Parent Link has some new digs, with a place to call its own, located directly across from its former location.
For five years, Parent Link was located in the lower level of the administrative office for the Town of St. Paul, alongside other FCSS programs. In 2017, the town decided to purchase the old JMD building across the street from the town administrative office, to allow for easier access to FCSS programming, including Parent Link.
The space is located at 5002-51st Ave.
The doors to the recently renovated space opened for the first time on Jan. 16, and Parent Link programmer/parent education facilitator Michelle Duffy said it’s a very welcomed change of scenery.
“This is (a lot) safer. There are no more stairs, there’s no more strollers coming down stairs,” she explained. “It’s just a main level and (accessible) to any community member. If you have a disability we’re all main floor now, so we want all kids to come.”
FCSS director Lynn Smid confirmed that the rest of the FCSS department is open and operating in the new space as well.
“As with all moves, there are some minor items to address, but we are very excited to be in our new space and serving the public once again,” said Smid.
On Aug. 1, 2017, the town announced plans to renovate the old JMD building.
“The need for a new space was driven by many factors. Newcomers to St. Paul have lamented the difficulty of finding FCSS. Seniors, community members with mobility issues, and families with young children have consistently appealed for a location that provided more appropriate and accessible access to the programs and services FCSS and Parent Link provides,” read a media release at the time.
The building was purchased for $645,951, and renovations to the building were estimated to cost $100,000.
