Re:      " Mission Services Opportunity Centre" for Wentworth St. North.

After a two year search Mission Services of Hamilton has been successful in acquiring the former Mohawk College, Wentworth Street Campus building, at 196 Wentworth Street North in downtown Hamilton. It was also known as the former Hamilton Institute of Technology.

The transfer of ownership is effective today, October 13th, 2011.

The 45,000 square foot facility will be transformed into a Community Opportunity Centre where meaningful employment training programs, community programs and Suntrac Wellness Centre will be consolidated, providing a convenient continuum of life transforming programs in the neighborhood. The activities within the building will place a strong emphasis on improving health, life skills and job training opportunities.

Mohawk College has leased space in the building in order to maintain a presence in the downtown core.

Mission Services will invest 2 ½ million dollars in the Community Opportunity Centre to refurbish and modernize the building.

It is important to note that no shelter services will be provided at the Community Opportunity Centre. Shelter services will remain at our men's shelter, James Street, North and our women's Shelter, Inasmuch House, Bay Street South.

Research commissioned by Mission Services from the SPRC of Hamilton identified the need for programs which would help transform the neighborhood.

After consultation with the Wever HUB, Hamilton City Hall, The Poverty Round Table and

Community service partner's negotiations to acquire the building from Mohawk College began.

The Community Opportunity Centre concept is based upon community investment and community building. Mission Services will provide Opportunities to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle, job training skills, and money management. Currently Mission Services offers Janitorial and Food Services training programs. Mission Services also operates two social enterprises, a catering service and janitorial service which employs students in the job training programs.

With the aging population in Hamilton an emphasis on seniors programs will also be a focus of the community centre.

Executive Director, Edward Raddatz summarizes this new Mission Services initiative,

"Mission Services will provide Opportunities for people to transition from Hopelessness to Hope, and from Hope to Opportunity!

Mission Services is a Christian organization whose purpose is to act justly, show mercy and offer hope.

For more information please contact:

Barry Coe, Director Community Relations & Development

Cell: 905-516-4890