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Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County (CISGTC) marked a milestone Wednesday with the official opening of its Center for Student Support, almost exactly one year after breaking ground on the project.
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Lindsey Garner, left, and Mayor Mattie Parker
The new facility, located in Westworth Village at 6660 Hawks Creek Ave., expands the organization’s ability to meet the needs of students and families across the region.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, local leaders, educational partners, city officials — including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker — CISGTC staff, social workers, and students gathered to celebrate the opening.
“We are absolutely thrilled this day has come,” said Lindsey Garner, president and CEO. “This new center makes services more accessible than ever, and we believe this convenience and our specialized support will be instrumental in achieving our growth and reaching more students and their families.”
The Center is designed as more than just office space. It includes a dedicated mental health counseling center open after school hours and on weekends, as well as new space for training and enrichment. In partnership with Texas Health Community Hope, the Center will also operate a fresh food pantry for families facing food insecurity. Other resources include Clifton’s Closet, a clothing room stocked for pre-K through 12th grade students, and the Atmos Energy Supply Station, which provides school supplies for CIS students.
A new partnership with Tarleton State University will add further impact. Through the Purple Counseling & Wellness Clinic, Tarleton students in master’s and doctoral programs will train at the center as future social workers.
Founded in 1992, CISGTC has grown from serving 200 students in two Fort Worth schools to managing more than 6,000 students across 80 schools in 11 districts.