HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – It took years in the making and now Holland Rescue Mission’s Gateway Center will be celebrating their Grand Opening in April.
The Mission purchased the property in 2013 and through various campaign fundraisers, the 82,000 square foot renovation will come to fruition April 21 and 22nd. The Center features a 27,000 square foot thrift store which will be the largest in Holland, classroom and training space for students in the program. Students from the Gateway Academy will have many responsibilities with donation intake, customer service and more all designed to give them real hands-on experience.
Rachael Neal is Chief Development Operations Officer for the Holland Rescue Mission and says Gateway Academy has just applied to become a recognized trade school from the State of Michigan.
“Gateway Academy is a 48 week program for homeless men and women who have come to the Mission and are in need of additional time for recovery from life controlling issues. During those 48 weeks we provide them with educational training. We meet one on one with them to map out an educational path with them that matches up with a future career choice that they have chosen. We also provide certification through the training at the Gateway Center.”
The Grand Opening Celebrations will feature a chance to win a 1994 BMW Convertible, food and more with the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 21. Receive $10 off your first purchase when you donate gently used clothing or household items. Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 616-396-2200.
