Essentia Health Grant Supports Buildout of Community Spaces

A $25,000 grant from Essentia Health will help kickstart the next phase of the Firefly Center’s buildout, contributing to the development of new spaces including:

• A gallery and community meeting space

• A classroom for workshops and wellness events

• A kitchenette to support meetings and education

• A makerspace for classes and area artists

These additions are designed to support the Firefly Center’s mission to provide accessible, affordable, and inclusive programming that promotes overall well-being. Rooted in community, the Center provides a welcoming space for healing, connection, and creativity for people from across the greater northwest Minnesota area.

“This grant moves us one step closer to realizing the full vision for the Firefly Center,” said Heidi Danos, Director. “We’re excited to expand our space in ways that make it more functional, more welcoming, and better equipped to serve the diverse needs of our community and beyond.”

This contribution underscores a shared dedication to fostering wellbeing through accessible, creative, and restorative spaces in our area.

“We are honored to support and advance this truly life-changing work,” said Mike Curtis, administrator at Essentia Health–Fosston. “At Essentia, our mission to make a healthy difference in people’s lives extends beyond the walls of our facilities and out into the communities we’re privileged to serve. We’re thankful for partnerships such as this with the Firefly Center and appreciate all they do for the region.”

A final completion has yet to be determined, but the Center hopes to be fully operational by the end of 2025.