New $5.5 Million Center Enhances Student Support in North Texas

A new $5.5 million facility aimed at bolstering student support services has opened in Westworth Village, Texas. The Center for Student Support, established by Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County, is set to provide crucial resources such as counseling, food, clothing, and training to thousands of students and families across 11 school districts in the region.

One student, Ja’Cyriah Lacy, a junior at Lake Worth High School, exemplifies the impact of this initiative. Initially focused solely on her passion for basketball, Lacy has expanded her aspirations to include studying sports medicine or sports photography, thanks to encouragement from her social worker. This shift highlights the mission of Communities In Schools: to help students look beyond their immediate challenges and envision a broader future.

Significance of the New Center

Communities In Schools, or CIS, operates as a dropout prevention program partially funded by the Texas Legislature and managed by the Texas Education Agency. The program encompasses 27 initiatives statewide, including CIS of Greater Tarrant County, which received $33.5 million in funding in 2022. The new center, three years in development, serves as a permanent hub for the organization, allowing them to transition from smaller, temporary spaces to a dedicated facility.

The center is strategically located off Westworth Boulevard and features four therapy rooms designated for after-hours and weekend counseling. Additionally, it includes a food pantry in partnership with Texas Health Community Hope, a closet stocked with essential clothing, and a supply station filled with school supplies. This setup aims to enable social workers to respond more effectively to students’ needs and forge new partnerships with health providers and educational institutions.

At the opening ceremony on September 25, 2025, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker emphasized the importance of prioritizing education and ensuring that students have the resources necessary for success. “Let’s focus on the kids,” she stated, highlighting the critical nature of educational support in the community.

Immediate and Long-Term Benefits

Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County serves nearly 6,000 students each year through licensed social workers placed directly in schools. The new facility is expected to enhance service delivery, allowing for quicker access to essential resources. Social worker Desiree Smith noted that the proximity of the new center means that assistance can often be provided within one to two days.

Funding for the project was completed with the help of dedicated supporters, as described by CEO Lindsey Garner. Campaign chair Matt Dufrene, vice president at Texas Health Resources, expressed the community’s commitment to supporting students, stating, “Every kid needs a champion.” The center aims to provide stability, healthy food, and a listening ear to those in need.

For Lacy, the center represents a safe space, empowering her to think beyond her immediate circumstances. “At first it was all about basketball, but my social worker asked, ‘What are you going to do?’” she shared, noting her aspiration to attend Baylor University, the University of North Texas, or the University of North Carolina.

Looking ahead, the center also plans to establish collaborative partnerships, such as a counseling training program with Tarleton State University. This initiative will involve graduate students gaining practical experience while increasing the availability of counseling services for families.

Garner has already observed the immediate effects of the center, with the food pantry being restocked multiple times since its opening. She envisions the facility as a platform for collaboration among social workers and community partners, fostering student leadership events and expanding the future pipeline of counselors. “I think the possibilities are endless,” she noted, reflecting on the center’s potential to reshape support for students in North Texas.