Gandong-gu District Office (mayor Lee Jung hun) reopened the district-owned Gandong Grin Narae Welfare Center (B1 to B3, 100-5, Godeok-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul) on the 17th following completion of remodeling.

  Gangdong Grin Narae Welfare Center means a "pair of wings as beautiful as a painting" and promotes a happy world where people with and without disabilities coexist harmoniously.

  The center is operated by THE AUTISMKOREA, offering various rehabilitation programs to help people with disabilities settle in the local community life as well as occupational rehabilitation facilities (protected workshops for people with disabilities).

  In March, the district launched a renovation project for the 25-year-old center to refurbish the deteriorated facilities and rearrange inner spaces to improve the convenience of users. The entire cost of the renovation project was covered by donations.

  The 1st floor, which used to house a protected workshop for people with disabilities, has been transformed into a welcome lounge, a shared kitchen, and a program room that is open to everyone.

  In the shared kitchen, the center will offer cooking classes and open a demonstrative cafe operated by barista trainees once a week. The center also plans to conduct a survey among the local residents to develop a program that can be enjoyed by both people with and without disabilities in the program room.

  Newly created on the 2nd floor is the "Byeolbyeol Sports Room" that offers a general sports program customized for people with developmental disabilities who cannot use standard sports facilities easily.

  “The newly renovated Gangdong Grin Narae Welfare Center will become a ‘new space model’ serving as a happy workplace for people with disabilities and a space where people with and without disabilities can live together harmoniously,” said Lee Jung hun, chief of the Gangdong-gu District Office.