Grace Centre Project Nears Completion

Peter Bird | May 01, 2024

Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation (SFCSC), which operates out of the Grace Centre, is coming to the end of its expansion renovation project. The project began with the septic expansion in the fall of 2022 and the new building construction in the spring of 2023.

“This project was necessary to increase our capacity to serve people,” said Heather Rogers, Executive Director. “The food bank has seen a 75% increase in the number of hampers we have given out since before the pandemic.

“All the people that we aid deserve a private and comfortable environment to share their stories and requests for support. We couldn’t do that out of the leaky, dilapidated portables we were working in. The new building offers the respectful, private and well-lit environment. It enables seniors to quietly explore our services and also allows us to move business meetings out of program spaces, creating more opportunity to run programs”.

The staff and the volunteers embarked on this project on the heels of the pandemic, and continually improvised to keep services running, despite construction disruptions. Staff relocated their working spaces in various areas of the building and some programs moved off-site.

“Honestly, this team of staff and volunteers is amazing, they are resilient and energetic and very compassionate” said Rogers, “all with a smile on their faces. I’m biased, but I think they made it look easy, despite dealing with the constant changes, dust and the debris”.

With the removal of the portables, the Grace Centre Hall became the temporary home to the Food Bank and office/meeting spaces. Thanks to the support from community partners, such as the Legions, Lions Clubs, The Township, Harrowsmith and Verona Free Methodist Churches, our programs found new homes off-site during the renovations. This collaborative effort helped SFCS ensure that services continued, allowing them to remain committed to serving their clients, with minimal interruptions.

Rogers explained that some of the changes in program locations flourished offsite and they will be seeking feedback as they transition back to Grace Centre, about best locations so SFCSC can continue to meet the needs of the participants and make a positive impact in our community.

“At this stage, the building expansion is almost reaching the end” she said, “and we are thrilled that we have started moving and getting settled into the new space, while at the same time, renovation work is being completed in our original building, including soundproofing in our adult day program space, so we need to be patient a little longer”.

“Excitement has been in the air as our staff began moving into the new space. I had to reach for my camera when we got to move those first boxes. Our staff had wide smiles and enthusiasm radiated throughout reflecting the joy and anticipation of this milestone moment” she added. “Our food bank volunteers didn’t want to wait for the movers. The energy has been contagious among everyone involved.”

While the expansion is creating new and improved spaces for services and the agencies name remains “Southern Frontenac Community Services”, they will forever be recognized as the Grace Centre.

“While consideration to a potential name change has been raised, we’ve also embraced our current identity and crafted adaptable slogans that resonate with our mission. This project has become recognized as the Build with Grace or Grow with Grace project. It seems very fitting with our commitment to help our vulnerable population and seniors and thrive and remain independent” she added.

Some of the major funders that have contributed to the project include: the Trillium Foundation Capital Grant Program (windows and doors), FedDev Ontario (sloped walkways and accessible washroom), Feed Ontario – supporting finishing the interior of the food bank space, and Ontario Health – supporting the cost of expanding the septic system. The entire project was kickstarted by a large donation from the Township of South Frontenac ($750,000) followed by major donations from the Henderson Foundation, community organizations, churches, local businesses, and community members and cottagers who wanted to contribute to the community where they spend their summers

Although the construction phase is nearing its end, there remains a fundraising goal of approximately $875,000.

“There were so many factors that affected the original budget, including increased costs of materials and necessary repairs to existing conditions. To help us reach our goal, we have enjoyed engaging the community with fresh fundraising approaches that have allowed us to give back and share in moments of fun together”. Heather shared.

“SFCS is planning to have an online auction started very soon with some amazing donors (all travelers and music lovers should keep on the lookout for this one). A community BBQ lunch is being planned for Saturday, May 25th. It will be a fun day for the community to tour our organization and learn more about the services we provide and a chance to win some prizes”. Heather said.

Follow SFCSC on Facebook, sign up for their newsletter or checkout their website to find out more about these events and future happenings at the Grace Centre.

This is for the Group shot: Left to right: Barb Mundell, Maurie-Lyne Troyer, Katie Buckley, Natalee Lennox, Josey Cadieux, Ally Dickson, Chantal Tyrell, Cindy Elliott, Chelsea Thomas.