AMARILLO, Texas – Buckner leaders and the Amarillo community celebrated the grand opening of the Bruce Ford Transition Center with a ribbon cutting and ceremony on Nov. 21. The center will provide a continuum of support for youth aging out of foster care as they strive to successfully establish their independence.

Mayor Paul Harpole kicked off the event with an opening statement followed by a brief testimony from a local youth who is aging out of foster care and will be served at the center. The Amarillo community was invited to tour the facility following the ribbon cutting.

“It is our hope that through community collaboration and support we can come together and help our young adults become responsible and productive members of the Amarillo community,” said Terry Thomas, Bruce Ford Transition Center program director. “We are thrilled to have our community’s backing as multiple agencies and individuals unite services under one roof for the purpose of mentoring these youth during this critical time as they transition into adulthood.”

The Bruce Ford Transition Center seeks to maintain relationships while providing a one-stop shop for teenagers and young adults aging out of the foster care system. The center provides access to services including tutoring, GED preparation and aid with technical schools and colleges. It also helps youth find employment, financial assistance, case management, counseling and mentor connections.

Buckner has been dedicated to providing services that help strengthen at-risk children and families in Amarillo since 1985. In addition to the Bruce Ford Transition Center, Buckner also provides foster care and adoption services and helps single parents and their children through Buckner Family Place, a transitional housing program that provides safe, affordable housing for parents while enrolled in an educational or vocational program.