Frequently Asked Questions
FAQS
If you don’t see an answer to your question here, feel free to contact us directly.
Do I need an appointment to use The Care Store or can I just walk in?
You can do either. Appointments can be made just one week in advance, however. Appointments are very helpful on the busiest days. Appointments can be made either in the Center or by calling 989-444-5203. We also take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis during our hours of operation.
How much money do I need to bring to The Care Store?
The Care Store does not accept “real” money. To shop in The Care Store, you will need to have Care Bucks assigned to you by someone that you work with through one of our participating agencies.
How do I get Care Bucks?
You can get Care Bucks by talking to and working with your case worker/a staff member that you work with at one of our participating agencies:
-
8Cap
-
CMH (Community Mental Health)
-
CMU Street Medicine
-
Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan
-
Commission on Aging – Isabella County
-
Deacons at Community Church (limited # of referrals)
-
DHHS (Department of Health & Human Services)
-
Elementary School in Mt. Pleasant
-
Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!
-
Hopewell Ranch
-
ICRH (Homeless Shelter)
-
Immanuel Village
-
Infant Pantry at First Presbyterian Church
-
Isabella Citizens for Health
-
Life Choices
-
Listening Ear (current clients only)
-
R.I.S.E. Recovery, Independence, Strength, and Empowerment
-
Salvation Army
-
Soup Kitchen (Isabella Community) 1 referral per guest
-
WIC – Health Department
How many Care Bucks will I need to have?
The “prices” on the personal hygiene and household cleaning products are about the same as you would find at Walmart. So, if you have $10 in Care Bucks then you will be able to get $10 worth of items, the same as you would get at the store. Many of our items are donated so we set our prices at an average price for those products in the store.
Do I need to live in Isabella County to use The Care Store?
Yes, The Care Store serves residents of Isabella County only. Proof of residence by showing your ID will be required. Exceptions are made for people who live in the following zip codes ONLY:
-
48617 Clare
-
48618 Coleman
-
48632 Lake
-
48896 Winn
-
49305 Barryton
-
49340 Remus
How many Care Bucks will I need to have?
The “prices” on the personal hygiene and household cleaning products are about the same as you would find at Walmart. So, if you have $10 in Care Bucks then you will be able to get $10 worth of items, the same as you would get at the store. Many of our items are donated so we set our prices at an average price for those products in the store.
I am an agency worker. How can I help my client use The Care Store?
Workers from participating agencies can do three things to help their clients to use The Care Store:
-
Assign Care Bucks using the on-line Care Buck Referral form – assigning Care Bucks according to their level of need. See the top of the on-line form for more details.
-
Shop with your client in The Care Store – let us know when you check in with the receptionist that you are from an agency.
-
Shop on behalf of your client and you deliver the items to them. Let us know when you check in with the receptionist that you are from an agency.
How can I get involved?
The Care Store is staffed by volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the Volunteer Application here.
How can I donate?
-
If you would like to donate items needed for Care Store guests, click here for our list of Top Ten most needed items
-
If you would like to make a financial donation, click here