Joan Lafayette Memorial Fund

God's Kitchen of Michigan has established the Joan Lafayette Memorial Fund in honor of our late co-founder and vice-president. Our goal is to raise $200,000 to purchase a food truck to continue her mission to feed homeless and other needy individuals and families in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Ms. Lafayette passed away on February 4, 2021, of natural causes. Her loss has devastated the lives of all the souls that she encountered. Joan served on numerous boards and committees throughout Michigan receiving numerous accolades for her contributions. 

Joan Lafayette was employed by the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Battle Creek. She worked there for 29 years before retiring as a Food and Nutrition Service Supervisor in 2009. In 1991 and 92 the VA presented her with their Performance Award for "making a significant contribution to the mission of this Department by substantially exceeding performance requirements."

In 2010, Ms. Lafayette co-founded God's Kitchen - Battle Creek (now God's Kitchen of Michigan) with her son, Pastor William Stein (our chairman), and grandson Damon Stallworth. The soup kitchen was incorporated on January 20, 2011. Joan's expertise as a food manager and excellent cook has helped the organization serve more than 145,000 dinners to the homeless, senior citizens, disabled citizens, and veterans in West Michigan.

In 2019, Ms. Lafayette received the President's Volunteer Service Award (a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States), in recognition of her service on God's Kitchen of Michigan's Board of Directors.

The Food Truck will be dedicated in her name, adorned with loving images of her in action serving the community that she loved. Free meals are planned Monday through Friday at locations in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.

How can I/We help?

Option #1: Donate Online
Click on the "Donate Now" button above and make your safe and secure donation online.

Option #2: Donate via U.S. Mail
Send your check or money order to:
God's Kitchen of Michigan
c/o Joan Lafayette Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 2632
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003

All funds are tax-deductible and managed through our sister charity, CALTRAN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Ms. Lafayette was a co-founder and vice-president of this charity as well.

On behalf of the family of Joan Lafayette, God's Kitchen of Michigan, and CALTRAN, thank you in advance for your charitable donation. We appreciate your efforts to honor her memory. God bless you.

Joan Lafayette Memorial Fund