Later this month, Mozaic will open its Center for Community, Arts, and Technology (CCAT).
Speaking with Finger Lakes News Radio, President and CEO Allen Connely told Finger Lakes News Radio that the nonprofit will begin moving into its newly refurbished facility at 180 North St in Auburn on Thursday with a ribbon cutting planned for August 28 at 10:30a followed by a grand opening event at 5:00p.
“We wanted to redevelop that particular building to house new and innovative ideas and programming for individuals in our community,” said Connely.
The facility will offer a wide variety of programming like art, theatre, cooking, gaming, robotics, dance, life skills, and yoga classes. Connely added that the space will also be able to host after-hours community events and classes.
Originally used as a work center, the building was dormant following the decision to close the center. Connely said millions of dollars have gone into transforming the space into a facility capable of providing an inclusive space to showcase the arts and sciences.
“I would say this is a one-of-a-kind place; there’s nothing like it in the Finger Lakes area.”
As part of the move, Mozaic will move its Spotlight Studios, currently located at 39 Genesee St, into the CCAT.
On the technological side, Connely added that a new virtual reality system will allow those at Mozaic to explore a multitude of career paths without leaving the facility.
“For example, if they wanted to become a welder, they could learn about being a welder in virtual reality. If they wanted to be carpenters or work in a warehouse, of if they wanted to do other things, they could do all this within the safety of virtual reality.”
Mozaic, formerly the Arc of Seneca Cayuga/Arc of Yates, provides a variety of support services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as day programming, residential assistance, and job opportunities. You can learn more at mozaic.org.
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