Fort Worth – The Center for Transforming Lives (CTL) received the National Women’s Shelter Network’s Program of the Year award for its Riverside Campus, a state‑of‑the‑art, trauma‑informed facility that serves women and children facing severe life challenges.

National recognition for a local model

At the NWSN annual conference, judges highlighted the Riverside Campus as a national model for how thoughtful architecture can foster dignity, safety and hope. Designed by Bennett Partners, the building incorporates healing principles such as natural light, soothing colors, biophilic elements and acoustic panels that research shows reduce anxiety and depression.

Features that support families

Since moving into the renovated 1950s‑era former Montgomery Ward store in May 2025, CTL has increased its service capacity by 30 %. The 14‑acre campus includes:

• A flagship Early Childhood Education Center with a healing playground and outdoor learning area.
• Riverside Coworking, an economic‑mobility hub offering desks, a commercial kitchen, makerspace and content‑creation studios.
• Mobile health rooms where partner agencies provide medical care.
• A drop‑in child‑care center, clinical counseling wing, housing services and a donation‑distribution center.
• Training and development rooms available for rent to community groups.

President and CEO Carol Klocek explained, “Our bodies have an immediate response to physical spaces, so we created an environment that focuses on beauty, community and felt safety.” She added that the campus has already begun to transform lives throughout North Texas.

Trauma‑informed design at work

The renovation preserved existing trees and added a meditation garden that brings the outdoors inside. Inside, peaceful colors, noise‑suppression measures and sensory‑friendly furnishings create a calming atmosphere for residents and staff alike. The design philosophy follows universal design standards, ensuring the space is welcoming and accessible to all.

Looking ahead

Future plans call for the remaining grounds to be landscaped into an urban park in partnership with Studio Outside, further expanding green space for the community. The award underscores CTL’s commitment to providing a safe, faith‑affirming environment where families can heal and thrive.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.