Center for Transforming Lives provides pathway out of poverty

Did you know? One-third of single mothers with a child under age 5 are living in poverty in Tarrant County; and in some ZIP codes, as many as 72%.

One local organization is on a mission to help these mothers find a path to financial stability by giving them the support needed for employment and education opportunities that could increase their incomes.

As one of the community’s largest family safety nets, Center for Transforming Lives meets the needs of 3,000 women and children annually.

In its current location in downtown Fort Worth, the agency cannot expand to meet growing community needs. The new Riverside Campus answers this need by providing a comprehensive “one-stop shop” for these families , offering hope, healing, and a pathway out of poverty.

With its new campus, set to open later this year, the organization will significantly increase its impact and help even more Tarrant County families thrive.

Expanded services

Located in Southeast Fort Worth, in a traditionally underserved area, the new campus is easily accessible by bus and designed with mothers and children in mind.

For the first time, the agency can offer a mother and her children all the services they need in one location. The Riverside Campus expands access to:

• High-quality early childhood education
• Therapy for both mothers + children
• Housing supports
• An entire hub of economic opportunity services (including a makerspace, commercial kitchen + business incubators that support mothers seeking primary or secondary sources of family income)

Lack of childcare is one of the most common barriers women face when trying to escape poverty and homelessness, so the new campus will also provide easily accessible drop-in care for parents who are on-site.

Under construction

The campus is currently undergoing a transformation of its own. Construction is progressing rapidly on the 1950s-era, all-concrete building that has sat vacant since the 90s.

What was once a dark box is slowly transforming into a beautiful, light-filled space thanks to several additional windows, an open-concept design, and an interior meditation garden.

Thoughtful details

Because the agency serves mothers and children with high rates of trauma and abuse, the priority is creating a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of safety and belonging. The unique architecture incorporates healing design principles inside and out.

The interior includes peaceful colors, natural light, integration of nature, and noise control, all of which have been shown to lessen anxiety + depression and support a process of repair and recovery.

Urban park setting

Situated on approximately 14 acres of land, the new campus will be landscaped into an urban park setting. The design will allow mothers + children to enjoy the outdoors, reaping the mental and physical health benefits of a natural setting.

A large playground and outdoor learning area will allow teachers in the flagship Early Childhood Development Center to deliver lessons outdoors, encouraging children to connect with nature, utilize all five senses, and improve physical fitness.

The new campus is expected to open by the end of the year, allowing Center for Transforming Lives to continue expanding its critical work disrupting the cycle of poverty and children in Tarrant County — and ensuring the health and vibrancy of our community for generations to come.

See how you can support the important work they do by volunteering or giving .

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