Pioneer Work and Learn Center:
Residential Foster Care

1120 Commerce Dr. • Vassar, MI 48768 • P: (989) 823-3325 • F: (989) 823-9238

Located in Vassar, Michigan, the PWLC program is a Residential Foster Care (Abuse/Neglect) program for males, ages 13-17 in need of placement to resolve issues regarding abuse and/or neglect. The program is a Title IV-E eligible and is under contract with the Michigan Department of Human Services. Many clients coming to PWLC have struggled in past community based placements such as shelters, foster care, relative care and/or supervised independent living due to truancy and inappropriate social interactions.

PWLC is located in Vassar, Michigan, in the heart of Michigan's Thumb, approximately 25 miles east of Saginaw and 90 miles north of Detroit. The program works with clients to develop the social skills deemed necessary to return to a relative or community based placement. These skills include anger management, victimization counseling and a major emphasis on success in school.

Program Activities and Services

• Group, Individual and Family Counseling
• Anger Management/Grief/Victimization Counseling
• On-site educational programming, including GED prep and testing
• On site Dental/Vision and Medical Care
• Substance Abuse Education
• Aftercare/Permanency/Reintegration Planning
• Pioneer Adventure/Experiential Programming
• Recreational Therapy
• Pre-vocational and Vocational Training
• On site Psychological/Psychiatric Services

Transition planning and aftercare services are integral to the success of the treatment program, and vital to the program philosophy of permanency. PWLC has as its goal to provide for the social, moral, emotional, educational, and sustenance needs of all its clients while providing the opportunity for young men to change their lives, foster dignity and self-respect to find strength for today and hope for tomorrow.