The new Catholic Social Services building in Red Deer officially opens today.
A grand opening will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at the 26,000-square-foot office/service building located at 5108 48th Ave.
Between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m., there will be a dance and musical performance by students from Monsignor William Irwin Catholic Elementary School in Edmonton, to pay tribute to the founder of Catholic Social Services. A formal program will take place at 4 p.m.
The social agency is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year of providing services to people living in the Red Deer region.
The building was designed by Berry Architects and Associates and constructed by Scott Builders Inc.
The previous building at the site was torn down to make way for the new facility. It serves as a hub for more than 450 staff with a budget of more than $16 million.
Services to the community include residential and outreach supports for children with physical and developmental disabilities, services to children at risk or having fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, supports for people with acquired brain injury, settlement services to immigrants, and therapeutic counselling to individuals and families in crisis.
The agency employs and serves people of all faiths and cultures and offers more than 130 programs.
It serves more than 60,000 Albertans each year and also has offices in Edmonton, Bonnyville, Lloydminster, Wainwright and Wetaskiwin.