The Rotary Club of Mercer Island, with support from a District 5030 grant and partner clubs, helped transform an inadequate kitchenette at The Pathway Inn into a warm, functional kitchen space for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking served by The More We Love.
What began as a basic remodel grew into a much more substantial project when the older building revealed the need for upgraded plumbing, ventilation, electrical work, insulation, drywall, subflooring, and other code-related improvements. Thanks to generous community partners, contractors, vendors, donors, and Rotarians, the finished kitchen now includes new cabinets, countertops, appliances, cookware, kitchen supplies, a family-style table, and a washer and dryer.
The project was initiated in December 2025, and the kitchen officially opened in May 2026. Rotarians stayed engaged through site visits, regular communication with the project team, donations of needed items, and participation in the ribbon-cutting celebration. Five District 5030 Rotary clubs helped make the project possible through financial support, site visits, and community recognition.
The impact will be felt well beyond the construction itself. The new kitchen gives residents a private, secure place to prepare meals, do laundry, sit together, and experience a greater sense of normalcy during a difficult transition. The More We Love served 409 participants and supported 107 children last fiscal year, and the completed kitchen is expected to serve a similar number of people each year.
The total project cost was $17,130.47, including a $9,500 District 5030 grant, $7,500 in Rotary club support, and a private donation of $130.47. No Rotary funds remained unspent at the conclusion of the project.
This project is a powerful example of Rotary’s ability to bring people together around a practical community need—and to turn a room into a place of dignity, care, and hope.
