FERGUS – The Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington (CRC) opened a second brick and mortar location in Fergus on Jan. 13.
The new facility, in the Skyline Community Hub on Tower Street, will host EarlyOn programs as well as office and meeting space for staff and clients.
The CRC identified the need for a larger and accessible space for the EarlyON programs in 2023.
It also identified a need for meeting space for outreach workers, and for private meetings with clients.
EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer play and inquiry-based programs led by registered early childhood educators, who also provide support and advice about parenting and child development.
The centres provide access to resources and a network of community supports and specialized services funded by the province through the County of Wellington.
“When the CRC approached us about building a new community space including an EarlyON centre at the Skyline Community Hub, we knew we needed to help make it happen,” said Jason Ashdown, co-founder and chief sustainability officer at Skyline, in a press release.
“For our communities to thrive, we believe that every family deserves access to quality services – and every child deserves an enriching space to learn and play.”
The CRC joins Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington, The Grove Youth Hubs, and Compass Community Services as tenants in the community hub.
“We truly feel that we are the missing agency in that space – specifically serving children between the ages of 0 to 6 through EarlyON, as well as providing much needed community outreach and support services to the families and individuals currently using the services provided by the other agencies sharing the space,” stated CRC executive director Alyssandra Kent.
Construction of the 2,227-square-foot facility began in the fall and is essentially complete.
But because of the postal strike, delivery of some materials has been delayed. Officials expect the final renovations to be complete by the end of January.
“While we will not be completely moved into the space on Jan. 13, we have heard the community and know how excited our families and facilitators are to return to their normal EarlyON programming here in Centre Wellington,” stated Lindsay Cowan, manager of EarlyON Child and Family Centres.
“We have waited for this space for a long time, and we are ready to welcome our families back even if we are missing a door or two.”
The EarlyON site will be open six days a week, in addition to weekly programs at the Fergus sportsplex and Jefferson Elora Community Centre.
Wellington County provided $160,000 in capital funding and the Rotary Club of Fergus Elora gave $14,000.
“This new EarlyON Child and Family Centre will greatly enhance the early learning experience for young children in the area,” said county Warden Chris White.
“It will become a hub for families and caregivers in this community to connect with one another, early childhood professionals, and learn and play with their children.”
The CRC also intends to operate its community support programs from the new location, including income tax clinics, backpack program, winter wear and summer snax programs.
A grand opening celebration is being planned for spring.
For questions about the project or ways to get involved, contact Kent at akent@communityresourcecentre.org.
To learn more about the CRC visit communityresourcecentre.org.
