Three years ago, ProAct decided to identify space at its Eagan location for the buildout of an autism center as its GiveMN campaign. It was a successful move and allowed the nonprofit to raise enough funds for the project.
While the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the project down, ProAct leaders haven’t given up. In 2023, the buildout will become a reality, with a separate space available to participants on the autism spectrum in Eagan. The specifics of the project are slowly taking shape. ProAct has asked Nancy Sweet, its leading individual donor, to help identify items such as colors and furnishings for the space.
With work on the autism center taking shape, ProAct has announced its plans for leisure centers. The first will be in Eagan, with the two additional Minnesota programming sites to follow.
ProAct team members have identified a lack of appropriate programming space for aging participants and those with chronic and changing disabilities. Although the goal for most participants is to focus on programming which allows for movement and changes throughout their programming day, a group of participants desire a lower-paced service day where they can start with a cup of coffee among friends, watch the news, movies and perhaps a movie in the community, as desired.
It is anticipated that the leisure center project will be completed in 2024.