A building that is home to eight East Kootenay programs will host an open house this week.
The Cranbrook Family Connections building is located opposite the F.W. Green Clinic and beside the skate park.
On Wednesday, November 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the eight different agencies that use the building's facilities will fling the doors wide and welcome people who want to learn more about the services offered there.
"We would like to welcome the community to join us for our open house, have some cake and coffee and find out more about our free programs," said Niki Sinhart, coordinator of the Community Action Program for Children.
The building has been operating for five years now, but unless people have been drawn into the programs there, many local residents don't know what services they can access in the building.
"There are still lots of people who have never been through the doors," said Sinhart. "An open house will be a good opportunity to highlight all of the things that go on in the building."
Eight agencies operate programs out of the Family Connections building.
Bellies to Babies is a pregnancy and family resource program that provides support through pregnancy and birth, up to the baby's first birthday.
The Community Action Program for Children is focused on families with children under the age of six who are living in conditions of risk.
ANKORS serves those living with and at the greatest risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS and HCV, who have difficulty obtaining services elsewhere, especially due to substance use, mental illness, sexual orientation, gender identity, race and ethnicity, and other social barriers.
Options for Sexual Health offers confidential, non-judgmental support about sex, sexuality, safer sex supplies, women's health screening including PAP, pregnancy and STI testing, emergency contraception, birth control at reduced rates, and counselling.
Public Health, East Kootenay Addictions, Adult Mental Health and the Infant Development Program also run groups out of the Family Connections building.
"People will be available to answer questions and share their information," said Sinhart.