Renovations Begin On Vacant Bala Cynwyd Building For New Enrichment Center
By Jim Melwert
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The first steps of a multi-million dollar renovation began Wednesday on a Bala Cynwyd building that's been vacant for several years .as the Jewish Family and Children Services breaks ground on renovations of its new enrichment center.
349 Montgomery Avenue, across the street from Hymies Deli, has been vacant since 2008, but once a 3-and-a-half million dollar renovation by Jewish Family and Children Services is finished, the building will provide everything from family counseling, to life skills or professional training, to adoption.
Montgomery County commissioner Josh Shapiro says it's a great use of a building that has been empty.
"We look forward to partnering with JFCS in Montgomery County as we work together to serve the needs of the people in Montgomery County," says Shaprio,
"they're a great partner
It also gives JFCS a permanent home on the Mainline, important, says state senator Daylin Leach, who himself, was in foster care through the predecessor of JFCS.
"A lot people think that in the Jewish community there aren't the sort of needs in terms of whether it's foster care or assistance for low-income people, but there is."
The new JFCS Enrichment Center is to open next year.