#United States #Food Bank #American Water #Indiana Red Cross #Gary

Supporting Indiana Communities After Storm Damage

In the wake of devastating storms and tornadoes that recently struck Northwest Indiana, the American Water Charitable Foundation has stepped forward with a significant contribution. The organization announced a donation of $30,000 aimed at supporting recovery efforts in the impacted regions. This funding is split between a $25,000 grant to the American Red Cross Northwest Chapter and a $5,000 grant to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, both essential lifelines for residents facing enormous challenges post-disaster.

Dr. Sarah Moss, the Executive Director of the Northwest Red Cross Indiana Region, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "The need is great. The Red Cross has been on the ground in the community since the night the storms hit... We are so grateful for the support from the American Water Charitable Foundation, and we know this contribution will be vital for helping those who need it.”

The financial assistance provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation is focused on three key areas: Water, People, and Communities. By funding local organizations that offer shelter, food assistance, and essential services, this initiative aims to alleviate some of the hardships faced by those affected by the severe weather.

As of the end of June, the Red Cross had reported delivering over 350 overnight shelter stays for individuals and distributing more than 2,600 meals and 3,316 relief items, providing aid to 800 homes. The ongoing support will help these organizations continue their critical work in the community.

Beyond financial contributions, the employees of Indiana American Water have actively engaged in recovery efforts through volunteering. Equipped with necessary tools and expertise, employees joined forces with Lake County Emergency Management and other community partners to assist with cleanup. Their efforts included removing downed trees, clearing debris, and making roads accessible again for both residents and emergency services.

"A lot of people live and work in this community, and our employees were the first ones to step up and say we needed to do something," said Sam Mouratides, Superintendent of Operations for Northwest Indiana. The enthusiastic response from employees exemplifies the deep connection the workforce has with the community, many of whom experienced the destruction firsthand.

Jason Phelps, a Mechanic Crew Chief for Indiana American Water, echoed similar sentiments, affirming their commitment to lend a helping hand. “We’re proud to show up for our community, especially when people need it most. It’s all about being good neighbors and good citizens first,” he commented, emphasizing the collective effort to ensure the landscape is made safe and livable once more.

The coordinated cleanup event witnessed participation from nearly twenty employees assisting with various cleanup operations throughout the week. The specialized equipment they brought included backhoes, dump trucks, and pumps, demonstrating Indiana American Water's commitment to utilizing its resources for community benefit.

Justin Mount, the Northwest Indiana Senior Operations Manager, underscored that their work goes beyond just providing water and wastewater services; it’s about being part of the community they serve. "We live and work in the communities we serve, and this is a great way to put our resources to work helping the community,” he stated.

For those looking to follow the developments of Indiana American Water's community efforts and initiatives, additional information is available at their official website, where they share more about their projects and the communities they are dedicated to serving.

About American Water

American Water, listed on NYSE under the ticker AWK, is the leading entity in the U.S. for regulated water and wastewater utility services. Celebrating 140 years of service this year, they provide essential services to approximately 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations nationwide.

About American Water Charitable Foundation

Founded by American Water, the American Water Charitable Foundation emphasizes its dedication through its three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Established in 2012, the foundation has invested over $25 million in various support strategies, focusing on enhancing the lives of those within its service areas, making a meaningful impact without affecting customer rates.

About Indiana American Water

As the largest regulated utility in Indiana, Indiana American Water delivers safe and affordable water services to approximately 1.5 million residents, demonstrating their commitment to community welfare.