Needy clients can pick up groceries from a food pantry.

Down the hall, people can stop by a class on parenting, nutrition or home management. Nearby, career counselors will be on hand to help guide people through job interviewing, resume writing and networking.

The newly unveiled Compassion Center at the Church on Rush Creek will seek to help hundreds of needy Arlington residents with budget management, English as Second Language instruction, clothing for job interviews, after-school tutoring for elementary-aged students, job fairs and more.

On Sunday, church members and city leaders gathered for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and open house of the 2,200 square foot facility in south Arlington.

"Some people are at the point where they don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. They can't find a job. They're worried about putting food on the table," said Jessica Walley, director of the center. "We want to help them find the light."

Led by Pastor Russ Barksdale, church leaders have long dreamed of opening the Compassion Center, and for several years, even operated a food pantry out of a church hallway.

To develop its own program, the church turned to Mission Arlington, Wesley Mission Center in Mansfield and other area service organizations for guidance.

The new center, funded by member donations, will bring many of the church's outreach efforts under one roof and allow it also to expand its reach, Walley said.

Mayor Robert Cluck, who attended Sunday's church service and ribbon cutting, said the city is 100-percent behind the church's efforts.

"The City of Arlington is committed to helping the downtrodden," Cluck told attendees. "Count on the city. We will be there."

In coming months and years, the center is likely to expand or adapt based on need, community pastor Brian McFadden said.

"This is just the beginning," McFadden said. "I look forward to what God will do beyond this."

The Compassion Center will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. To donate, volunteer or seek assistance, call 817-468-7729 or email [email protected].