The Grosse Pointe-based Full Circle Foundation, a nonprofit providing job training for young adults with special needs, is undergoing a major expansion after securing $8 million in donations from the A. A. Van Elslander Foundation and Jim and Patti Anderson. This funding will enable the organization to purchase and renovate two new buildings on Jefferson Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park, significantly expanding its capacity to support children with special needs and increase community involvement.
The primary goal of the new space is to increase job training. This commitment to tangible skills is key to the Foundation’s success, with Director of Operations Stephanie DiVirgil and Resale Shop Manager Evie Ansell detailing the wide range of
roles participants will master.
“The new shop is so important for Full Circle because it provides so many more opportunities for our adults to work and gain job skills and experience,” DiVirgil and Ansell wrote in an email to North Pointe. “They work in every part of the store — registers, as fitting room attendants, receive, sort, and hang donations.”
With its growing impact and strong local presence, Full Circle has inspired partnerships within the community, most notably with Grosse Pointe North’s Student Association (SA), which has expanded its support through fundraisers, volunteer initiatives and a new year-long partnership model in place of the traditional
“Charity Week,” according to Student Association Advisor and English teacher Jonathan Byrne. “We decided to do a Charity of the Year instead of a Charity Week because we felt rushed to get everything done in one week, and there was some donor fatigue,” Byrne wrote in an email to North Pointe. “Members of SA presented ideas, researched options and voted. Full Circle was ultimately chosen because it is local and affects North students — it was a perfect pairing.”
Demonstrating the success of the year-long commitment, senior and president of Student Association Lauren Loper showcases the collaborative energy between the school and the foundation. The students’ dedication has quickly translated into real-world contributions.
“So far, our Student Association has hosted a Miracle Minute at our Homecoming Football game,” Loper wrote in an email to North Pointe. “Along with that, the students in the foods class baked cakes and sold them at lunch and during the football game to raise money for the Full Circle Foundation,” Loper wrote.
The impact of Full Circle Foundation extends beyond fundraising efforts as it plays a vital role in enriching the community and supporting young adults with special needs.
“Full Circle Foundation has significantly impacted the Grosse Pointe community by providing young adults with special needs opportunities for social engagement, skill development, and community integration,” DiVirgil and Ansell wrote. “We offer a variety of programs and opportunities that foster independence and build confidence in a safe environment. These programs not only benefit the young adults but also enrich the Grosse Pointe community by promoting inclusivity and understanding.”
Looking forward to setting future goals and aspirations, Loper has optimism for potential outcomes of this partnership for both herself and the organization as a whole. Not only anticipating more successful events, Loper is also enthusiastic about the positive effect the organization will have on fellow students.
“In the future, we hope to have the Full Circle Foundation come to some of our other events,” Loper wrote. “I hope that our students embrace the chance to give back to their community, especially one that is so important to our North Family.”
Supporting the Foundation goes beyond fundraising alone. Volunteers are essential to keeping the nonprofit’s mission thriving and empowering adults with special needs to build confidence, learn practical skills, and take meaningful steps toward greater independence. Each volunteer opportunity contributes to that mission, whether it’s through hands-on support, skill-building activities, or community engagement.
“We’re always looking for volunteers to help out with our TEAM 26, the Resale Shop, and at the Edible Garden,” DiVirgil and Ansell said. Volunteer forms can be found on the website.”
