Torch 180 Retail Building Progress
In February, 2024, we had an opportunity to explore the possibility of acquiring a new space where we could offer some additional training for individuals who might not be interested in working in the food service industry! We talked and prayed and explored the options, and things came together - and, at the end of 2024, we acquired our new building at 102 E. Grand River Ave., Fowlerville, MI 48836.
We have worked hard to build a small shop which will have general merchandise AND Torch 180 student-made merchandise AND some of our delicious non-perishable baked goods from the cafe for sale! We also have space for local small business partners to rent and sell their products!
We still have the cafe! This space is an additional location - hopefully to grow and become a vibrant part of the Torch 180 Village!
Timeline
Construction began in the winter of 2025!
The first retail course began -with four students - Tuesday, November 04 in a conference room at the Fowlerville Library!
We received our Certificate of Occupancy Tuesday, November 10!
We opened our building to the public, to share our new space with the public November 13!
The Torch 180 Corner Shoppes officially opened for business March 12, 2026!
We are now working hard to get our Creator Space up and running, so the students can learn about producing items for sale and marketing!
Phase 2 Creator Space
On February 02, 2026, we launched our fundraising campaign for our Phase 2 Creator Space! We plan to renovate the lower level of the retail building into a Creator Space, where our students can make items to be sold in the Shoppe, and have the opportunity to interact with members of our community who would like to create with them!
This will be followed by Phase 3 - the upstairs apartment prepped for independent living training!
Our current goal is: $220,000
Checks can be mailed or dropped off at: 131 Mill St., Fowlerville, MI, or click the link to donate: https://gofund.me/e8b5c22d
The dream…
Thank you to our very generous donors!
Life Giver
ChemTrend
Real-Life Changemakers
Hank & Cathy Vaupel
Steve & Kate Lowry
Making Bright Futures
Tom & Eileen Landry
Lee Burton
Lance & Susan Schumacher
Bill & Cherie Mollison
Employment for Life
Joyce Lockwood
Steve Gronow
Meghan Swain
Ron & Tomye Daly
Rhonda & Friends
Kevin Plunkett
The Alversen Family
Diane Hill
Deborah Gill
Oak Grove United Women in Faith
Dragonfly Emporium
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Harper
St Johns Lutheran Church
Glenda Ward and King’s Daughter