ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. \u2013 The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $275,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations that are helping meet Floridians\u2019 most basic, essential needs and increasing access to quality health care, affordable housing, workforce development and more.<\/p>\n
High-impact investments:<\/p>\n
Statewide ($25,000)<\/p>\n
\n\tFlorida Council on Aging ($25,000)
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Tampa Bay Area ($120,000)<\/p>\n
\n\tBay Area Chamber Foundation\/Leadership St. Pete ($10,000)
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\n\tFeeding Tampa Bay ($20,000)
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\n\tInteractive Food Truck Academy ($15,000)
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\n\tThe Jackson Copeland Foundation ($10,000)
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\n\tSt. Petersburg Free Clinic ($45,000)
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\n\tTampa Metropolitan Area YMCA ($5,000)
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\n\tWheels of Success ($15,000)
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Central Florida ($130,000)<\/p>\n
\n\tBoys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida ($20,000)
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\n\tFind, Feed & Restore ($20,000)
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\n\tHOPE Helps ($10,000)
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\n\tNeighborhood Center of West Volusia ($10,000)
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\n\tRescue Outreach Mission of Central Florida ($10,000)
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\n\tShepherd\u2019s Hope ($50,000)
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\n\tWest Orange Habitat for Humanity ($10,000)
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For descriptions of how each grant will be used and the specific counties impacted, please click here<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n Our view:<\/p>\n Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president: \u201cDuke Energy doesn\u2019t just work in these communities \u2013 many of our employees live here, too. It\u2019s incredibly important, to all of us, that we give back and help create lasting, positive change for our friends and neighbors. We\u2019re thankful for the opportunity to partner with organizations already doing just that, and we look forward to seeing how our efforts will allow Floridians to live their best lives and ultimately instill generational success.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Positive response:<\/p>\n Colette Vallee, Florida Council on Aging chief operating officer: \u201cThis collaboration with Duke Energy is more than a financial contribution to purchase shelf-stable meals. It will help older adults prepare for potential emergencies, with the additional benefit of educating them about energy efficiency and financial assistance programs. Together, we are building a relationship with seniors and vulnerable populations so they can weather the storm.\u201d<\/p>\n Savannah-Jane Griffin, Neighborhood Center of West Volusia chief executive officer: \u201cPartnering with Duke Energy Foundation to advance housing affordability means more than restoring buildings \u2013 it means restoring stability and dignity for families facing financial crisis. Reliable, safe and energy-efficient housing is foundational to long-term success, and this collaboration allows us to preserve critical shelter and transitional housing resources for our community\u2019s most vulnerable neighbors. We are deeply grateful for Duke Energy\u2019s investment in strengthening families and powering pathways out of homelessness.\u201d<\/p>\n Sophia Moe, Leadership St. Pete director of events and logistics: \u201cOn behalf of Leadership St. Pete, we are incredibly grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for investing in our community project with the Lealman and Asian Neighborhood Family Center. Your support strengthens vital programs and will help us build a safe, welcoming place for children and families in Lealman to gather, learn and play. We look forward to building a meaningful partnership that creates lasting impact together.\u201d<\/p>\n Jennifer Yeagley, St. Petersburg Free Clinic chief executive officer: \u201cWe\u2019re grateful for the support Duke Energy has provided St. Petersburg Free Clinic for more than 25 years. Grants from the Duke Energy Foundation have helped our neighbors address pressing medical concerns and, most recently, have helped ensure that our community has access to nutritious food. We sincerely appreciate their partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n Susan Eklin, Shepherd\u2019s Hope interim president and chief executive officer: \u201cOur partnership with the Duke Energy Foundation strengthens Shepherd\u2019s Hope\u2019s mission to ensure that every uninsured neighbor in Central Florida has access to compassionate, high-quality health care. Together, through the Promoting Equitable Access to Healthcare and Wellness initiative, we are breaking down barriers, expanding vital services and creating pathways to wellness for those who need it most. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to equity, dignity and the belief that access to health care is essential for every person and every community to thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n Duke Energy Foundation <\/p>\n