On Thursday, August  17, Metrocrest Services held its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. A steady stream of excited supporters came together to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for the organization.

Metrocrest, which provides hope through programs that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence for low-income individuals, families, and seniors in Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell, and Dallas in Denton County, conducted a successful capital campaign to realize a 20-year-old dream of having a new facility.

In opening remarks, CEO Tracy Eubanks said, “We formed a Facility Taskforce 20 years ago and dreamed of having a beautiful new facility in this exact spot. The timing wasn’t right until about five years ago when we decided to move forward and hold a capital campaign.”

The “Building our Future Campaign” was kicked off in February 2020, shortly after the pandemic hit. Metrocrest experienced an unprecedented demand for services and served 28,000 neighbors in 2020, more than double the number for 2019. The capital campaign was postponed as the Metrocrest team sought funding to meet the new demand, but resumed in August 2020. “The struggle solidified our need for a new building,” said Eubanks.

“When the pandemic began, we had to find new ways of serving our neighbors. We adjusted our service delivery so nobody went hungry, and our other services continued. The organization didn’t miss a beat during one of the most tumultuous times, certainly in our lifetime and maybe forever.”

“Since moving to this new location earlier this summer, 17% of the people who walked through these doors are brand new, that have never been seen by this organization before,” shared Chief Programs Officer Bev Grimley. “In addition to the fact that we’re all enjoying this great place, we’re able to help people that maybe weren’t able to get to the old facility.”

Coppell City Mayor Wes Mayes was among several city officials at the grand opening and explained that they provide funding to the organization. “We like their setup,” he said, “because it promotes self-sufficiency. We feel that working with Metrocrest is a good investment.”

“I was here for the original groundbreaking, and we heard the vision,” Mayes explained. Watching the construction, coming here today, taking the tour– this is a phenomenal site that will enable Metrocrest to move to the next level.”

Mayes said he expects the number of people utilizing services to continue to grow because the building itself is very visible, welcoming, and in an epicenter of need in our community.”

Alex Sagcal, Employee and Public Relations Manager for Sam Pack Five Star Ford- Carrollton, said his workplace is involved with Metrocrest via support and through participating in some of its programs, like the Workforce Development Program.

“This means the world to my neighbors,” said Sagcal, “because I live less than a mile from here. I’m surrounded by folks who don’t live in the spotlight; they don’t live on the normal registers, yet they have a place to go. The bottom line is it’s a place that understands and has compassion and knows how to help people.”

Shelley Raiford, Chair-Elect of Metrocrest Services Board of Directors, said, “With new growth comes new costs, including hiring individuals to help lead the new programs and services such as the teaching kitchen, the teaching garden, and educational classes. In addition, there will be more operational costs, like janitorial work and lawn care.”

A strategic plan, Metrocrest 2030, was given at this year’s stakeholder breakfast, according to Shelley. She said it emphasizes the importance of services that improve the chances for self-sufficiency.

“Metrocrest provides assistance with food, housing, employment services, and so much more,” she said. “However, you must know that there are other factors that impact an individual’s ability to be self-sufficient. Many of those are related to health care and education. To that end, the new facility has space for complementary community partner organizations. So, while people can come to get food for their families, meet with employment coaches, and more, they will also have easy access to other services they need. We can continue to end the cycle of generational poverty that so many of our neighbors and people in our community are faced with every day,”

The new facility is 48,000 square feet. Eubanks said, “We think we’ve built something special. We know it’s more than just a building. It’s not just four walls; it is a community space that can be used for a variety of things, where we want to make sure we’re delivering our services with dignity and respect. Where our neighbors can maybe rekindle their dreams, [and] where the path to self-sufficiency and independence can begin.”

After the remarks, all in attendance stood outside holding the largest red ribbon in agency history, popping streamers and dancing as the ribbon was cut and the building officially declared open.

Explore the facility and relive the Grand Opening Ceremony by watching the video below.

A special thank you to our Grand Opening Event sponsors: