New Generator Powers a Vision of Community Resilience
In a significant step toward strengthening the services offered to the rural communities of west-central Missouri, the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency and New Growth proudly announce the installation of a much-needed generator at the Liston Center in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. This new addition bolsters the Liston Center's role as a vital hub, especially in times of need.
The Liston Center has already proven itself to be an essential resource for the surrounding community, offering services like shower nights and serving as a reliable warming and cooling shelter. And, even though this building is home to New Growth Transit and the Women's Business Center, the vision of what the Liston Center is and can be extends far beyond these current offerings. With plans to develop a fully operational commercial kitchen, the Liston Center could eventually become a professional kitchen incubator, providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and helping to combat food insecurity.
The generator is more than just a convenience; it is a safeguard, ensuring that even in the event of a power outage, Liston can continue to offer basic needs like food preparation, shelter, and other emergency services. The Liston Center’s kitchen and gym will remain operational when the community needs them most, a testament to its growing role as a pillar of support in the area.
This vital addition was made possible by winning a USDA Rural Community Facilities grant, though the grant didn’t cover the installation costs. That’s where community support came into play. Proceeds from the wildly successful "Summer Lovin' Trivia Night" fundraiser earlier this year were directed toward the installation costs, allowing the generator to become a reality.
Though the kitchen’s transformation into a full-fledged community asset is still a work in progress, this marks a pivotal step toward fulfilling that vision. More fundraisers, like the popular trivia night, will be essential in continuing to raise the necessary funds to bring the Liston Center’s kitchen closer to it's vision. With more upgrades on the horizon, the Liston Center is poised to become a beacon of resilience, service, and opportunity for rural Missouri.
If you'd like to be a part of building the community-serving commercial kitchen, you can make a donation online.