OUR VISION AND MISSION

---

The Assistance Center of Collin County's vision is to be the resource residents rely on to regain financial stability. 

Our mission is to prevent homelessness and poverty for individuals and families in financial crisis through referrals, education, and short-term assistance. 

In 1977, the population in Plano was slightly below 60,000 and in Collin County was just slightly above 121,000. Initially named the Information and Referral Center of Collin County, the Center was established as a not-for-profit organization to “inform, guide, direct, and link people to appropriate human service resources." Senator Florence Shapiro, along with other forward-thinking citizens of Plano, formed the Center’s first Board of Directors. Fast forward over 40 years later, the Assistance Center has grown as well as the needs of the community. In response to that growth and greater needs of the county, the Assistance Center seeks to stabilize the family’s home by providing rental and utility assistance. Once the home has been stabilized, the family then is engaged in self-sufficiency strategies designed to change their economic condition.

Robinson joined the Assistance Center in August 2023 and has more than two decades of business experience as an entrepreneur and consultant. She co-founded a medical device and assistive technology company in 2006, and under her leadership, grew it to a multimillion-dollar operation. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurship, a Master of Science degree in Learning Technologies, and is currently in the final stages of completing her PhD in Learning Technologies at the University of North Texas.

Azaria started at the Assistance Center in 2015 as an intern through a program at Eastfield Community College, where she received an associate degree in Social Work. Azaria has risen through the ranks and is now Program Director. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Human Services and has  worked in human services for 13 years developing a passion for helping others. Azaria also loves to spend time with her family and friends, travel and watch her children play basketball.