research-based best practices for long-term success. Integrated services provided by Center for Transforming Lives include housing stability, early childhood education and clinical counseling.
“Our services are designed to remove any barriers to success for women with young children who are experiencing poverty,” said Carol Klocek, Center for Transforming Lives CEO. “This includes financial, social and emotional success, as well as success in the relationship mothers have with their children. When women do not receive this support, the reality can be generations of children who never reach their potential,” added Klocek.
Center for Transforming Lives is built on a history of more than 115 years of working with women and children in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Each year, over 3,000 individuals and more than 1,000 families engage with services, leading to positive transformations. Last year, 98% of families remained housed after working through the program, 94% of children who attended the center’s programs were ready for school and 93% of children and adults reported reduced trauma symptoms.
The organization’s new Riverside Campus will be constructed from a repurposed Montgomery Ward building on a 14-acre site at the intersection of South Riverside Drive and East Berry Street, near the Morningside and Glen Crest neighborhoods. The 1950s-era, all-concrete structure will be renovated to include architectural designs that soothe those who have experienced various forms of trauma. The open land will also incorporate an urban park setting, allowing children, parents and staff to derive the mental and physical health benefits of being outdoors. The future campus is located next to a bus stop and a four-line bus transfer station for accessibility.
Riverside Campus is expected to be completed and open for service in November 2024. For more information about the Changing the Landscape campaign, visit https://transforminglives.org/Riverside-Campus.
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