SUMTER COUNTY, FL – Big impact starts with powerful partnerships. Thanks to a $5,000 grant from the SECO Energy Foundation and a $3,750 matching grant from CoBank’s Sharing Success program, secured through SECO Energy’s nomination, Sumter Youth Center will receive a total of $8,750 to upgrade its computer labs.

Since 2001, Sumter Youth Center has served local students with after-school programs and summer camps that blend homework help, tutoring, arts, and recreation. With approximately 250 students attending daily, the Center has become a vital hub for learning and mentorship.

This funding will help purchase 10 new laptops, a desktop computer, and a modern all-in-one color laser printer, crucial tools for students who rely on the center for academic support, especially those without internet or computer access at home.

“When I learned that CoBank’s Sharing Success program had matching funds available, I reached out to the SECO Energy Foundation to see if we could amplify their impact,” said Anh Reynolds, SECO Energy Vice President of Financial & Administrative Services. “I’m thrilled we were able to work together to bring even more support to Sumter Youth Center.”

 “We’re so grateful for this partnership,” said Della Boushley, Executive Director of Sumter Youth Center. “With this funding, our students will have access to the tools they need to succeed in school and more.”

CoBank’s Sharing Success program is a nationwide charitable initiative that matches contributions by its cooperative members, like SECO Energy, to help strengthen rural communities. The program has matched tens of millions of dollars since its inception, directly supporting causes like youth development, education, and food security.

To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation and its growing impact across the districts SECO Energy serves, visit www.SECOFoundation.org. Visit www.SumterYouth.com to learn more about the Sumter Youth Center.

Ocala, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to Wear Gloves, a nonprofit organization that empowers the underserved through supportive employment, job readiness, and transitional housing. This funding will support Wear Gloves’ newest initiative, Dignity House, a shelter designed to offer more than just a bed, but also a path to long-term stability.

Dignity House provides individual rooms for up to 12 guests, including four beds reserved for individuals diverted from incarceration. The shelter blends emergency housing with comprehensive wraparound services such as mental health counseling, job training, and financial literacy programs, creating a clear path from crisis to independence.

“SECO Energy Foundation is proud to support organizations like Wear Gloves that meet people with compassion and a plan,” said Daniel O’Rourke, SECO Energy Foundation District 4 Board Member. “Dignity House isn’t just a shelter. It’s a safe, dignified space that helps individuals rebuild their lives and find purpose.”

The $5,000 grant from SECO Energy Foundation will fund critical operational costs, allowing Dignity House to provide safe, individualized care to residents while expanding its impact in Marion County. The shelter officially opened in May and is already changing lives.

“The grant from SECO Energy Foundation is an investment in people,” said Madi Kebrdle-Dingman, Vice President of Operations of Wear Gloves. “It helps us provide a safe environment, critical resources, and most importantly hope for individuals who are ready to move forward.”

To learn more about Wear Gloves and Dignity House, visit WearGloves.org. The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information about the SECO Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – The SECO Energy Foundation has awarded an $8,000 grant to E3 Family Solutions to support its Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Project and ongoing Equipping Youth program. These are two vital initiatives aimed at educating and protecting youth and families in Central Florida.

Founded in 2010, E3 Family Solutions has reached more than 30,000 students across Lake, Sumter, and Hernando Counties through its flagship program, Equipping Youth. The program delivers evidence-based education on risk avoidance, healthy decision-making, and issues such as substance abuse, violence, online safety, and human trafficking. Their latest initiative tackles the growing concern of human trafficking in local communities by offering workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to empower families and youth with knowledge and prevention tools.

“Equipping students with the awareness and skills to make safe, healthy choices is one of the best investments we can make in our communities,” said Lee Linn, Treasurer of the SECO Energy Foundation.

The Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Project addresses a rising threat in Central Florida, where trafficking is often misunderstood or overlooked. E3’s outreach educates families, educators, law enforcement, and community members about recognizing red flags, protecting youth, and reporting concerns. The program also aims to correct common misconceptions by highlighting that trafficking doesn’t just happen overseas or in large cities, but right here in rural counties like Sumter, Lake, and Hernando.

“This project is about education and empowerment,” said Darla Huddleston, Executive Director of E3 Family Solutions. “When youth and families are equipped with accurate information and tools to protect themselves, we strengthen our whole community.”

To learn more about E3 Family Solutions, visit www.E3FamilySolutions.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Citrus County, FL — The SECO Energy Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to Citrus County Blessings, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding food-insecure children through its weekend and summer nutrition programs.

Citrus County Blessings ensures more than 3,000 students across 31 schools receive nourishing food each Friday and during school breaks to carry them through weekends when free or reduced-price school meals are not available. With over 93% of Citrus County’s public school students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the need is overwhelming and growing.

