A new community resource centre in Alix, which also serves the nearby communities of Mirror and Tees, is expanding.
The Alix and Area Community Resource Centre officially opened on Sept. 8, 2020, and since then, further public interest and donor support has allowed the second phase to go forward.
Formerly a play centre, which has been sitting empty for four years, the building was renovated with the construction of two new offices and a new coat of paint.
In December, construction will begin on three more private offices, storage space, a meeting room and an open area for hosting large groups.
“Everyone has been welcomed to come by, see the new space and learn what it has to offer,” states the press release dated Nov. 19.
“With a vision to help improve the health, quality of life and well-being for all, a momentum of hope and optimism has been fostered by the project.”
The development of the centre extended from the Bashaw Regional Wellness Initiative as they’ve worked closely with the Alix Mirror Wellness Supports Society.
The centre strives to connect individuals to resources and services by removing barriers.
“By making connections to people, support and resources this diverse centre complements existing services as well as addresses local gaps in infrastructure needs.”
Some services the centre provides include at home services such as Meals on Wheels and Home Support, food hamper access, a 24/7 helpline, support groups, referrals to addictions and mental health support and family counselling, family literacy and adult education and a wellness navigator.
Access to a nurse practitioner, Primary Care Network services and other health professionals are pending and more community-based programming and activities are being planned.
The centre has also been working with students at Alix-Mac School.
Services can be accessed by stopping by the centre and speaking to the information and referrals workers or the wellness navigator, or referrals from community agencies such as childcare providers, the RCMP, educators, health professionals or even just family members.
Clients are interviewed and then guided to the resources they require to meet their needs or reach their personal goals.
The centre, located at Bay 1, Railyway House, 50 Ave., Alix, is open from Mondays to Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call 403-396-3369 or find them on Facebook @AlixandAreaCommunityResourceCentre, or visit www.alixbriefs.com.