Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) strives to "Live United" within our communities. From volunteering to funding grants, connecting with local United Way organizations is critically important. While the work done in 2024 is complete, its impact is not.
A team with boots on the ground can be life-changing for a community - and for those volunteering. From southwest Michigan through central Indiana, our volunteers look for ways to support our communities through the United Way. One way this was achieved: raking a difference. November offers the opportunity for our Michigan team to help neighbors in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties clear leaves. A somewhat simple task with a big impact. Rake a Difference, organized by the United Way of Southwest Michigan, is designed for those physically unable to rake or pay for similar services. The event, done at no cost for qualifying individuals, helps lower the risk of a potential fall or serious, long-term injury.
Members of our Michigan team volunteer to Rake a Difference in November.
Our team understands the importance working alongside the United Way and the impact it holds. These neighborhoods and organizations are often the same spaces we live, work and play. Experiencing how one day of service makes a difference, our team is driven to regularly show up and volunteer. For over 30 years, the United Way of Allen County has offered its Day of Caring opportunity. Upon consistent I&M participation, 2024 offered a fun and familiar space to spend the day serving - the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. By end of day, over 60 I&M staff members completed mulching, landscaping, painting and more throughout the “roarsome” space.
También ver: Staff Volunteer with United Way to Support Back to School
"We are fortunate to have a team committed to volunteering their time and resources in the community, and even more so, we are grateful for the organizations, including local United Ways, who we have been able to develop robust partnerships with over the years," said Mona Livingston, I&M Business Operations Support manager. "These partnerships and volunteering efforts are examples of how we strive to regularly give back to our communities, and that is not something we take lightly."
Last year, I&M was also awarded the United Way of Allen County's highest recognition: the Spirit of Giving award, for its work completed in 2023-24. This award recognizes a company that demonstrates what it means to "Live United" through regularly giving back to the community and prioritizing an environment of philanthropy.
As part of the United Way's Back to School Spectacular, staff packed backpacks that would be distributed to local students.
Additional efforts to support local United Way initiatives include working alongside the AEP Foundation to provide grant funding. The most recent opportunity involves the AEP Foundation awarding Be Healthy Berrien with a $45,000 grant. Anchored by the United Way of Southwest Michigan, this grant will enhance access to nutritious, local food through the Healthy Corner Store and Benton Harbor Farmers Market.
Vea nuestra 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.