AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The FirstEnergy
Foundation has granted surprise $5,000 "Gifts of the Season" to two local
nonprofit agencies that are working to make lives better in
communities within Ohio Edison's service area.
The recipients of this year's gifts are MARCA Industries Inc. in
Marion, Marion County, and Ability Works Inc. in
Sandusky, Erie County – two organizations that provide
support services to individuals with disabilities and promote
inclusivity within their communities.
"We're proud to support these organizations because their
missions align with our commitment to a diverse, equitable and
inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, included and
respected," said Lorna Wisham,
president of the FirstEnergy Foundation. "The winners were chosen
by FirstEnergy External Affairs employees who identified
organizations in their local areas that do extraordinary work to
strengthen the community and enhance the lives of vulnerable and
underserved populations."
Established in 1967, MARCA Industries Inc. provides individuals
with disabilities with a variety of habilitation services, job
training and career opportunities to assist those interested in
permanent and successful employment within their communities.
"The generous funds provided by the FirstEnergy Foundation will
support programs that help the people we serve gain a greater sense
of independence and feeling of self-worth that they deserve," said
Michelle Albertini, chief executive
officer of MARCA Industries Inc. "Our programs give the people
we serve a chance to learn new skills and make connections, as well
as give the community a chance to get to know them in return."
Similarly, Ability Works Inc. provides individuals with
developmental disabilities in northcentral Ohio with employment services, day services,
transportation and other community-based services customized to
their specific needs.
"For over 45 years, our focus has been to find ways people with
disabilities can participate and thrive in everyday activities and
enjoy all aspects of the community," said Laura LaGodney, chief executive officer of
Ability Works Inc. "We are grateful to have received this
FirstEnergy Foundation gift because the coronavirus pandemic has
created unique challenges for people with developmental
disabilities, and it will allow us to continue to safely offer
programs and resources that positively impact their lives."
Photos of FirstEnergy's annual "Gifts of the Season" check
presentations are being shared on social media using the
hashtag #GiftsofFE. Since its inception in 2016, the
campaign has awarded nearly $500,000
to organizations that work to strengthen communities.
The FirstEnergy Foundation is funded solely by FirstEnergy Corp.
(NYSE: FE) and provides support to nonprofit, tax-exempt health and
human services agencies; educational organizations; cultural and
arts programs and institutions; and civic groups in areas served by
FirstEnergy's 10 electric operating companies and in areas where
the company conducts business.
Ohio Edison serves more than
one million customers across 34 Ohio counties. Follow Ohio Edison on
Twitter @OhioEdison, on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/OhioEdison, and online
at www.ohioedison.com.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and
operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form
one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems,
serving customers in Ohio,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West
Virginia, Maryland and
New York. The company's
transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of
transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic
regions. Follow FirstEnergy online
at www.firstenergycorp.com and on
Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.
Editor's Note: Photos of the Gifts of the Season
being presented to these organizations by FirstEnergy
representatives are available for download on Flickr.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.