North Center upgrades fuel program expansion

The Campaign to Mpower Families has funded renovations to various Metropolitan community centers, most recently to Metropolitan’s North Center. In January, new carpet was installed and the center received a fresh coat of Metropolitan orange paint. In addition, the conference room and work spaces were re-configured, and new technology was installed to accommodate a growing staff and changing program needs.

A before-and-after look at two spaces at Metropolitan Family Services North Center

A new workforce development program recently launched at North Center, and the center’s mental health programs have grown in size and scope. In addition, Healthy Families, a home visiting program for new, low-income parents, was recently re-introduced at the center.

North Center site Operations Manager Monica Colfax explains that the upgrades have helped to boost morale among the staff.

“It has made the space more user-friendly to our clients and staff, since we have more programs here now,” she says. “Everyone seems a little bit more upbeat now— people feel comfortable and are proud of the work space.”

The center has also recently expanded its hours to accommodate clients’ needs for evening and weekend appointments. Monica also hopes this is just the beginning of further expansion.

“The mental health program is growing, and we could see more clients if we had more space for individual therapy sessions,” she says.

The need for additional program space is common across all of Metropolitan’s centers, as we work to accommodate a more than doubling of clients served in the past 8 years across the organization. The Campaign’s investment in our infrastructure is crucial as we work to meet increased demand for our programs. Donors interested in supporting continued infrastructure updates and program growth can support the Campaigns Capital Improvement Fund with a donation by clicking here.

A look at the site during its renovation (left) and a before-and-after image of the main conference room 

DONATE