A new Access Centre is coming to Exeter, and the United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is excited to bring this helpful service to the South Huron community.
UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb says the new centre will be a shared space where organizations can meet with clients in a private and welcoming setting.
While some of these organizations don’t have full-time offices in Exeter, the new centre will give them a place to connect with people closer to home.
The idea of Access Centres has been part of United Way’s long-term plan to improve access to important services. Exeter’s centre is the second one in Huron County, with the first already running as a pilot project in Vanastra.
The centre will provide affordable office space for several service organizations. By sharing the space, they can also share costs and resources—making the centre both efficient and welcoming.
The centre is not quite ready yet, but it should begin limited use in the coming weeks, with full opening expected in the months ahead. Right now, staff and volunteers are busy painting and preparing the space.
They’re looking for both new and gently used items, including office furniture, a large screen TV with wall mount, a ping pong table, folding tables and chairs, easy chairs, a computer desk, a small fridge with freezer, and a microwave or small stove. These items will help create a youth-friendly space for the Well Youth Hub and others using the facility.
Organizations interested in using the space can contact Grace Bonnett, UWPH’s Manager of Community Development for Southern Huron at gbonnett@perthhuron.unitedway.ca to learn more.
Written by: K. Milhomens