The Glenwest Centre for Children, which opened in 1983, has until June 2019 to relocate.
Originally, the center was in Glenbrook School, but in 2003 they had to move because of a fire. Since then, they’ve been sharing the building with Abundant Life Church, continuing to provide out-of-school childcare.
Glenwest is an accredited non-profit center that currently cares for 48 children ranging from ages five to 12 years old, which is roughly 35 families, during the school year. They serve five local schools for out-of-school care and have fully-licensed staff to operate their bus and van for children’s transportation. They also provide summer camps with fieldtrips around the city. Their current facility features an onsite gymnasium, and access to nearby playgrounds.
Bryce Adamson, who is the president of the board of directors for Glenwest Centre for Children, says their lease with Abundant Life Church expires in December, and since the Church is selling the property, the new buyers may not allow them to stay.
“The church is doing its best to keep us informed,” said Adamson.
The board of directors at Glenwest along with parent volunteers have formed a relocation committee to find and contact potential new locations but the available spaces within their community are out of their price range. Aside from affordability issues, a suitable location on the market also comes with competition from private and commercial businesses, which is why they’re looking for a community-based facility to call home.
Violeta Petri, the executive director at Glenwest explains that many families have been loyal to the center for years, including Brandolynn Bentley, who’s three children have all been in the program.
“My kids absolutely love it (the program)!”
Her three children each recall a different favourite aspect of the program, with her eldest loving the field trips and extra reading help, her middle one loving that their cousin is also in the program, and her little one loving the bus rides.
Everyone at Glenwest has been devoted to ensuring the program can continue helping families in the community and resolve their location problem. They have written a letter asking for help. If you would like to help, or have useful information, please contact Glenwest Director Violeta Petri below.
Glenwest Centre for Children
Address: 3325 – 49 Street SW Calgary, AB T3E 6M6
Office: (403) 240-2992 Cell: (403) 990-0552
Fax: (403) 240-2995
Email: director@glenwestcentreforchildren.com
