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5th Century Partners Announces Strategic Investment in Winners Circle Group of Texas

CHICAGO – December 10, 2024 –  5th Century Partners (5CP), a purpose-driven private investment firm that partners with healthcare and business services companies that have outsized growth potential, today announced it made a strategic investment in Winners Circle Group of Texas (Winners Circle), a comprehensive and collaborative skills training and development provider delivering critical services to children in the foster care system with developmental needs.
 
“There is a tremendous need for children in the foster care system to receive the behavioral health services and skills training that will give them a chance at leading successful lives,” said Marques Torbert, Managing Partner at 5th Century Partners. “In just a few short years, Winners Circle has experienced rapid growth due to the high demand for their services to help kids who often are left behind. In addition to its home base in Houston, across Texas the company has opened centers in Dallas, Tyler, Midland-Odessa, and Beaumont, with several more metro areas in the planning phase.”
 
Winners Circle Group of Texas was co-founded by Mack Montgomery, who remains an active leader in the Company, and Reggie Barnes, who brings more than three decades of experience in mental health services. Through its more than 80 qualified mental health professionals, Winners Circle provides a wide range of resources, including skills training and development, case management, crisis intervention, and therapy services. Additionally, Winners Circle provides innovative and effective programs to help children and adults experiencing emotional and behavioral issues, and their families, to succeed.
 
There are nearly 370,000 children in foster care across the United States and more than 21,000 of those children are in Texas. The needs of children in foster care have remained steady over recent decades and trauma continues to be a significant factor. Neglect – at 62% – was the leading reason children were removed from their homes, followed by parental drug abuse at 33% of cases, according to 2022 national figures from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System.
 
“Seeing the impact that our therapists and counselors deliver on a daily basis, is just inspiring,” Montgomery said. “There is a tremendous need for the services we provide these at-risk children to help give them a chance at productive futures. We are actively exploring openings in neighboring states, as well as expanding our services to at-risk youth who are not in foster care. 5CP brings deep sector expertise and operating experience that will help strengthen our operating structure, so that we can expand into new markets and grow our team to serve more children with the highest clinical standards. We’re excited about working with a team that understands our business, is aligned with our values and purpose-driven mission, and can help us achieve our goals.”
 
“The alignment with our investment thesis in behavioral health and shared desire to drive social impact, along with our deep sector expertise, uniquely positions us as the right partner for Winners Circle,” said Bruce Hampton, Managing Partner at 5th Century Partners. “We’re looking forward to activating our experienced network of operators and advisors to work alongside Mack and his management team to expand the business while remaining focused on positive outcomes for all the children they serve. We believe there is an opportunity to help children who could benefit from these services and are outside of the foster care system, including those from underserved communities and children who may lack the resources to access needed support.”
 
5CP also reported that Winners Circle Group of Texas represents its eighth and final investment in Fund I.
 
DLA Piper served as legal counsel to 5CP and Hall Render served as legal counsel to Winners Circle. The financial terms were not disclosed.
 
About Winners Circle Group of Texas
Winners Circle Group of Texas provides innovative and effective behavioral and mental health services to children in the foster care system with developmental needs. Winners Circle’s mission is to empower children and youth in foster care to develop their strengths and live healthy, productive lives. The Company offers a range of services including skills training and development, case management, crisis intervention, and therapy services. Winners Circle’s team of qualified mental health professionals is committed to building strong, supportive relationships with clients, ensuring they receive the highest quality care. Winners Circle has locations across Texas, including Houston, Dallas, Tyler, Midland-Odessa, and Beaumont.
 
About 5th Century Partners
5th Century Partners is a purpose-driven private investment firm that invests in lower middle-market companies within healthcare and business services that have outsized growth potential. The firm provides capital, operating expertise and strategic relationships that lead to sustainable growth, which in turn allows partner companies to realize their full potential and deliver positive outcomes to their stakeholders. Learn more at www.5cpartners.com.