The start of the new year brings fresh opportunities and a reinvigorated commitment to building community connections, a mission that Metrocrest Services continues to champion, thanks in no small part to the dedicated efforts of staff members like Hayden Austin, Director of Community Partnerships.

Austin, with a background in fostering connections at the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, brings a wealth of experience to his role. “I’ve always had a special place in my heart for those in need,” he shares. “In my role at Metrocrest Services, I get the best of both worlds—helping people in need improve their lives and building community connections.”

Last year, Metrocrest Services achieved a significant milestone with the completion and opening of a new home. Nestled in the heart of the community, this facility ensures easier access to various programs for clients and opens avenues to bring additional services directly to the community.

“Our goal is to host a variety of complementary service partners in the building each week,” Austin explains. Complementary partners offer services not already provided by Metrocrest Services but are often integral to the clients’ path to self-sufficiency.

Kicking off the new year on a high note, Metrocrest Services has forged a partnership with Metrocare to provide mental health services twice a week. Additionally, the North Texas Food Bank is on-site every weekday, assisting with benefits enrollment.

“Having complementary partners in our facility breaks down barriers that often deter people from accessing support services,” Austin notes. “By offering programs from various organizations in one place, Metrocrest residents no longer have to travel long distances to access care; they can do it right here.”

Looking ahead, Austin’s focus includes collaborating with a local nonprofit organization to introduce parenting classes for parents of children aged 0 to 5. “We plan to begin these classes sometime this spring,” he shares. “Following this partnership, our next focus will be finding an agency who can offer legal aid to our neighbors in need.”

As Metrocrest Services continues to broaden its network of complementary partners, Austin remains committed to ensuring that selected partners align with the agency’s mission and core values. “As we expand our reach, we want to continue being the best at what we do, just as we’ve done for decades,” he states. “I approach these new opportunities with a focus on discerning what we can do now and what we might consider down the road.”