The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded an $8,000 grant to the Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance Program in Hamilton County. The program works in collaboration with Hamilton Heights Schools, the towns of Cicero, Atlanta and Arcadia, as well as with the Hamilton County Superior Court.
The program strives to develop and implement programs and services that promote positive growth experiences and enhance home and community relationships for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
A large portion of the grant will help pay for mental health awareness and suicide prevention programming, along with a drug and alcohol prevention program.
“Our ultimate goal is for each child to perform at their highest level in school and in life,” said Mary Ann Haymaker, child advocate coordinator at Hamilton Heights Schools. “These are the kinds of programs that will help students grow to become productive citizens in our community.”
“Community involvement is a core value at Duke Energy,” said Mark LaBarr, community relations manager in Hamilton County. “We have an obligation to meet the community’s needs in ways that foster responsible citizenship.”
About Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. In Indiana, the foundation provides approximately $2.2 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.
For more information, visit duke-energy.com/foundation.