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.

LAND O’ LAKES, FL –The SECO Energy Foundation is pleased to announce a $20,000 grant awarded to the Pasco Education Foundation in support of their Take Stock in Children program. This funding will enable the Pasco County Foundation to enhance and expand various workshops aimed at empowering students through mentoring, academic support, and life skills development.

The Take Stock in Children program is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing deserving students with scholarships, mentorship, and hope for a brighter future. The workshops funded by this grant will focus on preparing students for college and career success, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge needed to achieve their goals.

Mariah Delgado, SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director, commented on the significance of the grant: “By investing in the education and development of our youth, we are helping to build a stronger community. These workshops will equip students with essential skills and knowledge, opening doors to opportunities that will shape their futures.”

For more information about the Pasco Education Foundation and the Take Stock in Children program, please visit www.pascoeducationfoundation.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local 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.

Groveland, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation is proud to announce a $25,000 grant to Building Blocks Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering adults with developmental disabilities. The grant will fund the creation of a state-of-the-art computer lab featuring adaptive equipment, virtual reality technology, and specialized communication tools. These enhancements will greatly expand opportunities for learning, personal growth, and community engagement.

Founded in 2005, Building Blocks Ministries has served as a resource and beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities across Central Florida. As a Florida Medicaid Provider working closely with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Florida Department of Transportation, and Florida Department of Elder Affairs, BBM’s day training program equips adults, ages 22 to 70+, with essential life skills. “By integrating technology into our day training program, we’re opening new doors for our participants,” said Paula Whetro, Executive Director at Building Blocks Ministries. “From adaptive keyboards and voice-controlled software to VR simulations and tablets with communication apps, these tools will help our clients sharpen their skills, build social connections, and explore interests in a safe, inclusive environment.”

Mariah Delgado, SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Our mission is to strengthen communities by investing in organizations that elevate the quality of life for our neighbors. With this grant, we’re helping Building Blocks Ministries provide the adaptive tools and resources adults with developmental disabilities need to learn, grow, and thrive.”

For more information about Building Blocks Ministries and their programs, visit www.buildingblocksministries.org

About SECO Energy Foundation
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.

Ocala, FL – 11/25/2024 – The SECO Energy Foundation is pleased to announce a $21,475 grant to Arnette House, a nonprofit organization that provides a 24/7 Emergency Youth shelter, group homes for teens, and non-residential counseling services. Founded in 1981, the organization has since grown into a vital resource for at-risk youth and families in North Central Florida, offering residential and non-residential programs at no cost.

The grant is for the resurfacing of the outdoor basketball court. Cheri Pettitt, CEO of Arnette House says, “The basketball court is not just a place for the kids to play; it is a place where teens facing challenges can open up and enjoy themselves. It is a vibrant hub that also doubles as event space for local organizations.” 

“We’re proud to support Arnette House with this grant,” said Daniel O’Rourke, Board Member of the SECO Energy Foundation. “The Arnette House is a vital community resource that provides a safe environment for youth in need. By enhancing the facilities, we’re helping the young people served by Arnette House to have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.”

For more information about Arnette House and its programs, visit www.arnettehouse.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting charitable initiatives within the SECO Energy service territory. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, and education. Visit www.SECOFoundation.org for more information.