#United States #Akron #FirstEnergy Foundation #Domestic Violence #Emergency Housing

Empowering Domestic Violence Survivors to Reclaim Their Lives

In the United States, intimate partner violence is an alarming issue, affecting over 16 million individuals each year. This statistic translates to nearly 32 victims every minute. In light of this ongoing crisis, significant efforts are underway to assist survivors in finding safe spaces and critical resources for healing. One notable initiative is led by the FirstEnergy Foundation, which has recently contributed a remarkable $100,000 in grants to emergency shelters and housing providers within its service region.

This generous funding is dedicated to organizations that help survivors regain their footing. The grants aim to bolster support systems for those escaping abusive conditions by providing safe emergency accommodations and comprehensive wraparound services. According to Amanda Mertens Campbell, FirstEnergy's Vice President of External Affairs, “The FirstEnergy Foundation invests in safe housing across our communities. These grants made during Domestic Violence Awareness Month demonstrate our strong commitment to helping individuals rebuild their lives and achieve stability through secure housing and compassionate care.”

A Closer Look at Beneficiaries

The Providence House Crisis Nursery in Cleveland serves as more than just a shelter; it acts as a crucial lifeline for impacted families. Recently, FirstEnergy’s $12,500 donation supported this initiative, aiding families in accessing safe housing, parenting support, and long-term resources, thereby reinforcing the community fabric.

Other organizations benefiting from this funding include:

• - Heartly House in Frederick, Maryland: Awarded $12,500 to support comprehensive services for over 2,000 clients seeking assistance in 2024. Their programs provide emergency and transitional shelters, as well as rental assistance, creating vital lifelines for survivors.

• - 180 Turning Lives Around in Hazlet, New Jersey: Given $25,000, this organization delivers confidential support services to the survivors of Monmouth County, offering essential shelter and meals alongside counseling and legal advocacy.

• - Bethany House in Toledo, Ohio: This organization received $12,500 to sustain its long-term shelter programs, benefiting over 2,000 individuals and offering resources critical for family reunification.

• - Family Services Inc. in Altoona, Pennsylvania: This allocation supports a robust social services framework that provides safety planning and shelter for more than 1,000 survivors annually.

• - AWARE, Inc. and HOPE, Inc. are also recipients, securing grants of $12,500 each to enhance their emergency shelters and safety-focused services across various regions.

Hands-On Support from FirstEnergy Employees

Beyond monetary support, FirstEnergy emphasizes the importance of hands-on volunteer efforts too. The company actively encourages its employees to engage with local nonprofits through volunteer time-off (VTO) hours. Employees have been involved in numerous community-focused initiatives in 2025, including:

• - Conducting donation drives and community walks to raise awareness and funds for local shelters.
• - Assisting with construction at Habitat for Humanity sites.
• - Preparing meals and delivering groceries to those facing food insecurity.
• - Cultivating community gardens in partnership with local emergency shelters.

In 2024, FirstEnergy employees amassed over 26,000 volunteer hours, collaborating with local organizations to provide food, shelter, and essential services to those in dire need.

A Legacy of Support

Since its inception in 2020, the FirstEnergy Foundation has allocated nearly $1 million to assist individuals in crisis, with about $300,000 directed towards domestic violence recovery services. The ongoing commitment in 2025 includes an additional $250,000 dedicated to housing-related initiatives, reaffirming the Foundation's pivotal role in supporting survivors all year round.

The FirstEnergy Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, focusing on the welfare of communities it serves. Their investment in domestic violence support demonstrates an unwavering commitment to creating safe spaces and enabling survivors to reclaim lives that feel genuinely like home. For more information on their initiatives or to learn how you can support these efforts, visit the FirstEnergy Foundation webpage or reach out directly via their community involvement team.

Conclusion

With a determined effort to address domestic violence, the initiatives spearheaded by the FirstEnergy Foundation and its partners encompass a crucial response to a pervasive issue. By empowering survivors through funding, services, and community engagement, significant strides are being made towards healing and hope for a brighter future.