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In a ceremony Wednesday afternoon, the Edmundite Missions held a blessing ceremony, led by Father Stephen Hornat, SSE, Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, for the newly-renovated space inside its Center of Hope on Griffin Avenue.

The space was previously home to the Missions’ Senior Activity Program, which has now relocated to the Missions’ community center on Broad Street, but has been transformed and will now be home to Catholic Social Ministries, HealthLink and Doc on the Spot.

The new space will provide a full range of services to people in need, including access to prescription and medical assistance, utility ad housing assistance, counseling and more.

“Having all of these services in the same building really allows us to approach each client with dignity and with a holistic approach,” said Edmundite Missions President and CEO Chad McEachern. “One of the biggest challenges those we serve face is transportation. To offer all these avenues for assistance under one roof is a blessing for our clients and another example of the Missions listening to the challenges our clients face and addressing them head on.”

For HealthLink Director Kathi Needham, the new space represents an opportunity for her program to grow further.

“On April 1, 2004, when we were cobbling together funds, hat in hand asking for a little here and a little there, I would never have imagined we’d be serving our clients with such a remarkable gift as he medical offices the Fathers have provided for us,” Needham said.

Even Hornat’s involvement in the ceremony represents a “full circle” moment for McEachern.

“It is so beautiful to have Father Steve here to bless this newly-renovated space,” McEachern said. “When he worked inside the Missions, he was heavily involved in the initial construction of the Center of Hope, so it really has come full circle. We’re so thankful to carry on the legacy of the Society of St. Edmund and to continue our ongoing transformation to meet the needs of the community as they have always done.”