In June, Medina Electric Cooperative awarded $5,500 in grants to area organizations through the Community Empowerment Program to encourage community and economic development throughout the 17 counties served by the cooperative.
The program focuses on projects that encourage economic diversity, contribute to community health and development, and improve the quality or quantity of services essential for the development of viable communities.
These organizations will receive grants to further their community impact:
Alexander Memorial Library (La Salle County)—$500
The grant is being used to purchase fire safety equipment like extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire-resistant doors for the library, ensuring a safer environment for staff and patrons of all ages.
Castroville Public Library (Medina County)—$500
The grant is being used to help enhance a child’s experience in the Children’s Library by purchasing a wipeable couch, a non-tripping rug and carpet squares and improving the space for the summer reading program and summer camps.
Children’s Advocacy Center of Laredo (Jim Hogg, Webb and Zapata counties)—$500
The grant is being used to purchase a wall-mounted television for the center’s conference room, enhancing case discussions and therapeutic sessions, ultimately improving the coordinated response and support for child abuse victims.
The city of Hondo accepts a $1,000 grant presented by Medina EC board president Ken Weynand (right).
City of Hondo (Medina County)—$1,000
The grant is for crushed granite for a walking trail at the Hondo Municipal Sports Complex, providing a safe and accessible space for exercise and leisure, enhancing quality of life and promoting physical activity.
Cotulla Sports Association (La Salle County)—$1,000
The grant is for new shoulder pads and guardian caps for peewee football players, to assist with the safety and well-being of its youth during practice and games.
Medina EC directors Jimmie Raines (second right) and Joe Foley (right) present a $500 grant to Hands, Head, Health of Uvalde.
Hands, Head, Health of Uvalde (Medina, Uvalde and Zavala counties)—$500
The grant purchased a replacement pool lift for handicapped accessibility, providing individuals with limitations access to the pool.
Medina EC directors Joe Foley (left) and Jimmie Raines (second left) present a $1,000 grant to the Real County Public Library.
Real Co. Public Library (Edwards, Real and Uvalde Counties)—$1,000
The grant purchased books and art supplies for the Real County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, benefiting children in the economically disadvantaged area by enhancing literacy and providing educational art activities during the summer months.
South Texas Food Bank (Dimmit, Jim Hogg, Kinney, Starr, Webb and Zapata counties)—$500
The grant is being used for the Adopt-A-Family program, providing boxes of supplemental food to food-insecure families in eight counties, alleviating hunger and helping neighbors have enough to eat, especially the older adults struggling with rising costs.
“As a member-owned cooperative, we believe our responsibility extends far beyond simply delivering safe, reliable electricity,” says Trey Grebe, Medina EC’s CEO. “We’re deeply committed to making a tangible difference in our community, and one of the most impactful ways we achieve this is by supporting local nonprofit organizations.”
Medina EC is proud to include these organizations in the more than $88,000 in grants awarded to various nonprofits and local governments since the CEP grant program started in 2015. Medina EC’s CEP grants are funded using escheated funds.
For more information visit MedinaEC.org/Grant.
