Unmasking Local Concerns: Questions Surrounding Renewal Christian Counseling Center, The Milkhouse Cafe, and Christians for a New Tomorrow

Port Huron, Michigan – Allegations are again surfacing regarding some of Port Huron’s well-known community organizations, raising serious ethical and legal questions.

At the center of these concerns are Renewal Christian Counseling Center, The Milkhouse Cafe, and Christians for a New Tomorrow, with ties to individuals whose pasts and practices have led to growing unease.

Allegations of Exploitation at The Milkhouse Cafe

Recent reports suggest troubling labor practices at The Milkhouse Cafe, a local ice cream shop linked to Christians for a New Tomorrow. Allegedly, the cafe employs young teens who work without pay, donating their time while all profits, including tips, go directly to C.A.N.T. Ministries.

This setup raises significant ethical and legal concerns, including potential violations of labor laws and tax regulations.

Disguised as a nonprofit organization, The Milkhouse Cafe reportedly does not pay taxes, nor have they filed the required forms with the IRS pertaining to their nonprofit status, further compounding questions about its legitimacy and transparency. These practices not only disadvantage the young workers, who do not receive the wages they deserve, but also create an uneven playing field for other small, legitimate ice cream shops in the community.

Local residents are increasingly voicing their disapproval, urging neighbors to support businesses that operate with integrity and fairness.

Jeremiah May, Michael Smith, and Their Connections

This controversy surrounding The Milkhouse Cafe comes on the heels of other concerning revelations involving members of Christians for a New Tomorrow.

Jeremiah May, a former Port Huron Area School District teacher who previously ran for a seat on the Port Huron School Board, was forced to resign from his teaching position after numerous inappropriate social media posts regarding a female student.

Furthermore, Michael Smith, a former Royal Oak police officer convicted of multiple counts of possessing child pornography, is linked to this same organization.

Both May and Smith’s wives work at Renewal Christian Counseling Center, an institution that presents itself as a haven for mental health support but is now under scrutiny due to these troubling associations. The connections among these individuals, their families, and the community organizations raise questions about the values and oversight within these groups.

Charitable Donations Under Scrutiny

Adding to the complexity, Christians for a New Tomorrow and The Milkhouse Cafe have made substantial donations to the St. Clair County Child Abuse/Neglect (C.A.N.) Council. While such donations are typically welcome, the involvement of figures like May and Smith casts a shadow over these contributions. Critics argue that the C.A.N. Council, which aims to protect children under the banner “It shouldn’t hurt to be a child,” should reassess its acceptance of donations from entities associated with individuals with such sordid histories.

Executive Director Sherry Archibald has refused to comment for this story.

Local Leadership and Accountability

Jeff Pemberton, another local whackadoodle, serves on the leadership team of Christians for a New Tomorrow, and like Archibald, sits on the Port Huron City Council. Known for his support of Jeremiah May and Renewal Christian Counseling Center, Pemberton’s connections further entwine local governance with these controversial organizations. His wife’s employment at Renewal adds another layer of complexity, raising concerns about his suitability as an elected official.

Community Response and Call for Action

As these stories come to light, the Port Huron community is left grappling with issues of transparency, integrity, and child safety. Many residents are calling for greater scrutiny and action from local authorities to ensure that the community’s children are protected and that businesses such as those owned and operated by Steve Fair and Walter Caughel are no longer permitted to do business locally.

The growing list of concerns—from unpaid teen labor to troubling social media posts and criminal convictions—has sparked a broader conversation about the role of religious and community organizations in Port Huron. For those advocating for transparency and the protection of the vulnerable, the message remains clear: it is time for the community to demand that Renewal Christian Counseling Center, The Milkhouse Cafe and C.A.N.T Ministries are shut down.

The question that remains is whether community leaders and other community members will rise to the challenge of ensuring that Port Huron is a safe place for all its residents.

So far, it seems as if the answer is no.