Celebrating progress

A ribbon cutting on Friday celebrated The Brick Ministries’ completion of phase one for its renovation project.

The BRICK, a consortium of local faith groups, has been operating in the same building since 2007. Working with C&S Design & Engineering, the renovations increase safety and efficiency at the Ellis site for staff and volunteers and create a new, more welcoming atmosphere for clients.

When clients walk into the renovated facility, they will be welcomed in a registration area and waiting room where the old pantry was, giving them greater privacy when checking in, director Liz Seefeldt said. Additional bathrooms for public use will eliminate overuse of the lone washroom currently serving the building.

The BRICK serves 1,100 residents monthly in Ashland and Bayfield counties at all four facilities with food, financial help and referrals for overdue bills with focus on helping people stay in their homes, Seefeldt said.