COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The American
Electric Power Foundation has awarded a $1
million, multi-year grant to the YWCA in Columbus, Ohio. The gift is part of the
foundation's Delivering on the Dream: Social and Racial Justice
grant program, which is a five-year, $5
million commitment to fund organizations with programs
dedicated to advancing social and racial justice in communities
American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) serves.
Delivering on the Dream is a new initiative created by the AEP
Foundation to direct funds to programs addressing systematic racism and injustice. The company
also is encouraging its workforce to make personal commitments as
allies and to act as catalysts for change.
"Diversity, equity and inclusion continue to be critical
components of our company culture, but the past year has proven we
still have work to do, both at AEP and in our communities," said
Janelle Coleman, vice president,
Philanthropy and Community Engagement, and president of the AEP
Foundation. "The Delivering on the Dream grant program puts our
words into action. AEP and its Foundation are proud to partner with
these organizations dedicated to empowering equity for our
customers, neighbors and employees of color."
The YWCA will use the grant to advocate for policies that
promote housing justice and economic mobility for women and people
of color. The YWCA's multi-pronged approach includes Diversity,
Equity & Inclusion training services to increase racial
literacy, increasing staff capacity for advocacy activities,
developing new programming around local elections and civic
engagement and other efforts to support equitable policies to
improve life outcomes for communities of color and women.
"YWCA Columbus is humbled by the investment of the AEP
Foundation to confront uncomfortable truths and work to dismantle
systemic oppression and to empower the next generation of leaders.
We are grateful for the support as we continue to approach social
change through education, engagement, and empowerment to produce a
larger cultural shift. This transformational investment will assist
us as we continue our mission to eliminate racism, empower women,
stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen
communities," said Christie Angel,
president and chief executive officer of YWCA Columbus.
The American Electric Power Foundation provides a permanent,
ongoing resource for charitable initiatives in the communities
served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP's 11-state service
area. The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education
from early childhood through higher education in the areas of
science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and by meeting
basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the
elimination of hunger. Other Foundation support may be offered to
protect the environment, support healthcare and safety, and enrich
life through art, music and cultural heritage. The AEP Foundation
is based in Columbus,
Ohio.
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SOURCE American Electric Power