T
he WEPA Empowerment Center has created a new entity, WEPA Real Estate Management Inc., two years after opening its doors. The management company aims to generate revenue for the nonprofit WEPA/Tec Centro Lebanon facility in downtown Lebanon. According to co-founder Rafael Torres, this is necessary to charge rent for state grant-funded programs.

    "We have to have a subsidiary in place to charge rent," Torres explained. "We can now charge $15 to $22 per square foot, which equates to around $20,000 to $25,000 a month for the main and second floors."

    The management company will also allow WEPA to purchase additional property and generate income to support its programs. This is crucial as WEPA experiences growing pains just two years after launching adult learning programs in various career disciplines.

    Having a management company will benefit the nonprofit by allowing it to be self-sustaining, rather than relying solely on government funding or donations. The rent revenue will enable WEPA to renovate the rest of the facility and expand elsewhere in the future.

    The original $750,000 funding from the American Rescue Plan Act has been spent, with most going towards purchasing the old Elks building and renovations. However, this did not cover all necessary renovations, including ADA compliance for the basement level.

    Construction plans are underway to renovate the basement and restore the elevator, thanks to a $1 million HUD grant secured through Congressman Dan Meuser's office. The city requires ADA compliance to receive this funding, which will also help complete lower-level renovations initially projected at $1.6 million.

    WEPA has also secured $400,000 from the Local Share Account (LSA) casino fund and plans to use these funds for renovations. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for this fall, pending confirmation of federal funding under the new administration.

    The renovated space will house adult learning classrooms for trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electric work, and basic skills like language training. Torres aims to have the lower level open by next September, with four rooms accommodating 40-plus students depending on class schedules.

    WEPA has also partnered with other organizations to offer educational programming, such as a dental program with Volunteers in Medicine and Union Community Care. The center is expanding its CDL program through a partnership with a truck driving company in Womelsdorf.

    The demand for adult healthcare certifications is rising, and WEPA's healthcare program numbers are expected to increase accordingly. Torres aims to expand the nursing program, including CNA and medical assistant classes, as well as phlebotomy training.