It seems like this place actually makes the effort to help people that are in need or homelessread more

From the owner: We do some awesome things.read more

I used to volunteer with this organization. Seeing some of the negative reviews with this…read moreorganization, I thought I'd share some observations. First, I've seen while working here that during a blizzard, people walk back out into the freezing cold and blowing snow, when told about all the rules and regulations they'd have to adhere to, such as for the first six months, you have to go to classes to learn how to manage money, or a list of jobs within the mission, mostly janitorial duties. Moreover, going to chappel on Thursdays, which although is mandatory, it's a small price to pay if you're given a place to sleep and learning life-skills such as personal finances, being on time for classes, and how to do manual labor to keep the building you live, eat, and sleep in, clean. So many people have left this organization with a job (after six months of working, if you still can't find affordable housing, the organization has rooms you can rent until you do). So, think of this place as a mini-basic training for life. You learn to make your bed, clean up after yourself, respect for yourself and others. Learn to be on time to classes and scheduled work details. In the end, you'll leave with job and other financial skills that people never receive and always are one paycheck away from being homeless. If you're on the street, and you need to desperately start over in life, this place is a great place to start. But, it won't be easy.

I really wanted to do something nice for Christmas that was truly just giving, and so I organized…read morean event with some family members to serve food to those who are less fortunate. I worked with Paulette who is the volunteer coordinator for the mission for both men's and women's location. I was at the Men's location, and the lobby is truly nice with contemporary furniture. I was surprised, but now I understand being that many furniture factories are located in Holland. The place is very clean and well kept, and it was great to see their living areas and how their beds were all made. There aren't alot of personal touches since the place is set up to be a temporary place to support them. The guys there seemed so appreciative of our help and gave us a round of applause, and the tour was nice as well.

We love coming to ODC. This is my second time chaperoning a field trip and both experiences were…read moreengaging and completely different! This past fall I went along with a third grade trip where we learned about the fur trade and French roots in Michigan. I grew in appreciation for the people that worked hard for little pay. The staff had example loads that they had the students carry to understand the weight and they showed examples of lifting belts from that time period. They got the kids involved by dressing up my son like a French fur trader. The kids also learned how to make fire by rubbing sticks and from flint rock, participated in axe throwing, and worked collaboratively to move a teepee. Very cool! My daughter's kindergarten trip focused on plants and animals. They have a huge playground with custom toys including a cave, a nest, and a fun looking zip line amongst other fun stuff. They have a neat indoors with a free area full of taxidermied local animals and birds. They have a free outdoor zoo where we were able to admire a great snowy owl, fox, opossum, porcupine, and skunk. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. He knew how to keep this age group entertained and they were mostly transfixed about all the cool stuff he was showing them. Even though I came on field trips that we paid a fee for, many of the facilities are FREE for the public. The trails, playground, taxidermy and zoo are open without cost to the public. Donations are encouraged or you could spring for a modestly priced guided walk. Clearly the staff has higher degrees in outdoor and environmental education. I love that this place exists for the public to learn, enjoy, and appreciate all of the beauty Michigan has to offer. If we work together we can keep Michigan beautiful for many generations to come!

We loved seeing the birds of prey and seeing their story of why they were living there. How they…read morewere found and why they couldn't go back in the wild.

This is, by far, the most organized resale shop I've ever run into. It caught my eye while running…read moreerrands so I came in on a whim. I'm glad I did! They used a lot of cute display ideas. For me, that right there was fun but I came out with a stack of good finds too. Most of what I got was practical stuff but I couldn't resist a funny sign I saw about dogs. In hopes to give you guys a laugh, I'll share it here. ;) - Nice variety of goods (and good deals) - Clean and well organized - Friendly staff or volunteers

I love this resale store. I can almost find at least one thing to buy when I come here. Plus they…read moresupport and donate to the animal shelter. I will always support that. I've noticed lately that the other resale shops are getting more pricey whereas this place stays pretty aligned and reasonable with gently used items for sale. They also have cats that free roam the shop and they're very sweet, but if you are allergic, you may want to think twice. Anyway, I've found some really great household items here and some gently used baby items too. Overall, recommend!

I absolutely love The Forge. I started going two years ago when I wanted to give yoga a second…read morechance. I loved it so much I went through their yoga teacher training and now am part of the team! I've never liked working out, but the fitness classes are so fun and designed so that I can modify them to my needs and ability.

From the owner: We are the Lakeshore’s only nonprofit yoga & movement studio offering Yoga, Pilates, HIIT, Strength…read more& Kids classes. We believe diversity of classes and students is our biggest strength. We offer free and significantly discounted classes to those on fixed incomes & encourage the creation of community. Our instructors are locally & internationally trained, providing access to movement for any and every body. Movement is medicine.

Great store and staff. They have been very helpful and pleasant, this is one of the best ReStore…read morelocations! Well worth the look in my opinion.

Boy the prices are high and the donated for free quality not as worthy as I remember…read more The corporate layers now comprise a new director salary as shared from a friend that works here. So sad, as the main objective should be to re-use not price thuggery for well used but still viable building materials. I liked the prices from two years ago, seriously over inflated now in 2018. I'll avoid in the future.

Treasures for very little...and it's always changing. Huge store...well-lit, must be seen to be…read morebelieved!

Their variety of items is okay. The first impression, however is that items are not bargain…read morepriced. For example, an empty glass candle vase that is 4" tall is priced at $1.99 with no candle. I would price this at 10 cents. Pretty lame. This is not retail.