(Joplin, MO) – Lafayette House has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Jim & Carol Gaskill Memorial Trust to replace a critical piece of kitchen infrastructure. The funding will support the replacement of a 100-gallon hot water heater that has reached the end of its serviceable life.
Lafayette House operates a full-service kitchen that provides essential meals twice daily, seven days a week, to individuals under their care. A reliable hot water supply is critical for food safety, proper sanitation, and meeting health code requirements. The current hot water heater requires immediate replacement to maintain uninterrupted meal service for vulnerable clients who depend on Lafayette House for comprehensive support during their recovery journey.
Without adequate hot water capacity, Lafayette House cannot safely prepare nutritious meals or maintain the sanitary standards necessary for unique programs, like Lafayette House that have both in-patient and outpatient services, with residential facility and emergency shelter. The new 100-gallon unit will ensure consistent hot water availability for cooking, dishwashing, and kitchen sanitation, allowing the organization to continue serving meals daily.
“The Jim & Carol Gaskill Memorial Trust’s generous support addresses a fundamental need that directly impacts our ability to care for individuals working toward their new lives,” said Eli Moran, Chief Strategy Officer at Lafayette House. “This replacement is not an upgrade but a vital infrastructure necessity. Nutritious meals served in a safe, sanitary environment are essential components of comprehensive treatment. This grant ensures we can continue providing the basic care that supports lasting recovery and transformation.”
Lafayette House’s Kitchen Manager, Jessica Eley added, “We are incredibly grateful to the Jim & Carol Gaskill Memorial Trust for understanding that behind-the-scenes infrastructure like kitchen equipment is absolutely essential to our mission. A functioning hot water heater might not seem glamorous, but it is the foundation that allows us to prepare safe, nutritious meals for our clients every single day. This support ensures we can maintain the health and safety standards that our residents deserve as they work toward healing and a new beginning. The Trust’s investment in this critical equipment means we can focus on what matters most: providing excellent care to those who need us.”
Last year, Lafayette House served more than 16,000 meals to clients in both the Victim Services and Substance Use Disorder programs.
The organization’s full-service kitchen plays a vital role in creating a comprehensive healing environment where individuals can focus on recovery while receiving proper nutrition and care.
The Jim & Carol Gaskill Memorial Trust is managed by Southwest Missouri Bank Trust Services and supports nonprofit organizations throughout the region. The Distribution Committee provides grants to charitable organizations for a wide range of purposes that strengthen communities and improve lives.
For more information about Lafayette House’s services, click here or contact the organization at 417.782.1772.
About Lafayette House:
Lafayette House is a private non-profit organization serving adults, children, and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or substance use disorders. The organization serves 1,200 people each year from a seven-county area in southwest Missouri.
Reference:
Chelsea Conley, Development Director
Lafayette House
417.782.1772
chelseaconley@lafayettehouse.org
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