This article is brought to you by 2nd Shift Sewer & Plumbing®. 2nd Shift Sewer & Plumbing® is the leading provider of plumbing services in Howard County and the surrounding areas. With more than 30 years of experience, their knowledgeable and licensed technicians have the expertise to fix any plumbing or sewer problem you may have.
As Indiana communities honor the sacrifices of U.S. service members and their families this Memorial Day, the Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $12,000 to Family Service Association of Howard County through the second round of funding in its America250 initiative.
Funded by Duke Energy shareholders, this grant is among seven awarded in the Hoosier State and will support the nonprofit’s Veterans Employment Program at Jackson Street Commons.
The employment program strengthens economic opportunity for formerly homeless and at‑risk veterans by providing paid hands-on job training, workforce readiness instruction, and meaningful community service opportunities.
With the support from the Duke Energy Foundation, the organization will expand the program to serve additional residents while also launching a veteran‑led initiative that assists older veterans with basic home maintenance and safety tasks.
“It’s truly a pleasure for us to recognize and assist those who served and their families by helping them get the care and skills they need to succeed after their military service has come to an end,” said Stan Pinegar, Duke Energy Indiana president. “By collaborating with these organizations, we can directly support veterans in communities across our service territory. And it’s an honor to do so.”
These grants build on the Duke Energy Foundation’s America250 initiative that focuses on community-driven projects throughout the company’s six state service territories to recognize America’s 250th anniversary.
Earlier this spring, the Foundation announced grants supporting projects that revitalize local parks, green spaces, and shared community spaces. The third and final round of grants will support initiatives that expand access to history and civics education and will be announced later this summer.
The Duke Energy Foundation also recently awarded a grant to the Kokomo Police Department, which was used to purchase six Automated External Defibrillators (AED).
The AEDs will help officers better serve the citizens of Kokomo and provide life-saving assistance during medical emergencies. The department expressed its gratitude for the grant.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.