Something new is on the horizon for Regional Connections Immigrant Services.
The organization is beginning a building project.
“We've been in our current building for almost 15 years and have really outgrown this space,” says Steve Reynolds, executive director of the organization.
“We have staff working in a closet and a former lunchroom.”
Meeting a need
Reynolds says that the space limitations have also affected the services the organization provides to newcomers, especially in the English language program.
“We've had waitlists often in Morden for English classes for seats in the classes, but also for the childcare program that supports the classes so [parents] with infants or toddlers can have their kids in childcare while they go to English class,” he says.
“Our current childcare room is very small and has very limited space.”
50% more space
According to Reynolds, the new building will be 50% larger than the current building. He says it will be north of the Co-op grocery parking lot.
“We think it’s a good location. Many of our current clients live in that part of town. I think it will be more walkable for more people and down the road from the daycare and close to the new school and a lot of the new developments and new housing, where a lot of newcomers settle,” he says.
Reynolds says Regional Connections will be located on the first floor of the new building, with apartments above.
The goal is to move in by the end of summer 2026.
Funding the building
When it comes to funding for the building, Reynolds says the organization is exploring various avenues.
“We need to fundraise for it,” he says. “Right now, we're applying for a lot of different grants — some government grants and other grants.”
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The first grant to come in is through Morden Community Thrift Store, which provided $25,000 for the new build at its recent spring granting event.
“It’s getting the ball rolling,” says Reynolds. “We’re really happy to receive this grant from the thrift store. We appreciate their generosity.”
Ultimately, the new building will enable the organization to serve new members of the Pembina Valley better.
“[We’re] just going to have a lot more capacity to help newcomers settle in Morden,” says Reynolds.
With files from Robyn Wiebe