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For 37 years, the CEC has been a trusted partner in serving Tarrant County’s low-income neighbors. Our work continues to grow as we provide vital services such as access to nutritious food through our pantry, stable and affordable housing opportunities, and dedicated support for seniors. These Christ-centered resources allow the CEC team to restore hope, meet basic needs, and walk alongside individuals and families as they build a more secure and hopeful future.
Jeff Campbell - Chair
The CEC began in a closet at Richland Hills Church of Christ in 1975. It didn’t take long to figure out that more was needed to help families struggling to survive in Northeast Tarrant County.
Our Food Pantry moved to the current CEC office building in 1986 and with 3000 SF, change began to happen. Community Enrichment Center, Inc. was formed as a separate 501 ( c ) (3) in 1988, about the same time as Open Arms Home, Inc which was formed across town to support families fleeing domestic Violence.
In 1990, CEC began the Adopt-a-Family Program for homeless families by leasing HUD foreclosed homes for $1 a year. Three years later, HUD provided the CEC a transitional homeless family demonstration grant that allowed the program to flourish.
In 2006 Open Arms Home merged into the CEC bringing better resources and services for victims fleeing domestic violence. The property used by Open Arms prior to the merger was sold allowing the CEC to add an apartment community to their portfolio.
Between 2010 and 2017, the CEC focused on providing resources, training & opportunities that help improve earning capability, teach financial strategies, and help restore hope for a future of independence and stability to participants. The Sharon Washburn Center for Hope was built to support the domestic violence program and provide a gathering place for all programing and community engagement with participants. The CEC also received a larger freezer and cooler allowing for healthier food options in the food pantry.
In 2017, the CEC adopted The Working Family Success method of service delivery that is proven to increase success through one to one coaching. This approach is currently applied to all areas of service at the CEC including financial & employment coaching along with education services. Over two years, the CEC strategically sold homes located outside the general area of the CEC offices and purchased 50 condominiums in Hurst to bring our families closer to services and the pantry. This also streamlined maintenance and upkeep of the properties owned by the CEC, improving efficiency.
We continue to serve our community and those in need.
Our Vision: Families are at home under God’s provision.
Our Mission: Transforming lives by restoring hope.
What began as a small food pantry in the late 1970s has grown into a multi-service resource for struggling families, empowering people and providing hope for a bright future.
Food Pantry Hours:
Monday – Friday 9am to 1pm
Tuesday Evenings – 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Administrative Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