“There is no excuse for any child to go hungry,” said Christina Reed, Executive Director of Citrus County Blessings. “This grant allows us to continue serving thousands of local children, many of whom live in households struggling to keep up with rising costs. We’re incredibly grateful to the SECO Energy Foundation for standing with us.”

The $15,000 grant will directly support the nonprofit’s Blessings Program, which provides bags of shelf-stable food for children to take home every weekend during the school year. The effort is largely volunteer-driven, with over 400 volunteers each month packing and delivering food. During the summer, the “Feed the Kids” program adds fresh produce to the mix, ensuring students don’t go hungry when school cafeterias close.

“Citrus County Blessings is doing heroic work filling a gap many of us never see,” said Mary Pericht, SECO Energy Foundation District 5 Board Member/Secretary. “Their dedication to local children is exactly the kind of mission we’re proud to support. No child should ever have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.”

To learn more about Citrus County Blessings, visit www.citrusblessings.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Clermont, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Well of Hope Food Bank and Thrift Store to support its Zero Hunger Community Initiative, an effort aimed at reducing food insecurity and improving community health in South Lake County.

Well of Hope provides food assistance to more than 1,000 families each month. The organization’s comprehensive approach not only addresses hunger but also empowers families through nutrition education and access to affordable necessities through its thrift store.

“Our Zero Hunger Community Initiative is about more than just food. It’s about dignity, stability, and giving families the resources to thrive,” said Michael Hopewell, Executive Director of Well of Hope. The grant will be used exclusively for the purchase of food to distribute to families in Clermont and surrounding areas. At just $25 per week, the program can feed a family of four, making the $5,000 grant capable of supporting approximately 800 individuals with a week’s worth of groceries.

“Well of Hope Food Bank is making a difference at the root level,” said Mariah Delgado, SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director. “Food insecurity doesn’t just affect nutrition. It impacts school performance, stress levels, and the ability to be successful. We’re proud to be part of this life-changing mission.”

With the rising cost of living, Well of Hope’s efforts to combat hunger while empowering families through its TREE model, Train, Restore, Educate, Equip, continue to serve as a vital lifeline to the South Lake County community.

To learn more about Well of Hope, visit www.wellofhopefoodbank.org.

Lake County, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation is proud to award a $5,000 grant to Lake Support and Emergency Recovery, Inc (LASER) to bolster ongoing recovery efforts following last year’s hurricanes. LASER plays a critical role in Lake County’s disaster response, providing essential debris removal, home stabilization, and long-term recovery assistance for residents affected by major storms.

Founded in 2005 and activated following the devastating Groundhog Day tornadoes in 2007, LASER has logged more than 30,000 volunteer hours and assisted hundreds of local families. Today, they are working to resolve 259 active recovery cases with a focus on homeowners who are uninsured, underinsured, elderly, disabled, or veterans. Once the initial recovery phase ends, LASER provides case management services and helps secure grants to restore homes to pre-disaster conditions. The SECO Energy Foundation’s funding is helping address lingering debris removal needs.

“Last year’s back-to-back hurricanes brought unique challenges,” said a Brandi Martin, LASER’s Executive Director. “With hurricane season fast approaching and clean-up still ongoing from last October, this grant allows us to work with additional contractors to remove dangerous debris.”

“Even long after the storms have passed, the road to recovery continues for many local families,” said Sara Meyer-Oswalt, SECO Energy Foundation President. “We’re proud to support LASER’s continued efforts to help residents navigate the long-term challenges and prepare for the up-coming hurricane season.”

To learn more about LASER’s mission or to support their efforts, visit  http://www.Laserfl.org 

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information about the SECO Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Mount Dora, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Lake Cares Food Pantry in support of the organization’s new, 22,000-square-foot facility and its critical need for an on-site emergency generator. The generator will ensure that perishable food like fresh vegetables, meat, and dairy remains safely stored during power outages, especially during hurricane season.

Lake Cares has served as a vital resource in Lake County since 2009, distributing food to over 71,000 individuals in 2024 alone, including families, veterans, homeless residents, and school-aged children. With food distribution hubs in eight Lake County locations, including Mount Dora, Eustis, Paisley, and Sorrento, the organization reaches people where they are, offering both mobile outreach and tailored support.

“The new generator means we won’t lose thousands of pounds of food when the power goes out. We’ll be ready to help our community exactly when they need us most,” said Kelsey Gonzalez, Executive Director of Lake Cares. “We’re incredibly grateful to the SECO Energy Foundation for helping make that possible.”

Lake Cares recently moved to its new facility in Mount Dora, which will house its warehouse, pantry, and administrative offices under one roof. The expanded space will also include a teaching kitchen, veteran and job advocate services, financial literacy programs, and more to address the root causes of food insecurity.

