AVON – The Opportunity Center of North Franklin County Inc., 105 Avon Valley Road, will host an open house with demonstrations from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday Jan. 14.

There will be a short business meeting for members and interested community activists at noon that will review the first year of the organization’s accomplishments. Open discussion of future ideas and directions for the organization will be encouraged during the session.

The center was organized by diverse community members a little over a year ago after the closing of the Lauri Toy Factory and has offered opportunities in education, business and social services in creative and unique ways.

The volunteer group has been a catalyst in assisting local people in obtaining relevant education and vocational training and serves as a connection to needed social and financial services.

The center has recently received grants and donations that will help the nonprofit develop community truck driving courses in partnership with the SAD 58 community education program. Those interested in driver training should call 678-2455 for more information.

Other vocational courses included CNA and masonry training, as well as yoga and canoe safety classes. The center is an active member of the network that brought Central Maine Community College courses to the area.

The current focus is to encourage local agencies, nonprofits and businesses to set up offices at the facility to create a central, friendly and convenient location for north Franklin County residents to have access to their services.

It is hoped that the creation of a service center will reduce the expense of travel and encourage those most needing the services to obtain them locally. The Opportunity Center has negotiated inexpensive rates for interested parties. Call 639-3033 with questions concerning available rental spaces.