Celebrating 40 Years of River House: Four Decades of Serving Northern Michigan

For 40 years, River House, Inc. has been a source of safety, advocacy and support for individuals and families throughout Northern Michigan.

In 2026, the Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate this significant milestone with one of our members — and recognize four decades of work that has made a lasting impact across our region.

River House began serving survivors of intimate partner violence in 1986, after a need for domestic violence services was identified in Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon counties. Mercy Hospital in Grayling stepped forward to help establish the program, beginning a community effort that would grow substantially over the next four decades. Today, River House continues to serve all four counties, with its shelter and administrative offices located in Crawford County and advocates traveling throughout the region to meet with survivors. River House expanded its services to survivors of sexual assault in 2012.

What started as a local response to an identified need has become an organization serving more than 200 survivors, family members and community members each year.

A Community Effort From the Beginning

The story of River House is also a story about what can happen when a community recognizes a need and decides to respond.

The Crawford County Avalanche recently took a deeper look at River House's 40-year history, speaking with Executive Director Kim Scott-Munson about the organization's beginnings and evolution. The newspaper's reporting shares some wonderful pieces of local history, including the involvement of the Sisters of Mercy and the organization's original shelter in a small building along the AuSable River behind the hospital.

That community involvement remains important today. River House notes that volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year, while individuals, businesses, churches and community organizations support its work through financial contributions, donated goods, transportation and other assistance.

We encourage our community to read the Avalanche's full story for a closer look at the people, partnerships and history behind River House's first 40 years.

More Than a Shelter

Today, River House's mission is to provide safety and services to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual abuse while promoting empowerment through education and advocacy.

That work extends beyond the walls of its shelter. River House advocates work throughout a service area spanning four rural counties, helping survivors navigate the many practical barriers that can come with rebuilding their lives.

Another visible part of River House's presence in our community is Chasing Dreams – River House Resale, located at 6375 W. M-72 in Grayling.

Chasing Dreams provides affordable clothing, furniture, household goods, craft supplies and other items to shoppers, while River House survivors can also use vouchers to obtain needed items. Proceeds from the store directly support River House's mission.

It's a simple way for community members to make a difference: shop, donate or volunteer.

Celebrating 40 Years — and Looking Ahead

Forty years is an extraordinary milestone for any organization. For River House, it represents four decades of answering crisis calls, providing shelter, advocating for survivors, educating our communities and helping people move toward safer, more independent futures.

It also represents 40 years of people throughout Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon counties choosing to support that work.

As a Chamber, we're proud to have River House as part of our membership and our community. We congratulate Executive Director Kim Scott-Munson, the River House team, its volunteers, board members, supporters and everyone who has played a role in its story over the past four decades.

And perhaps the best way to celebrate 40 years is to help make sure the organization can continue its work for years to come.

Community members can support River House by donating, volunteering, shopping or donating items at Chasing Dreams, participating in fundraisers, or simply helping more people understand that these services are available.

To learn more about River House, its services and ways to support its mission, visit River House, Inc..

Need help? River House's crisis line is (989) 348-3169, its crisis text line is (989) 889-0545, and its toll-free crisis number is 1-888-554-3169.