Is Michael's Refuge in Grand Rapids licensed by the State of Michigan?
Michael's Refuge is licensed. Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs lists license AS410418699 at 722 Eastern Avenue SE, Grand Rapids: an adult foster care small group home (up to 6 residents) approved for 6 residents, holding a first provisional license -- issued when a licensee is temporarily unable to comply with the licensing rules from May 19, 2026 to November 18, 2026.
Source: Michigan LARA, Bureau of Community and Health Systems -- statewide AFC/HFA file and facility report index, data as of 2026-10-30.
Who holds the license for Michael's Refuge?
The licensee of record is Michael Townsend, and it is the only home in our five-county area under that licensee name.
A single-home licensee often means the owner is closely involved day to day; ask who covers when the owner or administrator is away.
Does Michael's Refuge accept residents with Alzheimer's or dementia?
Not according to the state file. LARA lists Michael's Refuge as serving physically handicapped, developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and aged, without the Alzheimer's designation.
Memory loss after move-in is common. Ask what the home does when a resident starts wandering or needs cues for daily tasks, and keep the Alzheimer's-designated homes in mind as a next step.
What did LARA's most recent inspection of Michael's Refuge find?
LARA's latest renewal licensing study of Michael's Refuge, published October 7, 2025, found the home in substantial compliance with no rule violations established.
Reports LARA has published for this license, newest first:
| Published | Report | Link |
|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2026 | Special Investigation | View on LARA |
| January 23, 2026 | Addendum to Original Licensing Study | View on LARA |
| January 6, 2026 | Special Investigation | View on LARA |
| October 7, 2025 | Renewal Inspection | View on LARA |
| March 18, 2025 | Original Licensing Study | View on LARA |
Has Michael's Refuge had any special investigations since October 2023?
Yes. LARA has published 2 special investigation reports for Michael's Refuge since October 2023, and 2 of the 2 we read established at least one rule violation.
Investigation 2026A0579024 · published May 19, 2026
Complaint received March 2, 2026.
- Funds were inappropriately taken from Resident A. — established
- [name withheld] and [name withheld] intimidate residents and their supports. — not established
- Paperwork was not completed to establish the monthly fee for services in the home. — not established
- Residents are left without supervision or adequate staffing. — not established
- Transportation was not provided to Resident A’s doctors’ appointments so they were missed or canceled. — not established
- Resident B does not receive adequate care. — not established
- Residents do not receive adequate meals. — not established
- Residents are given incorrect medications. — not established
- There are cameras throughout the home without the consent of residents or their guardians. — established
LARA also recorded additional rule findings during this investigation.
Investigation 2026A0579009 · published January 6, 2026
Complaint received November 19, 2025.
- Resident A does not receive adequate supervision. — not established
- Resident A was not provided with transportation to a medical appointment. — not established
LARA also recorded additional rule findings during this investigation.
How does Michael's Refuge compare with other licensed homes in Grand Rapids?
Michael's Refuge is licensed for 6 residents; the 73 other LARA-licensed homes serving older adults in Grand Rapids range from 3 to 110 beds (median 6), and together carry 82 special investigation reports published since October 2023.
| Nearby licensed home | License type | Beds | Alzheimer's | Special investigations since 10/2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edison Christian Assisted Living | Home for the Aged | 33 | No | 0 |
| Pine Rest Cameron Home | AFC medium group home (7-12) | 8 | No | 1 |
| Resolute Adult Living Facility | AFC small group home (1-6) | 6 | No | 0 |
| Lifes Choice 2 | AFC small group home (1-6) | 6 | Yes | 1 |
| Faith Haven Adult Foster Care Home | AFC small group home (1-6) | 5 | No | 2 |
See every licensed home on the Grand Rapids page.
What should families ask Michael's Refuge before choosing it?
Ask Michael's Refuge the questions its own inspection file raises, then the cost and staffing questions every family should ask.
- Why is the license 1st provisional rather than regular, and when does LARA expect to issue a regular license?
- LARA established this allegation: “Funds were inappropriately taken from Resident A.” What changed afterward, and can we see the corrective action plan?
- If memory loss progresses, at what point would the home ask for a move, and how much notice is given?
- How often have rates risen over the last three years, and by how much?
- Does the licensee or a manager live in or work on site, and who covers when they are away?
| It is | It isn't | |
|---|---|---|
| License | AS410418699, AFC small group home (1-6), 6 residents, through November 18, 2026 | Not a nursing home or home for the aged license |
| Residents | LARA lists physically handicapped, developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and aged | Not for residents who need continuous nursing care |
| Operator | Michael Townsend | Size and operator set the rules that apply, not quality |
