In response to growing economic challenges and the urgent need for employment solutions, Presbyterian Night Shelter is launching The Greater Good Collective — a bold new social enterprise designed to provide jobs, skills, and community for individuals with barriers to employment. The venture, made possible by the donation of a commercial property near Cherry Lane and I-30, will expand the organization’s UpSpire social enterprise model into West Fort Worth.
“This incredibly generous donation presents us with an extraordinary opportunity — not only to expand our UpSpire workforce and create new jobs and training pathways, but also to deepen our commitment to helping individuals build stability, earn income, and reclaim their futures through purpose-driven employment,” said Toby Owen, Chief Executive Officer of Presbyterian Night Shelter. “The Greater Good Collective will prioritize employment for populations who often face barriers to full-time work — especially women and mothers — and will offer wraparound supports like workforce coaching, flexible scheduling, and trauma-informed practices.”
The Greater Good Collective builds on the success of existing UpSpire enterprises, including WOODWORKS by UpSpire, a carpentry and furniture-making initiative that has demonstrated the transformative power of hands-on, skills-based employment. The Collective will host two new mission-aligned UpSpire businesses: a handyman service and a junk removal service. Both will provide entry-level trade work, practical job training, and team-based employment opportunities, while also advancing sustainability through the reuse and diversion of materials.
In addition, the Collective will feature several community-facing microbusinesses that combine workforce development with sustainable, revenue-generating services: Two of them include Greater Give, a donation intake and sorting center, and Greater Grab, a curated thrift store. The Greater Good Collective will include other workforce development opportunities in the very near future.
“The Greater Good Collective marks a significant step forward in Fort Worth’s efforts to break down employment barriers and address homelessness,” said Councilman Michael D. Crain. “This is exactly the kind of investment West Fort Worth needs—one that revitalizes spaces, creates jobs, and tackles disparities in neighborhoods like Las Vegas Trail, all while strengthening our local economy and uplifting families.”
The Collective will build on UpSpire’s proven model by offering inclusive employment, practical training, and supportive scheduling — equipping individuals with the skills and stability needed to thrive long term.
Renovation of the space is set to begin in late 2025, following successful fundraising efforts to support the project’s launch. The Greater Good Collective’s community-facing businesses are expected to launch in phases beginning in 2026.
For more information about The Greater Good Collective please contact:
Brenda Rios, CFRE
Chief Philanthropy Officer, Presbyterian Night Shelter
brendarios@journeyhome.org
817.632.7414 – office
