A northwest Michigan non-profit recently opened their doors again after sustaining damage from last spring's devastating ice storms.
The Bergman Center in Charlevoix helps differently-abled people by teaching them life skills, connecting them to jobs in the community and education.
Bergman Center CEO Keri Laporte-Montero said the center suffered so much flood damage after the ice melted they had to relocate to their resale store.
"So we spent several months in the back of the resale, working on all the things we do: the life skills, the vocational skills, but it was a little crowded. So we are grateful to move back to our Martin Road facility this past month," she explained.
Laporte-Montero said they received over $40,000 in grants and community donations to help with the restoration. She said that money not only allowed them to repair the Martin Road facility, it also helped them move the resale shop to the facility.
The Bergman Center has been operating for over 50 years, helping adults with disabilities gain knowledge on certain career paths or hone skills they already have.
Laporte-Montero says just because someone learns differently, doesn't mean they aren't able to function in society.
"I worked with individuals who can't speak but run their own businesses and are brilliant," she said. "And I've worked with individuals who don't have any mobility, but who have college degrees far further advanced than I do."
She said a public open house is planned for Jan. 23rd to showcase how they help community members connect to real-world jobs and education.
