Austin Point Welcomes Mercy Goods: A Partnership Rooted in Purpose, Craft, and Community
As Austin Point continues to take shape in Fort Bend County, its commitment to building more than just homes is coming into sharper focus. One of the first major collaborations announced for The 1824—the two-acre social hub at the heart of Phase One—is a partnership with Mercy Goods, a Richmond-based nonprofit and home goods brand dedicated to empowering local youth through craftsmanship, employment, and mentorship.
Set to debut within The 1824, Mercy Goods will offer its signature handcrafted furniture, candles, and home goods—each item designed with intention and a story behind it. But it’s not just about beautiful pieces; it’s about building brighter futures.
A Nonprofit with Heart and Grit
Mercy Goods was founded in 2017 by Zach and April Lambert as a faith-rooted response to the growing need for job skills, support systems, and purpose-driven work opportunities for at-risk youth in Fort Bend County. From its Richmond workshop and retail space on Morton Street, the nonprofit trains young men and women in everything from custom carpentry and candle-making to customer service and business operations.
What began with the backing of St. John Methodist Church and community partners like Attack Poverty has evolved into a fully independent 501(c)(3) organization as of March 2025, with an expanded mission and a track record of success. Mercy Goods now works with students across Lamar CISD, integrating employment, job training, and one-on-one mentorship—all with a focus on real-world readiness and self-worth.
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From the Workshop to The 1824
Austin Point’s announcement of the partnership marks a meaningful new chapter for both Mercy Goods and the emerging 4,700-acre master-planned community. The 1824 is designed to be more than a café and concert lawn—it’s a place for connection, expression, and community-rooted commerce. Hosting Mercy Goods within its central hub brings a mission-driven retailer to the forefront of neighborhood life.
“We’re proud to announce a future collaboration with Mercy Goods, a Richmond-based nonprofit and home goods brand with a mission to build both beautiful pieces and brighter futures,” Austin Point shared in a September announcement. “Every piece is made with care and carries a story rooted in purpose, skill, and community.”
That mission aligns closely with Austin Point’s broader vision of blending innovation with human-scale design—offering not just homes, but a lifestyle rich in connection and culture.
More Than a Job: Building a Future
Mercy Goods’ model is built on three pillars: employment, job training, and mentorship. Students earn a wage while gaining hands-on skills that help build confidence, accountability, and pride. Each young worker is matched with a mentor, creating relationships that go beyond the workplace.
One young Mercy Goods graduate now works for Lamar CISD, supporting his family with the skills he gained. Another launched a fashion brand of his own. These aren’t just side stories—they are proof that mentorship and access can change lives.
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The organization also hosts bi-monthly Teen Mom Nights, a unique initiative that teaches parenting teens to create and sell handmade products, helping them build financial independence and marketable skills.
Zach Lambert, who now serves on the Lamar CISD school board, sees this work as personal. “I know that the well-being of my family is dependent on the prosperity of our community and the success of our district,” he shared. “My goal is to contribute to our already amazing district… and foster healthy emotional, spiritual, and physical growth for all of our community members.”
A Home for Stories That Matter
As Austin Point prepares to welcome its first residents later this year, this partnership with Mercy Goods sets a meaningful tone. It’s not just about growth—it’s about intention. It's about creating a space where every bench, candle, or cutting board has a story, and every student who helped build it has a future.
Whether you’re sipping coffee at The 1824 or browsing handcrafted goods, chances are you’ll feel the impact of Mercy Goods’ mission in every corner. And for the youth shaping these products—and their own futures—it means being seen, valued, and supported.
To learn more about Mercy Goods, visit mercygoods.co. For more information about The 1824 and Austin Point, visit austinpoint.com.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more local stories about the people and partnerships shaping Fort Bend County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
