Lafayette House is proud to announce that its Endowment Fund has officially surpassed $1 million, a historic milestone that ensures long-term sustainability for the organization’s life-saving mission. This achievement reflects two decades of thoughtful stewardship, community investment, and an unwavering commitment to serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use disorders across southwest Missouri.
The Endowment Fund was established in 2003 through the visionary leadership of its founding Board of Trustees: Dorothy “Dot” Willcoxon, Betty Lou Crossland, Christina Herrin-Hamilton, and Barbara Hicklin. Later joining this remarkable group, Lora Phelps. These five women recognized that creating a sustainable financial foundation would help ensure Lafayette House could continue serving the community for generations to come.
“Twenty years ago, our founding trustees planted a seed with remarkable foresight,” said Susan Hickam, CEO of Lafayette House. “They understood that building an endowment wasn’t just about financial security, it was about creating a lasting promise to our community that help would always be available when crisis strikes. Today, we celebrate the fulfillment of that vision.”
The endowment has grown through the generosity of individuals, families, and organizations throughout the region who have chosen to invest in Lafayette House’s future. Most recently, a $50,000 memorial gift from Mary Louise Glauber in memory of her husband, Michael A. Glauber, helped propel the fund past this significant threshold. The Glauber family’s multi-generational commitment to Lafayette House exemplifies the deep community partnerships that have made this milestone possible.
Today, the Lafayette House Board of Directors continues the careful stewardship of the Endowment Fund, building upon the strong foundation established by the original trustees. This continuity of dedicated leadership ensures the fund remains a stable resource supporting the organization’s mission.
“This milestone belongs to our entire community,” said Eli Moran, Chief Strategy Officer at Lafayette House. “Every contribution, regardless of size, has helped build something that will outlast all of us. The endowment represents the collective belief of hundreds of donors that victims in southwest Missouri deserve access to safety, healing, and hope. Not just today, but always.”
Lafayette House serves more than 900 individuals annually across a seven-county service area, providing emergency shelter, crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, and comprehensive treatment programs. The organization operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring professional help is always available when crisis strikes.
As Lafayette House looks toward the future, the endowment provides stability and confidence that the organization will continue meeting the evolving needs of the community it serves. The milestone also serves as a testament to what is possible when a community comes together around a shared commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us.
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:
Eil Moran, Chief Strategy Office
Lafayette House
417.782.1772
EliMoran@lafayettehouse.org
Be the first to comment