Kids On The Go launches campaign for new accessible center in St. Clair Shores

Kids On The Go has launched a community campaign to finish a new permanent home in St. Clair Shores after leaving its longtime location. The nonprofit has raised just over $1 million toward a $2 million project and is seeking donations to complete renovations and expand services for children with disabilities.

Why it matters: - Kids On The Go is building a purpose-designed center that will expand therapy, life-skills training and community space for children and teens with disabilities and developmental differences. - The project is intended to increase capacity and create a fully accessible environment for families across Michigan. - The campaign still needs additional community support to finish a $2 million capital project.

What happened: - Kids On The Go launched a community campaign to complete its new home at 21801 Harper Avenue in St. Clair Shores, the former Barrister House Event Center. - The nonprofit moved after the unexpected closure of its longtime location at the Nonprofit Center at Pare. - Just over $1 million in gifts and pledges has been secured toward the project. - The organization is asking the community to help raise the remaining funds needed for renovations and equipment.

The details: - Kids On The Go has served children with disabilities and developmental differences for nearly 30 years. - The nonprofit provides no-cost physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapy programs for children and teens ages 3-17. - The new facility is designed to be a permanent, fully accessible center. - Planned features include a family lobby with parent resources and support services. - Planned features also include an instructional kitchen for nutrition, wellness and independent living skills. - The project includes an adaptive gym and fitness space. - A Teens to Work classroom and store is planned to prepare young adults for employment and independence. - The center will also include community conference and meeting space. - Planned partnerships include SPARC, Nourished Living and Ribbons of Hope. - The expanded center is expected to help Kids On The Go increase capacity and offer more flexible spaces for families. - Founder and Executive Director Kristy Schena said the new center represents hope, opportunity and a place where every child belongs. - Kids On The Go says the new center will become a hub for therapy, education, recreation and community collaboration. - The nonprofit says it has helped thousands of children and families since 1997. - More information and donations are available at the campaign site.

Between the lines: - The move from a rented or shared location to a dedicated facility suggests a push for long-term stability and broader programming. - The mix of therapy, job-readiness and community-use spaces shows Kids On The Go is positioning the building as both a service center and a partnership hub.

What's next: - Kids On The Go must close the remaining funding gap before fully completing renovations and outfitting the center. - The organization expects the new building to support future programming and community use once the campaign succeeds. - Additional donations and community partnerships will determine how quickly the center opens at full scale.