Community
Welcome Center Ribbon Cutting
On Thursday, December 11, 2014, Friendship Place held its annual Holiday Open House. This year, the event doubled as a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Welcome Center. The renovation would not have been possible without the work of Home Builders Care Foundation, Case Design and Efficient Home LLC and Masco Corporation.
At a total project value estimated at $250,000, the work done included: window replacements, waterproofing of foundation, exterior siding and handrail repairs, replacement of the entire outdated boiler system with new Mitsubishi Electric high-efficiency mini-splits, reconfiguration of the first floor opening up the space and better accommodating a safe flow of traffic, replacement of all flooring, including subfloor work, renovation of the kitchen and two bathrooms, plus other general construction items.
Staff, board members, volunteers, participants and community members gathered to view our new Welcome Center and celebrate the year’s incredible successes.
Among many guests, we welcomed Councilmember Mary Cheh (pictured below, left) the representative of Ward three.
The event was one of the first assignments of our new Community Engagement Manager, Jayme Aronberg (pictured below, left middle) and a great way to introduce her to the Friendship Place community.
Chief Development Officer, Chris Rutledge, revealed a new plaque commemorating the names of all those who contributed financially to the renovation.
Participant Suzanne Thomas shared her experience of coming to the Welcome Center and how Friendship Place has helped her rebuild her life. “I still make sure to come by the Welcome Center at least once a day,” Suzanne said.
Finally we commemorated the completion of the newly renovated Welcome Center with a ribbon-cutting. Thanks to all who attended the event and supported the renovation in any way!
