HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – Holland’s Rescue Mission’s Gateway Center is up and running and a Grand Opening celebration will give residents a chance to see all that the center has to offer.
The Mission purchased the property located at 661 East 24th Street in Holland in 2013 and through various campaign fundraisers, the 82,000 square foot renovation will come to fruition April 21 and 22nd. GMB Architects and Visser Brothers Construction teamedup to design and build out the space, the project came in on time and under budget.
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 hold key positions throughout the center. From donation intake, customer service, forklift driver to cashier, the Mission is passionate about the abilities each student possesses and offering them real hands-on experience and training to run a real business.
Darryl Bartlett, Executive Director of the Holland Rescue Mission says the center is all about sustainability – building a sustainable ministry that moves our residents toward sustainable lives.
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 says Rachael Neal is Chief Development Operations Officer for the Holland Rescue Mission.
“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 at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 21. Brent Alan of the Lakeshore’s 92.7 The Van will be broadcasting live from the center on Friday from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
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.
The Mission offers free donation pick-up for large loads. The donation line is 616-928-3422.
