The Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence is inviting Central Albertans to celebrate its opening later this month.
A grand opening ceremony has been announced for the facility, which is located right beside Red Deer Polytechnic's main campus, on May 16.
“From when we first had the public out here in September for the official naming ceremony, we have all worked tirelessly to create a beautiful space that thoughtfully and seamlessly brings form and function together," said Mark Jones, Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre CEO.
"This is a building where the clients can feel comfortable coming in here and getting the services they need. We’re looking forward to bringing everyone in to see the new space and learn about why what we’re doing here is so pivotal. Our grand opening represents a moment in time where we can say, 'We’ve seen the need, and with this building we’re choosing to meet that need head on, as a community.'"
On grand opening day, attendees will be able to go on a self-guided tour through all three floors of the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence and learn about the services offered inside the building. This open house will run from noon to 5 p.m.
Later that evening, there will be a seated formal presentation at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, followed by an official ribbon cutting ceremony. There will be free parking at both the centre and the Gary W. Harris for the ceremony, which will run from 7-8 p.m.
The Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence aims to brings strategic mental health care, client advocacy and support, and addictions counselling partners together in order to more effectively serve clients ranging from children to adults.
Three partners currently operate out of the centre, with the remainder set to begin operations imminently. With more than 69,000 square-feet, the building boasts 40-plus mental health therapy rooms and has allowed for expanded services for the organizations involved.