Present Pillars Closes Main Street Location & Seeks Support from Community

The Present Pillars Foundation, a Benton Harbor-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting fathers and families in Southwest Michigan, has announced it will permanently close its downtown location on Main Street.

Since March 2024, The Pillar Center has served as a hub for fellowship, resource navigation, and community collaboration. Despite the closure, the foundation will continue its mission to empower fathers and father figures to overcome barriers and become the dads of their dreams, by shifting its focus to taking resources deeper into the community.

“Over the past several days, I’ve been deeply moved by the outpouring of calls, texts, emails, and messages we’ve received,” said James Gunter, co-founder and executive director of Present Pillars. “The overwhelming concern and encouragement from our community speaks volumes about how much The Pillar Center and our services mean to fathers and families across our region.”

Gunter emphasized the importance of owning a facility for long-term stability. “As we close this chapter, one thing is clear. It’s time for us to start looking into securing a permanent facility of our own,” he said. “A space we own will ensure the stability, strength, and longevity of the services our families count on.”

Present Pillars will continue hosting programs, events, and outreach opportunities while pursuing its next chapter. The foundation is preparing for its 4th annual Pillar Awards, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo. The event will honor fathers and community leaders and celebrate the organization’s work over the past year.

“The Pillar Awards is a huge fundraising event for us, and we hope that community members will purchase tickets and show up to support,” Gunter added.

For more information about the Present Pillars or to learn how to support its efforts to secure a permanent facility, visit www.presentpillars.org. Tickets for the upcoming Pillar Awards are available at:

Present Pillars Foundation - The Pillar Awards: A Night of Celebration, Style & Soul