ABOUT US
The Valley Fab Lab is a community makerspace located at Kennedy Catholic High School, providing hands-on access to tools, technology, and collaborative learning opportunities.
OUR STORY
The Valley Fab Lab was launched as a makerspace for the Shenango Valley community, created to provide an inclusive and collaborative environment where creativity and innovation can thrive. Whole Life Services, Inc. played a key role in the Lab’s founding by providing the equipment needed to bring this vision to life. Initial funding support was provided by the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts through the Creative Communities grant, helping establish the Valley Fab Lab as a community-centered resource.
By offering access to equipment, training, and mentorship, the Valley Fab Lab fosters problem-solving, technical skill development, and innovation across the region. Whether supporting classroom learning, workforce readiness, or early-stage business ideas, the Lab strengthens the local community by empowering individuals to create, learn, and grow.
In 2024, the Valley Fab Lab relocated to Kennedy Catholic High School to better serve the community and expand its educational programming. Today, the Lab is administered by the Gannon University Small Business Development Center and works closely with Whole Life Services to continue this mission—supporting entrepreneurs, creatives, students, and lifelong learners throughout the region.
​
The mission of the Valley Fab Lab is to support local artisans and entrepreneurs in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative space.
The Valley Fab Lab envisions: ​
-
Diverse educational programming
-
Exploration of the intersection between art and technology
-
Opportunities for makers to share ideas
-
Makerspace classes for projects that are open to the community
-
A jumpstart for microenterprises
-
Support for citizens that are economically disadvantaged
-
A place where artists, hobbyists, and makers can simply enjoy the creative process
Get to Know the Team!
What do you do at the Lab?
I supervise the day-to-day operations of the Lab—from helping individuals from Whole Life Services bring their creative projects to life, to working on jobs for local businesses with the help of my assistant, Zakk.
Jonathan Richardson
Manager | Creative Consultant | Advocate
What do you like best about the Lab?
My favorite thing is learning new things while I teach others about what we do here. There will always be something new to learn as the programs and machines used here are continually progressing in new and exciting ways.
Drew Nicastro
Inclusive Facilitator | Creative Consultant | Advocate
Why attend a workshop?
“We give everyone the chance to be hands-on, come up with designs, and explore new passions. Our workshops build confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of community.”
Zakk Marriotti!
Assistant Manager | Creative Problem-Solver | Maker Mentor
MANAGING PARTNERS
Gannon Small Business Development Center
Gannon SBDC provides one on one consulting and educational programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Mercer, Crawford, Erie and Warren counties.
Whole Life Services, Inc.
​
Whole Life Services, Inc. is dedicated to providing quality supports to people with disabilities and their families. We provide these supports in community-integrated settings, in their homes, and in non-traditional facility- based services.
​
​