BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Present Pillars, an organization started in 2021, has a mission to spotlight and support fathers while highlighting the importance of fatherhood. The Pillar Center is an extension of their continued mission.

The organization has supported the community of Benton Harbor through a fatherhood program and barrier navigation.

The Pillar Center will officially open on Monday, March 25 with hours of operation from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The organization says the addition of The Pillar Center will allow their team to centralize services and engage men and fathers of all stages and circumstances.

“Statistically speaking, the impact on a child’s life by having a father figure present is huge, the odds of living in poverty drop by 50%, teen pregnancy by 75%, and incarceration by 80%,” says founding Pillar and Executive Director, James Gunter.

The Pillar Center at 240 W. Main St. in Benton Harbor will be a place that assists in helping men navigate barriers and promotes overall wellness.

Gunter further explains, “Continuing to engage these current and future fathers and provide them with a safe space to navigate and gain mentor guidance ultimately creates a fellowship that fosters the type of community change that’s needed.”

The organization says future plans include a barbershop called ‘Legends’ that has barbers with specialized training and the Workforce Development Institute, an organization that helps get individuals into trades.

To learn more about Present Pillars and The Pillar Center, you can visit their official Facebook page. 

Tune in to ABC57 or stream live on ABC57.com tonight at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. as ABC57's Annie Kate is live from the opening of the new center.