The Young Offenders Centre building that was bought by the city for $1 just under two years ago will finally have an organization move in. Rising Above is a community organization that helps people get back on their feet. Director of Development Elmer Spilchen says they provide life-skills programming and a place to get some experience in the workplace.
“Helping people who have addictions or struggles in life and lifestyles… in areas that we call “cycles of defeat”. These individuals are looking to break out of these cycles of defeat.
What we do is come along and help individuals with our program.”
The building was sold to the city by the Alberta government “as is” and a 15 year clause included with the sale said the city must use this building for bettering the community. Spilchen says the group is allowed to move into the building in the spring and although the building could use some work, this is a helpful move cost-wise.
Spilchen says their RFP to the city explained that by moving into the old Youth Offenders Centre building, Rising Above could provide more years of service to the community as well as increasing and enhancing the programming they can provide.