Keeping Our Communities Strong

September 12, 2022

Communities are only as strong as their residents – and the FirstEnergy Foundation is helping to support families and individuals who need it the most. Here are a few examples of our Investing with Purpose (IWP) funds making a difference in towns and neighborhoods across our service territory.

​The Illuminating Company (CEI)The Journey Center for Safety and Healing, a domestic violence agency, received a $20,000 check. The center serves approximately 11,000 Cuyahoga County residents annually. Our IWP funding will help the center continue to provide outreach and awareness, therapy, trauma and helpline services.

In the photo with Darnella Robertson, consultant, Regional External Affairs (c.), are Journey Center representatives Tameka Huey-Barkley (l.) and Melissa Graves (r.).

 ​ ​Penelec 

Jim Crowder, consultant, Regional External Affairs (l.), presented a $35,000 check to Donald Gibbonery of the Center for Community Action in Everett, Pa. The center coordinates, partners and provides services and resources to low-income individuals and families, to promote self-sufficiency, and foster community and economic development.

West Penn Power

Andrea Bortoluzzi consultant, Community Involvement (l.), presented a $25,000 check to Amy Franz, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. The funding will help support the Emergency Basic Needs Program, which assists members of the community through the 211-contact center. Last year, 22,689 calls were made from community members in need.

Mon Power

Tim Pingley, consultant, Regional External Affairs (c.), presented a $15,000 check to Shannan Ullman (l.) and Josh Brown (r.) of Health Access in Clarksburg, W.Va. Health Access is a community-driven nonprofit that provides quality, comprehensive primary medical care, prescription medications, and specialty care at no cost for vulnerable residents of Harrison and Doddridge counties.

 

Ohio Edison

Feeding Medina County received a $15,000 grant. The funds will be used for the Staples for Seniors and Door Dash for Seniors programs. The agency’s mission is to educate, engage and lead the community in creating an environment where no one goes hungry.

At the presentation, l.-r.: Don Miksch and Katy Fuerst, Feeding Medina; Amy Hopkins, consultant, Regional External Affairs; and Cristi Schwanke, Feeding Medina.