Mosaics Utah to close physical location, transition to mobile model

After serving Utah County’s LGBTQIA+ community for two years, the Mosaics Resource Center will close its physical location in American Fork on September 27 and transition to a mobile model.

The center, which has provided advocacy, resources, and community support, cited repeated bomb threats, harassment, and a lack of sustainable funding opportunities as key challenges to keeping the physical space open. According to executive director and founder Tara Lenea, the majority of the organization’s grant applications, over 90 percent, were denied, with many funders indicating they would only support programs based in Salt Lake County.

“Salt Lake has resources. Utah County needed Mosaics,” Lenea said. “We created something unique, and while we cannot continue to operate a physical center, our mission remains unchanged.”

Moving forward, Mosaics will focus on community-based programming. Plans include increasing its presence at rural Pride celebrations, fairs, and other local events, as well as expanding its grant program that provides direct financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ individuals. The organization will also continue to host signature events, such as its annual homecoming dance and drag brunches.

Lenea noted the personal toll of maintaining the center, saying she volunteered more than 100 hours a week without pay for two years. “This transition allows us to protect our mission and my well-being, while ensuring that Mosaics remains a vital resource in Utah County and beyond,” she said.

Though the physical center is closing, Mosaics stresses that it is not shutting down. Instead, the organization will redirect resources to reach people across Utah and rural areas that often lack dedicated LGBTQIA+ support.

“We will continue to fight for those the system leaves behind — those who don’t fit the mold other organizations require, and those who need resources the most,” Lenea said. “That fight is far from over.”