By VP Kim Feller

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.

Unfortunately, the past two plus years have been spent maneuvering through the changing time of the

COVID pandemic. 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 and ProAct has asked Nancy Sweet, its leading individual donor, to help identify items such as colors and furnishings for the space.

Leisure Center first in Eagan, then other sites, still time to contribute

Jumping ahead to GiveMN in 2022, ProAct again looked forward, identifying the idea of a Leisure Center. The first will be in Eagan, with the two additional Minnesota programming sites to follow.

ProAct team members 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.

Thus, the concept of the Leisure Center has taken hold. Following the completion of the Autism Center, the focus will change to the Leisure Center project. Completion is anticipated in early 2024.

During its GiveMN 2022 campaign, ProAct set a high goal and has raised 64 percent of the funds needed. There’s still time to contribute.