KMC Office Renovation: A More Inclusive and Welcoming Space for the Community

Leizel Efe

5 hours ago4 min read

We are excited to share that the renovation of our office at 1313 Queen St. West is now complete! This transformation was made possible through a $100,200 Capital Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), allowing us to upgrade our space and create a brighter, more welcoming, and more functional environment for our community.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen community organizations like us across Ontario, and their generous funding has enabled us to modernize our facilities, improve accessibility, and enhance the overall experience for the many newcomers, immigrants, and community members who rely on our services.

A bright, modern meeting and activity space at Kababayan Multicultural Centre, featuring a large table with chairs, a projector screen, updated cabinets, and enhanced lighting. — Welcome to our newly renovated community space at Kababayan Multicultural Centre! With a fresh, modern look, more functional meeting areas, and upgraded facilities, we’re excited to provide a better environment for our community.

Why This Matters: A Look at the Transformation

For years, KMC has been more than just an office— it has been a hub where newcomers, immigrants, racialized youth, and seniors can access support, find resources, and build a strong sense of community. However, over time, our space required updates to accommodate the growing needs of our community.

As our Executive Director Rizza Solis shared during our last Annual General Meeting, “This renovation is for our community because our mission is to serve all of you in the way you deserve.” These upgrades have transformed our space into a more welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.

Some of the key improvements include:

Common Area

Before: The kitchen and activity areas were blended into one space, making it difficult to maintain organization and functionality.
After: The space has been redesigned to be more functional, with better organization, additional cabinets in the kitchen area, and improved use of available space, making it more efficient and visually appealing.

Side-by-side comparison of the Kababayan Multicultural Centre office before and after renovation. The left side shows the old space with tiled flooring and basic furniture, while the right side features the newly upgraded office with modern furniture, wood flooring, and enhanced lighting. — Before and after: The left side shows the old space with tiled flooring, fluorescent lighting, and outdated furniture, while the right side highlights the modernized space with warm wood flooring, improved lighting, and a functional meeting area.

Side-by-side comparison of the Kababayan Multicultural Centre’s kitchen and common area before and after renovation. The left side shows the old space with tiled flooring, fluorescent lighting, and outdated furniture, while the right side highlights the modernized space with warm wood flooring, improved lighting, and a functional meeting area. — The space is now brighter, more open, and better suited for community activities.

Side-by-side comparison of the Kababayan Multicultural Centre’s kitchen before and after renovation. The old space had worn-out cabinets and limited storage, while the new kitchen features sleek white cabinetry, updated appliances, and a projector screen that conceals the kitchen when needed. — Before and after: Our renovated centre's kitchen area features modern cabinetry, more storage, and a projector screen that neatly hides the kitchen when not in use, creating a cleaner, more versatile space.

Meeting & Activity Room

Before: The common area lacked separate meeting rooms, which affected privacy and reduced the effectiveness of group sessions.
After: A dedicated meeting room was created, allowing smaller group sessions and private discussions.

Side-by-side comparison of the Kababayan Multicultural Centre’s meeting room before and after renovation. The old space had tiled floors, outdated furniture, and limited privacy, while the new setup features frosted glass partitions, a modern meeting table, and an upgraded presentation screen. — Before and after: The old space had tiled floors, mismatched furniture, and limited organization, while the new space features frosted glass partitions, a modern table setup, and a mounted screen for presentations.

Renovated meeting room at Kababayan Multicultural Centre, featuring frosted glass partitions, a modern meeting table, a presentation screen, and a printer station in the common area. — Our meeting space now offers a modern, private, and comfortable setting for discussions and group sessions.

View from the common area at Kababayan Multicultural Centre, showing the frosted glass meeting room, a large meeting table, modern cabinetry, and framed community photos on the wall. — This is the view from the common area. The frosted glass partitions provide privacy while keeping the space open and connected.

Individual Counseling Rooms

Before: Counseling rooms had outdated furniture and limited storage, affecting comfort and functionality.
After: Modernized standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and storage create a more comfortable and private space for clients receiving services.

Side-by-side comparison of the Kababayan Multicultural Centre’s counseling rooms before and after renovation. The old space had outdated furniture and minimal storage, while the upgraded rooms now feature modern standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and a bright, organized layout for better functionality. — Before and after: Our counseling rooms are now more comfortable! The new setup features modern standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and better storage.

Accessibility & Safety Improvements

Before: The facility had aging floors, walls, and washrooms that posed accessibility and safety concerns.
After: Upgraded flooring, fresh wall paint, and modernized washrooms enhance safety, cleanliness, and accessibility for all.

Side-by-side comparison of the Kababayan Multicultural Centre’s washrooms before and after renovation. The old washrooms had aging floors, exposed pipes, and minimal storage, while the renovated space features new flooring, fresh wall paint, modern cabinetry, and improved accessibility features. — The washrooms now have modern fixtures, better storage, and improved accessibility. These changes make the space cleaner, safer, and more comfortable for everyone.

What Our Community Members Say

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many members sharing how the renovations have enhanced their experience.

For longtime members like Elsie, the transformation is both noticeable and meaningful. Having been part of Kababayan for over a decade, she has seen firsthand how the space has evolved.

Elsie Capistrano, a senior community member, shared her experience in the newly renovated KMC office. — Elsie Capistrano, a senior community member.

"My husband and I joined Kababayan in 2010. Back then, the office was dark, and the floors were old and looked dirty. Now, it’s bright and beautiful, with new flooring and nice furniture. These social gatherings here in Kababayan office help us meet friends, stay socially active, and contribute to our well-being. We’re always happy when we come together." - Elsie Capistrano, Seniors’ Community Member

For Loly, stepping into the renovated office for the first time was exciting. The once dim and cluttered space had been completely transformed.

Loly Alcabaza, a senior community member, said she enjoyed the newly renovated KMC space. — Loly Alcabaza, a senior community member.

"I was amazed when I walked in—everything felt brighter! The furniture has been updated, and the space is now well-organized. The new compartments make the office more functional, and even small details, like the air conditioning and sliding doors, make a big difference. The transformation is incredible, and I’m so grateful for these improvements." - Loly Alcabaza, Seniors’ Community Member

For Ana, the newly improved space not only provides comfort but also strengthens the sense of community at KMC.

Ana Vinluan, a women’s group member, discussing the impact of the renovation at KMC. — Ana Vinluan from KMC women’s group.

"A clean, modern office with complete furniture makes such a difference. The warm smiles of the staff when we arrive make it feel like home. The best part is that we now have a meeting space and a bigger dance floor! I’ve been coming here for 10 years, and I’m so happy to see this renovation come to life. Thank you for making this happen!" - Ana Vinluan, Women’s Group Member

Their words reflect the impact of this renovation, which is not just improving the physical space, but the sense of belonging and connection within our community.

Grateful for Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Support

This transformation would not have been possible without the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Their generous support has not only improved our space but has strengthened our ability to serve the community with greater impact.

As we continue to grow, this renovated center will remain a symbol of collaboration, support, and the power of coming together for a shared purpose.