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Representative Aerion Abney shakes hands with Governor Josh Shapiro during a visit to Achieva Support. The Southside-based nonprofit was one of six Pennsylvania groups to receive unexpected donations from the FirstEnergy Foundation.
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6 Pennsylvania nonprofits receive surprise holiday donations

Commonwealth Media Services

6 Pennsylvania nonprofits receive surprise holiday donations

The FirstEnergy Foundation gifted $70,000 to the organizations for their support of underserved populations

Six Pennsylvania nonprofits received unexpected donations totaling $70,000 this holiday season from the FirstEnergy Foundation, the charitable arm of Ohio-based electric utility provider FirstEnergy.

The foundation’s “Gifts of the Season” initiative, started in 2016, supports organizations that help underserved populations.

“We’re proud to support these organizations because their missions align with our commitment to diverse, equitable and inclusive communities where everyone feels safe, valued, included and respected,” John Hawkins, FirstEnergy’s president of Pennsylvania operations, said in a statement.

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This year’s recipients were chosen by employees in different FirstEnergy service areas across the state. FirstEnergy services over 6 million customers across the mid-Atlantic and midwest.

In the last eight years, the FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million to nonprofit organizations through the initiative.

Here are the 2024 awardees:

Centre LGBT+, in the West Penn Power service area, received $10,000

Located in Centre County, this group was founded in 2014 to help prevent LGBT+ teen suicides and runs a community center in downtown State College that supports the area’s LGBT+ population, including students at Pennsylvania State University.

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Executive Director Cat Cook said the foundation’s donation was a complete shock, though they have been supportive of the organization in the past.

“It matters now more than ever when we aren't sure if federal funding is going to be there,” Ms. Cook said.

Money will go to Centre LGBT+’s general operational costs, supporting their LGBT+ library and educational programs.

“Grants and donations are not always secure, or are not always an income that we can continue to rely on,” Ms. Cook said.

“When someone reaches out to us with a donation like this, it really warms our hearts that it can go to so many of our programs and help with so much of the resources and support that we give to the LGBT+ community.”

Achieva Support, in the West Penn Power service area, received $10,000

The South Side-based organization provides support to people with disabilities and their families in Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland counties, including early intervention services and employment assistance.

Achieva Support offers its clients jobs in the group’s Bridgeville manufacturing facility, which produces wooden pallets and shipping containers. FirstEnergy’s contribution will support work at the facility and fund renovations there, Achieva Support vice president of advancement David Tinker said. 

“We’re very excited to receive the donation because it recognized inclusion related to the employment of people with disabilities, and how that fits into the foundation’s alignment with diversity, equity and inclusion priorities,” Mr. Tinker said. 

Blind association of Butler and Armstrong, in the Penn Power service area, received $10,000

Based in Butler, the nonprofit supports blind and visually impaired people by providing life-skills training, support groups and social activities, vision screenings and employment opportunities.

Barrio Algeria, in the Met-Ed service area, received $10,000

Barrio Algeria is located in Reading, Berks County, and uses the arts to build community through free dancing, acting and painting events. The organization is also involved with neighborhood cleanups, provides financial education and helps borrowers access microloans.

Glenn Hope Care Farm, in the Met-Ed service area, received $10,000

Situated on 43 acres of farmland in York County, Glenn Hope Care Farm supports veterans and their families through on-farm activities, such as horticulture therapy and agriculture classes. Everything produced at Glenn Hope is farmed by veterans, and a portion of all food produced is donated to veterans and veteran organizations.

Vallonia Industries, in the Penelec service area, received $20,000

This organization in Crawford County operates a pre-vocational facility where adults with intellectual disabilities can develop career skills. The workshop provides hand-packaging and small-parts assembly to businesses located nearby.

First Published: December 27, 2024, 3:46 p.m.
Updated: December 27, 2024, 9:03 p.m.

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Representative Aerion Abney shakes hands with Governor Josh Shapiro during a visit to Achieva Support. The Southside-based nonprofit was one of six Pennsylvania groups to receive unexpected donations from the FirstEnergy Foundation.  (Commonwealth Media Services)
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