Amanda Forrester / new@whmi.com

Torch 180’s Capital Campaign is closing in on being 10% funded, but there’s still a long road.

The non-profit has been operating their café to “provide inclusive opportunities for effective vocational training, soft skills, and work experience for individuals with disadvantages,” but Founder Rhonda Callahan said the Capital Campaign will allow them to expand and offer more training.

The organization has a fundraising goal of $360,000 to allow them to convert 102 E. Grand River, in Fowlerville, into a retail space, allowing those in the program to learn retail and “microentrepreneur” skills. The main floor will be divided into stalls, allowing for multiple people to operate within the location. The public will also be able to rent out one of the stations and employ students, giving them a chance to learn from others.

The upstairs also boasts living space, and Callahan said they may be able to work on an independent living program.

According to their Facebook page, they’ve reached 9% of their goal. Donations of any amount are welcomed to help move them closer to hitting $360,000.

They have rewards for those who donate certain amounts, ranging from recognition on their donor wall, to public acknowledgment, to rights to name certain areas of the building.

Torch 180 partnered with Lake Trust Credit Union to allow them to secure the building, with the Capital Campaign allowing them to renovate the space.

Callahan said based on the timing of the work, the retail space could be ready by Aug. 1.

She also told WHMI that the fundraiser wasn’t to help pay her salary, addressing rumors that sprang up earlier this year claiming that she made $180,000 annually. Callahan said she makes $66,000 a year, and also works at Cleary University to help supplement that income. The money coming in through the campaign will go into making the retail space functional for the students participating.


Donations can be made through the Go Fund Me link posted below, on Facebook, also posted below, or by dropping off a check or cash to 131 Mill Street, in Fowlerville.

(photo credit: Torch 180 via Facebook)