Local Good Center

Local Good Center (LGC) is a Plano-based nonprofit on a mission to create lasting good by providing opportunities for personal and community-wide transformation. LGC addresses the community’s complex challenges with creative, holistic solutions by focusing on four key pillars – education, advocacy, wellness, and job readiness.

LGC’s Education program targets community transformation through free and low-cost programs for immigrant and underserved individuals. English and citizenship test preparedness classes are offered year-round. Since its creation, hundreds of students have gained new skills and confidence and made friends from all over the world. What started as a small group of volunteers and students quickly turned into the most popular program at LGC.

LGC’s Advocacy program serves to strengthen unheard and overlooked groups within North Texas. One of these groups is the foster care community. LGC organizes regular respite nights and connection events for active foster/adopt families, hosts foster care open houses for the community to learn more, and partners with multiple agencies for referrals and resources. LGC also works to combat the mental health crisis experienced by millions of Americans by organizing expert workshops and providing affordable counseling options to clients.

LGC’s Job Readiness program helps participants prepare for meaningful employment. LGC offers free training on workplace software programs, as well as workshops on interview techniques, resume writing, and more. Additionally, LGC leverages its relationship with local businesses to connect clients to hiring managers. 

LGC’s Wellness program brings targeted, preventative care and education to the community, focusing on nutrition, access to healthy food and fitness, and health education. LGC boasts a demonstration kitchen to accommodate cooking classes and offers one of the area’s only fresh food banks for access to refrigerated, healthy grocery options to their program participants. LGC also hosts health fairs where attendees receive preventative screenings and free vaccinations. 

The Center partners with regional nonprofits, surrounding school districts and local cities to identify and help meet community needs. Founded as the Chase Oaks Family Center in 2014, community transformation has always been at the forefront. In 2021, the Center opened its doors to a new, larger location and officially became known as the Local Good Center.

LGC is run by an all-women team and is supported by individual and corporate donors, as well as a dedicated group of volunteers and community partners. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved - those interested can volunteer time, provide in-kind donations, or make a financial gift at localgoodcenter.org/take-action