Tesh, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of offering opportunities to people with disabilities who are seeking greater self-sufficiency and community participation. Tesh’s most requested class is food preparation, as the ability to make nutritious and affordable meals at home is crucial to developing independence. However, Tesh’s kitchen space is currently too limited to accommodate all who want to participate in the course, and there are no accommodations for children or for people in wheelchairs.
Innovia Foundation awarded a $12,447 Community Strategies grant to help Tesh expand its kitchen. The new kitchen will include a pantry, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher and new range, as well as additional sinks, venting systems and lighting. Tesh will also install meal preparation spaces of varying heights to accommodate participants of varying heights.
“Assisting clients in developing meal preparation skills to live more independently changes not only their lives but affects the community in which they choose to live,” says Frances Huffman, CEO of Tesh. “Learning to eat more nutritiously or improving and maintaining health are long-term benefits for clients who depend on Tesh, Inc. and many community members who assist them.”