In 2023, we saw the remaining contingent of our employees who were at home during the pandemic, return to work, and we were able to hire 24 new fulltime workers! Combined with our STEPUP program, we again provided our unique program service to over 400 different individuals the past year. We continue to be very blessed. Once again, as I have stated over and over, what a pleasure it is to work with people who love having a job!
We again received great financial support from our sponsors throughout the year which enabled us to not only employ those new folks, but conduct: free flu vaccination shots; our 3 times/week Glee Club; attendance and anniversary awards for every individual; 1-1 specialized training as needed; Safety and Respect recognition awards; art therapy; and served over 4,000 individual free healthy lunches.
In September we celebrated our 48th anniversary, and held our Employee family celebration and picnic in person, this year with over 450 attending! At the end of the year we awarded 3 more gold watches (for 25 years of service), bringing the total to 109 that we have given out in the last 17 years. Is that not something special!
On the business side of our operation, we again produced 10 million packages. The partnership with McArthur’s bakery in Kirkwood, the “Pioneer Café”, expanded to 17 participants learning social skills and the hospitality business, and we have now expanded into Jefferson County at the Wicked Chicken and Cool Beans café with 12 new participants.
I again would like to convey my personal thanks for your continuous support and constant prayers as well as thank those St. Mark private donors who made contributions, as well as the St. Mark Spinnakers, and the St. Mark Presbyterian Women and the Deacons who support us every year. There would be no Lafayette Industries were it not for the Bob and Ethel McLuen, as well as a handful of other families who, back in 1976, were looking for a post-schooling work opportunity for their adult children with disabilities. With funding from the state of Missouri, they opened a modest, one room warehouse with an oil- and grease-filled floor in Valley Park, Missouri. There were 16 workers originally, including the McLuen’s son, Kenny, who retired to Nashville—but came to visit us twice this past year!
As we enter our 48th year, we now provide opportunities for over 400 individuals. Wow. The vision that founded Lafayette continues to hold true today as it did in 1976---to provide employment to deserving folks that gives them Dignity through work and the opportunity to use their God-given talents and abilities, just like the rest of us. To Bob and Ethel, Boots and Bob Berry, Rev. and Rosella Gleason, Bev and Bob Hanson, and to the St. Mark’s community----we are forever indebted to you. Thank you once again, may God continue to bless you all very much, and looking forward to Mission Sunday in February! Happy New Year!
Respectfully submitted, Rob Libera, CEO & Executive Director
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