New Oven Brings Fresh Hope to LIFE Butler’s Nutritional Services

The LIFE Butler Nutritional Services team, which serves hundreds of older adults in need of daily care, just received a much-anticipated upgrade—a new oven that promises to transform food production for the community’s growing needs. From the LIFE Butler Center to the LIFE Butler Wellness Home, this oven is a crucial kitchen tool.

Darla Evans, Director of Nutritional Services at LIFE Butler, expressed deep gratitude for the support that made this crucial addition possible.

“This new oven will greatly help with our quantity food production,” Evans said. “Not only will it support the participants at the LIFE Butler Center and Small Homes, but also those at our Wellness Home and Under Our Wing. It will also enable us to expand our Supplemental Food Program, providing frozen meals and emergency food to participant homes.”

For the team at LIFE Butler, feeding the community goes far beyond cooking—it’s about ensuring the most vulnerable have access to wholesome food that nourishes both body and spirit. Valerie Duncan, one of the cooks, has been with LIFE Butler since its opening, and alongside Dave Holmes, she plays a pivotal role in the kitchen, preparing meals with love and skill.

“Valerie has been with us from the very beginning, and it’s her smile and dedication, along with the whole team’s, that truly makes a difference in the lives of our participants,” Evans added. “We have many smiling faces in the department, and this new oven has brought even more joy and excitement about what we can achieve moving forward.”

The Supplemental Food Program, which provides participants with frozen meals and emergency provisions, has become an essential lifeline for many older adults living independently. With the new oven, LIFE Butler will be able to increase its capacity and ensure that no one is left without the nutrition they need.

For the participants and staff alike, this investment marks another step toward a future where everyone can enjoy the comforts of a well-cooked meal, no matter their circumstances.

As Evans aptly put it, “We are so thankful for this support, and we look forward to continuing to provide the best possible care for all our participants.”