A new $5.5 million Center for Student Support has opened in Westworth Village, Texas, aiming to enhance educational resources for students across eleven school districts in North Texas. The facility, operated by Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County, provides essential services such as counseling, food assistance, and school supplies, with the goal of supporting students and their families in overcoming obstacles to education.
Empowering Students for Future Success
Among those benefitting from the program is Ja’Cyriah Lacy, a junior at Lake Worth High School. Initially focused on basketball, Ja’Cyriah has broadened her aspirations after discussions with her social worker, now considering a future in sports medicine or sports photography. “At first it was all about basketball, but my social worker asked, ‘What are you going to do?’” she said, highlighting the transformative impact of the program.
The Center for Student Support is designed to serve nearly 6,000 students annually. It features four therapy rooms for counseling sessions, a food pantry in collaboration with Texas Health Community Hope, and a clothing closet stocked with essential items for students. This permanent facility marks a significant upgrade from the temporary locations previously utilized by the organization.
“Now all I have to do is ask my supervisor or a person that’s here for whatever resource I need, and I can usually get that answer within a day or two,” said Desiree Smith, a social worker embedded in local schools. This increased accessibility promises to improve the efficiency of services provided to students.
Community Support and Future Partnerships
The project, which has been in development for three years, was made possible through $33.5 million in funding secured from the Texas Legislature in 2022, alongside support from private donations. Lindsey Garner, CEO of Communities In Schools, expressed gratitude for the strong community backing as they finalized the project. “Every kid needs a champion,” said Matt Dufrene, campaign chair and vice president at Texas Health Resources, emphasizing the necessity of providing stability, healthy food, and emotional support for students.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 25, 2025, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker underscored the importance of focusing on educational success. “Let’s focus on the kids. What does it take to make sure their classroom, their school, their district is successful?” she remarked, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the community to foster a conducive learning environment.
The Center also plans to establish partnerships with local universities for training programs, such as one with Tarleton State University that will introduce graduate students to hands-on counseling experience within the center. This initiative aims to expand the availability of mental health professionals for families in need.
Garner has already noted the immediate impact of the center, stating that the food pantry has been restocked multiple times since opening. The long-term vision includes creating a collaborative space where social workers and community partners can host leadership events and develop future counselors, ultimately expanding the support network available to students.
The opening of the Center for Student Support represents a significant step forward in addressing the comprehensive needs of students in North Texas, ensuring that they receive the necessary resources to succeed both academically and personally.
