“Faith That Works:” How a Historic Fort Worth Church Is Leading a Workforce Revival in Morningside.

COVER STORY

“Faith That Works:” How a Historic Fort Worth Church Is Leading a Workforce Revival in Morningside.

Special to Black Texans

In the heart of Fort Worth’s Morningside neighborhood, where life expectancy is the lowest in Texas and economic opportunity is often in short supply, a bold new movement is rising—powered by faith, fueled by purpose, and focused on people.

Welcome to Skills City, USA, a dynamic workforce development hub based at New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in the historic 76104 ZIP code. Under the leadership of Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr., the church has become much more than a house of worship—it’s now a launchpad for economic justice and community transformation.

This summer, New Mount Rose made headlines by becoming an official host site for the Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County’s Community Work Experience Program (CWEP)—a milestone that marks a new era in faith-driven economic empowerment.

“We’re Not Just Saving Souls—We’re Building Lives.”

For Pastor Tatum, the decision to bring CWEP to New Mount Rose was not just practical. It was prophetic.

“Jesus didn’t just preach in the temple—He walked among the people. He met them where they were. That’s what we’re doing through Skills City,” said Tatum. “We are rebuilding character, restoring work ethic, and reviving hope.”

CWEP participants—many of whom are unemployed, underemployed, or returning citizens—now report daily to the church campus where they gain hands-on experience, soft skills, and spiritual encouragement. From administrative support to job training in construction, culinary arts, media, and entrepreneurship, these workers aren’t just filling roles—they’re rediscovering their purpose.

The Church as a Job Site

The partnership with Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County has positioned New Mount Rose as a faith-based workforce engine—circulating local resources, creating a talent pipeline, and turning ministry into manpower.

“We see every person who walks through these doors not as a project, but as a person with divine potential,” said Tatum. “CWEP helps us activate that potential.”

In a neighborhood where opportunity has historically been limited, Skills City is challenging the status quo with a scalable, replicable model—designed to bring jobs, dignity, and direction back to forgotten communities. From HoodBuild U (a construction-skills training lab) to Sinsational Cupcakes (a youth-led food entrepreneurship initiative), Skills City isn’t just offering jobs. It’s offering legacy pathways.

Faith, Partnerships, and Public Power

The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. City leaders, state officials, and nonprofit executives are looking to 76104 as a test case for how churches can become incubators for civic renewal. Through CWEP, New Mount Rose is also attracting increased visibility, funding opportunities, and partnerships.

“This is what it looks like when the church becomes the change agent,” said one local workforce official. “Not just preaching work ethic—but practicing it.”

From the Pulpit to the Pavement

The beauty of Skills City lies in its balance of theology and technology, faith and function. It proves that churches are still uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the people—when they step beyond the sanctuary.

And the numbers are growing. Dozens of CWEP participants are already enrolled. Plans are underway to replicate the model across 100 church campuses statewide, creating a Skills City Network that could revolutionize how Texas fights poverty, prepares workers, and empowers faith communities.

A New Legacy in 76104

In the shadows of historic inequity, New Mount Rose is planting seeds of hope—and proving that God’s house can also be a job house.

Pastor Tatum calls it a return to purpose.

“We’re not waiting on revival. We are the revival. And it starts with faith, a blueprint, and a workforce willing to work.”

Fast Facts: Skills City, USA at New Mount Rose

• Location: 2864 Mississippi Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104

• Partner: Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (CWEP)

• Training Areas: Construction, Food Entrepreneurship, Film Production, Life Skills

• Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 10AM–2PM

• Motto: “You Bring the Will. We Build the Skill.”

Why It Matters

Benefit Area Impact

Mission Ministry in motion through economic justice

Economic Local job creation and small business growth

Educational Practical job readiness and soft skills

Operational Added staff support at no added cost

Strategic Model for churches statewide

Transformational Restoring hope and dignity in underserved communities

Final Word

Skills City, USA is more than a workforce program—it’s a faith-fueled movement. And in Fort Worth’s 76104, the gospel is going to work. For more information please contact Pastor Tatum, 817-966-7625, kptatum1@gmail.com, www.skillscity.org