Present Pillars in Benton Harbor has announced the permanent closure of its headquarters on West Main Street.
We reported last month activities at the Pillar Center were suspended due to structural issues at the 125-year-old building. Now Present Pillars Director James Gunter tells us they’ll have to find a new home. So, what are they looking for?
“I think that’s something that we should sit down with our community to imagine,” Gunter said. “We primarily serve men and fathers with a heavy focus on men’s health, so I think we should sit down with dads, with men, and figure out what they need and what that facility should look like.”
Present Pillars serves fathers in Southwest Michigan, providing them with support and encouragement through a variety of programs and events. While it contemplates its next steps, Gunter says there are ways people can help.
“If you want to help out, moving day is this Thursday, so you can stop by and give us a hand. We’re also taking donations all the time, 24-7, 365 if you want to go to PresentPillars.org and click the donate button.”
While it looks for a new headquarters, Present Pillars will continue to offer programming off site. Gunter says their 4th Annual Pillar Awards will still be on Saturday, October 11 at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo. Tickets are available now.
Gunter says he’s been “deeply moved” by the outpouring of calls, texts, emails, and messages Present Pillars has received since shutting down the old building.
