by Allyson Chiu

Guam - Erica's House has found a new home. Since opening in November 2000, the organization has been located in Tiyan. As of today they are officially re-opening their doors at their new location in Mongmong-Toto-Maite.

According to program director Diana Nucum the center moved as a result of the Tiyan Parkway construction and the expiration of their lease. However, the future looks bright for Erica's House as the new location is equipped with two-stories, four on-site visitation rooms, and separate entrances for parents.

"It's a great place. I think that one thing that also I see that is better here is also parking because in Tiyan we didn't have much parking. This one's a little bit bigger. I feel like it's a fun place still and getting everything settled in with all the furniture and toys it's exciting because sometimes change is hard, but sometimes change is good as well. I feel like it's an exciting point for us," she said.

Despite the change in location, there will be nothing different about the center's goal to continue to be the island's most trusted family visitation center.

"It's still very homey and we try to keep that constant so families feel comfortable and safe using our services and although it's somewhat of a change we still wanted to show them that we still can provide the services that they need," she explained.

The community rallied around Erica's House offering support such as check donations today from three organizations - the Guam Women's Chamber of Commerce, the United Chinese Association of Guam and Soroptimist International of the Marianas - totaling $5,500.

For more information on Erica's House contact 642-4020.