I bought multigrain bread made by Rising Stars Academy at the Metropolitan Variety Store in…read moreDetroit's West Village. The bread was delicious and healthy. I'll definitely be buying more. I have previously mentioned the wonderful products made by Dutton Farms, a special education school in Rochester Hills. The products that their students make, like soap, hand sanitizer, and lip balm, are superior to anything made by mega conglomerates. I am also happy to support Rising Stars, another amazing special education school for adults with disabilities located in Center Line. The multigrain bread was fresh and tasty. It's also cheaper than any of the healthy bread you'll find at places like Whole Foods. I am happy to support a locally owned variety store like Metropolitan that sells products from schools like Rising Stars. I hope that more people choose locally made products created by programs that benefit the community over food made by corporate factories with questionable labor and safety practices!

From the owner: Bakery, Food production facility, restaurant, catering - all within the confines of a school that…read moreis dedicated to giving opportunities for employment for students with special needs.

Maria was a life saver! Some back-story, I was at my wits…read moreend dealing with the middle school when my son started having severe behavioral issues after entering the 6th grade. It got so bad I was receiving 3-4 calls/emails almost every day- disrupting my work and my peace. IEP meetings were occurring but ultimately ineffective and nothing seemed to be improving. He was not getting an education and the school did not want him there or wanted to seclude him for disruptive behaviors. After Maria got involved, she came to me with a specific plan of what we needed to target for IEP changes. She was involved for several meetings and ultimately helped me get my son placed in a therapeutic school. Not an alternative school but an actual private therapy school and the school district paid. He is now in the 7th grade, almost a full year-in and thriving. She was truly a blessing for me and my son!

From the owner: Student Advocates represent the best interests of a child with a disability in the public school…read moresetting. They ensure that their educational rights are being met including their right to FAPE (a Free and Public Education). If a child with a disability is not making meaningful educational progress, they can assist by collaborating with parents and the school district to better the situation for that child. While an advocate is not a lawyer and cannot provide legal advice, their expertise and knowledge surrounding the civil rights and educational rights of children guided by the state and federal laws can be invaluable to a parent that does not have that background. Navigating this complex process is very overwhelming and intimidating to most. The average person may not be skilled and knowledgeable enough to obtain the optimal outcomes best suited for their child. I have personally walked this road with my own child for years now. I learned the hard way trying to do this on my own. Looking back now I wish I had sought help with student advocacy early on. I advocate for all children needing accommodations or special educational services at school. All children deserve to learn and thrive to the best of their abilities regardless of their disability or learning differences. Parents should feel confident that the school district and staff collaborates productively with them in developing a 504 Plan or IEP specific to their child's needs and situation.

Love this store and the work they do with young adults with developmental disability in our…read morecommunity. The new location at 15415 Jefferson is so beautiful! It's bright, open and chock full of gorgeous gently used clothing at remarkable prices. If you haven't seen it, you need to get there!

I love this little store and always walk out of there with something. It's a resale store that is…read moresupported by the Full Circle Foundation to give youth / young adults with learning disabilities an opportunity to work in the community. Because it's in the Pointes, the caliber of clothes there is pretty nice. They must weed out any schlocky stuff because it's all nice and frequently high end. In the last month I walked out of there with Franco Sarto boots for $5, multiple Ann Taylor & Banana Republic & J Crew sweaters, nice shirts & tops, you get the idea. They have some kind of 'special' every day, whether it's 50% off, buy one get one, or my favorite recently, everything for a buck. That's right, a buck. If you're not too embarrassed to shop at a resale store, come on by. Finally, the youth that work there are so nice and are really happy to help you out. So not only are you getting a bargain, you're supporting a great organization.