#United States #Duke Energy #Nonprofits #Senior Services #Greenville

Duke Energy's Commitment to Senior Citizens in South Carolina

In a significant move aimed at supporting the state's aging population, Duke Energy has announced a total of $200,000 in grants dedicated to organizations that provide essential services for senior citizens in South Carolina. This funding initiative reflects a continued commitment to enhance the lives of seniors, especially those facing economic hardships.

Duke Energy's South Carolina state president, Tim Pearson, emphasized the necessity of this support by stating, "With the aging population living longer and the increasing cost of living, it’s crucial to ensure those who built and strengthened our communities have the resources they need for a comfortable life in their later years."

Each of the 20 selected organizations will receive $10,000 to bolster their capabilities and continue delivering vital services. This project marks an ongoing effort, with Duke Energy having contributed more than $300,000 in the past two years to similar causes, showcasing a sustained commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.

Recipients of the Grants

The organizations awarded grants span across various regions in South Carolina and serve diverse needs:

• - Meals on Wheels – Anderson County
• - Rebuild Upstate (Anderson County)
• - Senior Solutions (Anderson/Oconee counties)
• - Senior Centers of Cherokee County
• - Citizens United for Redevelopment and Economy (Chester County)
• - Darlington County Council on Aging
• - CareFirst Carolina Foundation (Dillon County)
• - Senior Citizens Association in Florence County
• - Greenville County Meals on Wheels
• - HOPE (Lancaster County)
• - Lee County Council on Aging
• - Marlboro County Council on Aging
• - Newberry County Council on Aging
• - Pickens County Meals on Wheels
• - Mobile Meals (Spartanburg County)
• - Rebuilding Together Spartanburg
• - Upstate Family Resource Center (Spartanburg County)
• - United Way of Sumter, Clarendon Lee Counties
• - Vital Aging of Williamsburg County
• - York County Council on Aging

The executive director of Meals on Wheels – Anderson, Laurie Ashley, highlighted the impact of the grant. She mentioned, "The funds received from the Duke Energy Foundation will provide 1,428 meals for neighbors we serve, who are just like Sam. For many seniors, such meals and visits are not just sustenance; they are vital connections to the community."

Enhancing Infrastructure for Seniors

The grants will facilitate improvements in infrastructure as well, allowing organizations to expand their outreach and services to seniors in need. For instance, Vicki Singleton, executive director of the United Way of Sumter, Lee, and Clarendon Counties, shared that the funding will help procure supplies for wheelchair ramps for seniors in need, enabling many to venture out after being homebound for years.

Community Impact

Selected through a competitive request for proposals, these organizations have been instrumental in addressing various challenges faced by seniors in the region. From meal delivery services to home repair initiatives, the grant will empower these nonprofits to continue their essential work, further enhancing community support for the elderly.

Furthermore, addressing the broader community needs, Duke Energy also offers various programs for families struggling to manage their energy bills, accessible on their website.

Duke Energy Foundation’s Role

The Duke Energy Foundation plays a crucial role in these initiatives, providing more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support. Funded by Duke Energy shareholders, the foundation is committed to meeting the varied needs of communities where Duke Energy customers reside.

Overall, this investment marks not just a financial contribution but a promise to foster care, connection, and community well-being for seniors across South Carolina as they navigate the challenges of aging.