The Family Centre will open the doors of its new office to the public with an Open House next week.

Martha Dismont, executive director of the charity, said the event will be an opportunity to showcase its new home on King Street.

She said: “Michael Weeks, the Minister of Social Development, will assist us to celebrate the receipt of this culturally-rich property, with a ribbon cutting and special Tree Planting Ceremony, where we will thank Deputy Governor Ginny Ferson and Mel Ferson, US Consul General Mary Ellen Koenig and Michael DeSilva, the retiring Commissioner of Police, for their support over the past year.”

Ms Dismont said after the ceremony, attendees will go inside and hear a little about the history and significance of the Sunshine League, who donated the property to the Family Centre.

She continued: “Those familiar with the previous use of the building for residential services, will see noticeable changes which were completed with renovations that took place between December and February.

“These changes were made to provide necessary refurbishing and to outfit rooms for specialised social skills groups, outreach programmes, individual and family counselling, parenting groups and Family Centre training services.

“The Centre desired to maintain a nurturing and welcoming feel to the building and staff have been excited to welcome families to offices specially designed to be engaging and supportive.”

Justin Freisenbruch, chairman of the charity’s board, said: “Delivering services out of this location has taken on significant meaning to all of the Centre’s staff and our Board.

“We will do our best to honour the original intent of this home to care for children. We thank GL Construction for the work and their donation towards the renovation costs, and Benevides and Associates for the architectural design and drafting of the renovations.

“There is approximately $70k remaining in renovation costs, and we invite members of the public to help us to retire that outstanding balance with donations of any amount.”

The Open House will be held on Wednesday, May 2, starting at noon and continuing until 6pm.