Columbia City of Refuge new building adds programs

COLUMBIA — Columbia's City of Refuge is expanding across the street into a new building.

The current location is at 10 N. Garth Ave., and the organization is purchasing some space at the building next door at 1 E. Broadway. With more space comes opportunity for more programs.

With the expansion, City of Refuge is adding immigration services with a Department of Justice-accredited immigration specialist, services for initial arrivals, a commercial kitchen and a much larger space for children.

"Once we knock down this wall, we will be able to expand it and have more room, so we will have enough place for those kids who can be able to do all kinds of different programs," said V.V. Nshimirimana, a City of Refuge driving instructor.

The immigration specialist's job is to help people who can