Contributed Photo
RIBBON CUTTING — Dignitaries were on hand on Friday to celebrate the grand opening of Community Care Concept’s new location, just south of Elmira. From left: Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Michael Harris, regional chairman Ken Seiling, Woolwich councillor Allan Poffenroth, Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht, Dan Holt, president of Community Care Concepts, Cathy Harrington, executive director, Community Care Concepts, Wellesley mayor Ross Kelterborn, Bruce Lauckner, CEO, Waterloo-Wellington Local Health Integration Network, and Les Armstrong, mayor of Wilmot Township.
GAIL MARTIN, Independent Editor
It was a grand celebration for the staff and volunteers of Community Care Concepts on Friday, as they celebrated the move into their new location.
For the last two decades, the agency, which provides a variety of support services to seniors in Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot townships, had operated out of an older home in the heart of Elmira, known as Kiwanis House.
Staff was rapidly running out of space in the small building. It was difficult to store files, and staff members had to share office space.
Now, in the new building between Elmira and St. Jacobs, the agency has plenty of room to grow, with approximately three times the floor space of their previous 1,000 square foot abode.
An open house was held on Friday afternoon, allowing residents and supporters to see the new building for themselves.
Cathy Harrington, executive director of Community Care Concepts, said the agency really tried to find a new location that would last for a long time.
“Our intention when we moved was finding a space to serve us well into the future,” said Harrington.
The move took place this past summer, providing a major challenge to staff as they worked to coordinate services during the anticipated shutdown.
Harrington said they could not count on their new phone number to be working when they moved to the new location, so they had provided extra meals for the Meals on Wheels program, and gave seniors plenty of advance warning that services might be disrupted.
It turned out not to be necessary, however, as everything was up and running right away.
“There was no disruption of services,” said Harrington. “It took a lot of coordination.”
Community Care Concepts also took the time to honour its 160 volunteers, at a Volunteer Appreciation Tea held earlier in the day. Volunteers were treated to a catered lunch in a tent on the spacious grounds of the new location.
Volunteer coordinator Karla Frey told the volunteers that the agency depends on their support.
“We couldn’t function without you,” said Frey. “I’m inspired by the work that you do.”
Les Armstrong, the mayor of Wilmot Township, was among several politicians on hand to honour the volunteers.
“We appreciate the work you do all the time, and the people you serve are grateful.”
Community Care Concepts is now located at 929 Arthur Street South, midway between Elmira and St. Jacobs. To reach the agency, call -664-1900 or 1-855-664-1900.
