After several months of planning and hard work, Family and Children’s Services of the District of Rainy River is celebrating with a grand opening. The event is scheduled for tomorrow (June 1), with opening ceremonies kicking off at 3 p.m. outside the front door at 240 First St. E. (the old Fort Frances High School).
Strategic planning in the spring of 2003 demonstrated the need for a more family-friendly and accessible building that was a positive working environment for staff.
“The board, staff, and new landlords have really worked hard to ensure that we have a great facility to work in,” said FACS executive director Vik Nowak.
“We are really proud of the accomplishment that our new facility represents and would like to share in that with the public and all of professionals that we work with,” he added.
Representatives from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, the Ministry of the Attorney General, FACS board of directors, Integrated Services Northwest, and Child Care Resources—Preschool Autism Program will be on hand to say a few words prior to the ribbon-cutting.
A barbecue, tours, draws, and displays will follow, as well as karaoke, balloons, and colouring for the children.
The Fort Frances Museum also will have a display that will include some memorabilia from the old high school, which was located on the grounds of the new FACS facility.
“The staff and landlords have worked very hard to make this a great event. Staff are looking forward to the opportunity to meet with the public and answer questions,” said Betty-Anne MacKintosh, manager of Community Services.
“We are even launching our new website at our grand opening, which has been developed in-house,” she added.
FACS is especially appreciative of all the members of the business community that donated equipment or furnishings to its new facility.
“Many businesses supported the move to our new location, which helped make it the family-friendly environment that it is,” said MacKintosh.
“We are hoping the community will continue to support us through our fundraising efforts for a playground/outdoor meeting area on the site,” she added.
The board and staff at Family and Children’s Services would like to invite everyone to attend the grand opening tomorrow from 3-6 p.m., especially the children of the district.
For more information, call MacKintosh at 274-7787 ext. 228.
Fort Frances Times
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