Self Help Alternative Living Opportunities of Mi (SHALOM)

SHALOM provided residential extended-family homes for over 40 residents and their care-provider families including state-licensed Adult Foster Care and independent supported living for men and women. These Christ- centered homes provide encouragement, love and structure. Residents become part of the Shalom community which allows them to participate in many social and support opportunities.

Many participants worked in our Farm, Thrift Store and Woolery where they worked in teams skirting and washing wool, operated looms and carding machines, made dryer balls, cat toys, banners and other products in a supportive and safe atmosphere. Farm participants worked with sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens and alpaca while experiencing gardening and other year-round projects(gathering eggs and caring for livestock). The 6000 square foot Woolery Building allowed opportunities for woodworking, painting and growth toward meeting our future goal of 50 weekly Woolery participants. Construction of Shaloms Coffee Connection was completed and allowed for further skill development community relationships for participants. Through our Thrift Store and art shows, participants enjoy sorting, processing and selling donated and self-created goods. These activities are made possible through our many full and part-time staff/coaches and more than 50 regular volunteers. Several of our participants continue to develope their skills of woodworking, painting and furniture making.

SHALOM provided several opportunities in 2023 for our participants, staff and volunteers to experience community through activity. Many attended the Kalamazoo Growlers semi-professional baseball game, Shaloms very own Olympic games and Friday Fun Night (with our own karaoke machine). Community connections were strengthened through participating in our monthly cookouts and, as always, our annual Farm Days which was attended by nearly 1,000 community residents.