The organization is now operating out of the former library space on the first floor of the Golden West building in downtown Altona, just a short distance from its previous location.
Regional Connections Immigrant Services has moved into a new home in Altona, but clients will not have to go far to find it.
The organization is now operating out of the former library space on the first floor of the Golden West building in downtown Altona, just a short distance from its previous location.
Executive Director Steve Reynolds said the move came together as the lease ended at Regional Connections’ previous Altona office, and the former library space became available.
“We’re really excited to move in Altona this week, just half a block down the street,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds said the new site gives Regional Connections the room it needs to continue offering settlement, employment and language-related supports in the community.
“We have a few classrooms there and a childcare room and offices for settlement workers and employment services,” he said.
One of the biggest improvements, Reynolds said, is the layout of the building. He described the space as more professional and better suited for appointments, programming and confidential conversations with clients.
“It’s just a nice, professional, clean, suitable space for everything that we do there,” said Reynolds. “There’s better sound installation between offices and classrooms. So when people are in an appointment or receiving services, confidentiality and privacy is really great there.”
The new location also includes space for childcare, something Reynolds said is important when families are attending programs or appointments.
He added the outdoor space nearby is another benefit, giving children access to grass and trees while they are outside.
Reynolds said the downtown location remains accessible for clients, with many able to walk or bike to the building.
“We’re right beside the town office, as well as the empty corner lot there, the old library location,” he said. “Clients can easily walk to the location or bike to the location or whatever.”
Regional Connections has several staff regularly based out of the Altona office, with more people in the building when classes are underway.
“There are, like for office staff, five people there regularly,” said Reynolds. “When classes are running, that puts another four to five people in the building.”
Employment services will also continue from the new office. Reynolds said an employment facilitator is expected to be available in Altona one day a week, helping eligible Manitobans aged 18 and older with resumes, job searches and job boards.
Service Canada visits are also expected to continue at the site, with more details to come as Regional Connections settles into the space.
Reynolds said the second floor also includes meeting rooms that can be booked for events, along with a small kitchen that could support larger community gatherings.
While staff are still unpacking and signage is being prepared, Reynolds said Regional Connections is already operating in its new Altona location.
With files from Robyn Wiebe
Regional Connections provides services in multiple communities in rural Manitoba.
Regional Connections has 15 locations throughout Manitoba offering a variety of services.
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