PONTIAC, Mich.–Lighthouse, a Pontiac-based nonprofit building equitable communities that alleviate poverty, partnered with Genisys Credit Union to renovate and restore a commercial kitchen at Lighthouse’s headquarters.
The kitchen, which has not been used in more than a decade, will be brought up to code with a new layout and new appliances to provide meals for emergency shelter residents. Since Lighthouse does not currently have a commercial kitchen, all meals for the shelter are being brought in or cooked off site at other commercial kitchens, the credit union said.
"With the drive and passion to do so, Lighthouse is making fundamental change possible in our communities through their commitment to partnership and advocacy," said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. "Standing alongside them, we share in their mission of eliminating homelessness in our communities with projects like the commercial kitchen and we are grateful to offer support to move their mission forward."
Genisys Credit Union provided an initial $60,000 gift to support the kitchen project. It has since raised additional funds with their employees and are working to raise another $25,000 to purchase appliances, food, and other equipment needed for the kitchen.
This latest project is an extension of Genisys Credit Union’s ongoing support and partnership with Lighthouse. Over the last three years, the credit union has donated $164,000 to Lighthouse including financial support for its Thanksgiving program which distributes turkeys to more than 2,000 households annually, sponsorships, and more.
Genisys employees have also rolled up their sleeves and put in more than 140 hours volunteering to pack and deliver food and renovate a smaller kitchen at Lighthouse’s new Family Emergency Shelter.
In addition, Genisys has engaged its partners to give financially, including acting as a catalyst for the Michigan Credit Union League to support Lighthouse through their annual golf outing.
A timeline and other details for the commercial kitchen project are still being finalized.