By Travis Gettys
Enquirer contributor

COVINGTON - The public is invited to see the results of a two-year, $1.7 million renovation and expansion of Catholic Social Services.

The agency, at 3629 Church Street in the Latonia neighborhood, will host an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. June 7, featuring refreshments, a ribbon-cutting and a blessing by Bishop Roger Foys.

Individuals contributed about $1 million to the project, said marketing manager Matt Hollenkamp, with the rest coming from the Diocese of Covington and several foundations.

Programs are now accessible to the disabled, and the building, occupied by the agency for 25 years, now includes a 100-person meeting room for community groups and additional office space.

Eight additional offices will alleviate a logistical problem for the agency, which squeezed 41 staff members into 35 offices, Hollenkamp said.

"With the confidentiality of the services we provide, having two people in an office can present some challenges," Hollenkamp said.

A new computer system has already provided a boost in productivity, Hollenkamp said.

"That's been a wonderful addition to our infrastructure," he said.

One of the agency's signature services, the parenting support center, received a boost with a new first-floor facility, which features a two-way mirror so parents can watch children interacting in learning situations.