By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
After years of dreaming – and six-months of construction – renovation to the South Essex Community Council (SECC) Leamington office has been completed.
The upgrades were completed with the goal of creating space that better meets the needs of the community.
Thanks to a $111,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant, not only was a fresh coat of paint applied to common areas and three existing client rooms, three other client rooms were created, the exterior doors and front reception desk were replaced, and washrooms were renovated. The grant also allowed for the purchase of new furniture and technology for appointment rooms.
These upgrades were celebrated during an open house on Friday morning, and recognized as a tool to allow the organization to serve its clients from Leamington and across the County in a welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable.
Carolyn Warkentin, Executive Director for SECC, noted the office has been located at 215 Talbot in Leamington for the past 26-years.
“At the time, we were all very excited to be moving into this new space, which formerly functioned as a grocery store,” Warkentin said. Around two-and-a-half decades later, SECC found itself presented with an interesting opportunity. Service Canada relocated its offices, and the opportunity to “reimagine our space and create some additional community spaces that could be enjoyed and utilized by the public.”
The space formerly occupied by Service Canada is now the SECC staff work area.
“We wanted the space to be flexible enough to accommodate different working styles as well as provide opportunities for collaboration and innovative program design,” Warkentin added. This new design provides a wing dedicated to SECC’s partners that deliver valuable services to the community.
“A lot of what we do at SECC is to build community. Our classrooms are a microcosm of the diversity that is our community, and we’ve created a safe and supportive environment for our students,” she said. “We like to think that we have created a bustling little community right here at 215 Talbot Street East. But we want to do more. It is not just about workshops and classrooms and appointments. It is about creating connections with others in the community.”
She expressed thanks to everyone who was involved in the renovation, from supporters, staff for their patience, and those who coordinated efforts. She also expressed gratitude to Robert Repko’s estate that helped create a gathering space and an additional training room.
“We are very excited and pleased with our new space. We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming and pleasant environment,” Warkentin added. Cindy Crump, a volunteer with the Ontario Trillium Foundation, MP Dave Epp, and Leamington Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke all brought greetings at the open house, offering congratulations.
“These renovations have created a more welcoming, accessible, and functional space, allowing SECC to fulfill its mission of ‘helping people, improving lives’ even more effectively,” Nammar Cristofari, Executive Assistant to MPP Trevor Jones said on his behalf. “This is not just a renovation of a building, this is the strengthening of our community’s foundation for years to come.”
For more information about its services, log onto: secc.on.ca/The organization provides a wide-range of services to individuals 55 and older, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, job seekers, employers, children, and youth.
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