“Lake Cares is more than a food pantry. It’s a lifeline for thousands of local families,” said Matthew Roudabush, SECO Energy Foundation Board Vice President. “This grant ensures they can keep doing their essential work even in the most challenging circumstances.”

To learn more about Lake Cares or to support their efforts, visit www.lakecares.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Ocala, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation is proud to announce a $10,000 grant to Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL), a Marion County nonprofit working to solve the homeless pet crisis through prevention, outreach, and compassionate care.

Founded in 2015, VOCAL is a lifeline for pet owners facing financial hardship by providing spay/neuter services, basic veterinary care, pet food assistance, and more to thousands of animals each year. The SECO Foundation’s grant will help fund VOCAL’s Fix the Future program, which ensures that pet owners in crisis never have to choose between their wallet and their pet’s well-being.

“We believe that no one should be forced to give up a beloved pet or watch them suffer because they can’t afford basic care or a life- saving surgery that is within our scope of services,” said Linda Norman, VOCAL Co-Founder. “This grant helps us continue saying ‘yes’ to the families and animals who need us most.”

VOCAL’s services include:

• A low-cost veterinary clinic that is available to all pet owners.
• A robust feeding program feeding animals in 10 counties (1–1.5 million lbs. of food/year)
• Emergency aid for critical care especially for pyometra, a life-threatening infection that affects 24% of unspayed female dogs.
• Spay/neuter and vaccination services for low-income families, rescue groups, and colony caregivers
• Affordable dental services.

“For many families, pets offer comfort, stability, and emotional support,” said Jack Callahan, SECO Energy Foundation Board Member for District 3. “VOCAL is not only keeping animals out of shelters but also bringing dignity and relief to pet owners facing tough times. We’re honored to support their work.”

To learn more about VOCAL or request assistance, visit www.vocalforpets.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. To learn more, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Brooksville, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation is proud to award a $24,800 grant to K9 Partners for Patriots (K9P4P) in support of Operation 2025, an initiative that provides life-saving service dogs and training to veterans struggling with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). This funding will directly support veterans in SECO Energy’s service area, helping them reclaim their independence and improve their quality of life.

Since 2015, K9 Partners for Patriots has rescued and trained 269 shelter dogs and has provided critical service dog training to 770 veterans, including 440 active veteran-canine teams. Unlike traditional service dog programs that provide pre-trained dogs, K9P4P’s unique six-month Animal-Assisted Therapy Program allows veterans to train their own service dogs, strengthening the bond between them while building resilience, confidence, and emotional stability.

“This grant from the SECO Energy Foundation will help veterans on our waitlist begin their journey toward healing,” said Ron Flaville, CEO of K9 Partners for Patriots. “For many of these veterans, having a service dog is the difference between isolation and reintegration into society.”

In addition to dog training, K9 Partners for Patriots integrates mental health counseling, family involvement, and continued support services for graduates, ensuring long-term success. Veterans who complete the program report a 20–30% reduction in PTSD symptoms, improved emotional resilience, and stronger connections with their families and communities.

Mariah Delgado, Executive Director of the SECO Energy Foundation, emphasized the importance of supporting veterans in the local community, “This grant is an investment in the well-being of those who have sacrificed for us. We are proud to give back by supporting a program that directly improves their lives.”

The SECO Energy Foundation grant will help reduce the growing waitlist of 194 local veterans who have been accepted into the program. K9 Partners for Patriots is working toward graduating 100 veteran-canine teams by the end of 2025, ensuring that more veterans receive the support they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

For more information about K9 Partners for Patriots and its mission, visit www.k9partnersforpatriots.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information about the SECO Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Eustis, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation is pleased to announce a $5,000 grant to Meaningful Milestones Academy, a specialized educational institution dedicated to supporting children with autism and related behavioral needs. This funding will support the integration of technology and adaptive classroom furniture, creating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for students.

Meaningful Milestones Academy provides individualized, evidence-based education to help children reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. With this grant, the Academy will introduce new computers, iPads, sensory-friendly chairs, and desks designed to accommodate the diverse learning styles of students with autism. This is a vital step in bridging the gap between traditional classroom settings and the specialized learning environment that children with autism need to flourish.

“This investment in technology and adaptive furniture will make a world of difference for our students,” said Stacey Callahan, Administrator of Meaningful Milestones Academy. “By creating a sensory-friendly, technology-integrated environment, we’re giving our students the tools they need to thrive academically and build essential life skills.”

“Education should be accessible and tailored to meet the needs of every child,” said Matthew Roudabush, SECO Energy Foundation Board Member. “Meaningful Milestones Academy is doing incredible work to empower children with autism, and we are proud to support their mission. This grant will help create a more engaging learning space.”

For more information about Meaningful Milestones Academy and its programs, visit www.meaningfulmilestonesacademy.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information about the SECO Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.