Spring flowers were just starting to bloom, and now, fall is fast approaching. During the busy summer months, communities hosted countless events, festivals, educational programming, volunteer opportunities and more. Through the AEP Foundation, support for these communities was possible. From partnerships to I&M staff volunteering their time, our passion for service in any of our 160-plus communities/cities is evident.
To kick off August, staff partnered with the Greater Fort Wayne Habitat for Humanity to contribute to a home build. Focused on local housing-needs, this opportunity served as the third home build this year for staff, with the first in Muncie and the second in Fort Wayne in May. Volunteers of any skillset spend the day learning about building trades and then fulfill assigned responsibilities for their specific project. And for this group, that meant a lesson on siding installation.
See More: Making a Difference for Our Fort Wayne Neighbors
Our passion for service further extends to educational opportunities for area students. In partnership with the Elkhart-based nonprofit, C.A.R.E. University, and the AEP Foundation, local qualifying students received a new laptop as part of the Technology Fund. Students receiving this technology were incoming first year students at post-secondary institution, maintained a 3.5 GPA their final year of high school and completed at least 10 hours of community service. In addition to the laptops, students also received college necessities such as bedding and toiletries for the upcoming year. The July kick-off event to honor these individuals and reward them their college gear featured keynote speaker Katie Davis, I&M's vice president of External Affairs and Customer Experience.
Additional summer educational partnerships included sponsoring the summer reading program at Ligonier Public Library, field trips for students offered by the South Bend Alumni Association and STEM Camp at the Fort Wayne Urban League.
See More: Una Excursión para Recordar Toda la Vida
I&M serves communities as far south as Rockport, Ind. up through Bridgman, Mich. Each diverse community offers the opportunity for I&M to connect in a unique way. From riding in a parade with Louie the Lightning Bug, celebrating Bridgman’s 75th year as a city, to sponsoring Yorktown Chamber’s efforts to bring residents together through a summer concert series – each supports our own neighbors in the towns we work and live.
These events and opportunities are just some of many highlighted by the AEP Foundation and I&M. Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities and how staff are making a difference through volunteering for their neighbors.