Xcel Energy employees help The Bridge with $5,000 grant

The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center was notified in March that the employees of Xcel Energy selected the agency to receive funding through their new initiative, Xcel Energy Foundation Employee Choice Grant. Xcel’s employees are making it possible for five Panhandle children who have suffered abuse to share what has happened to them in a safe, neutral environment. This funding will help the families of these children navigate resources for healing and justice including counseling and victim of crime funds, according to a news release.

A committee composed of Xcel Energy employees combed through 80 nonprofit nominations in Texas, narrowing the list to three for all Texas Xcel Energy employees to vote their preference. “The employees at Xcel Energy are keeping abuse and violence from defining a child’s life by providing direct services to our Panhandle kids with this funding. We are thrilled to be selected for this grant and we are inspired by Xcel Energy employees who care so much about our Panhandle kids. Xcel Energy’s new Energizing the Future focus area grant program is wonderful!” said The Bridge Executive Director Shelly Bohannon.

Xcel Energy Employees are helping Texas Panhandle kids find healing and justice with a $5,000 grant recently presented to The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center.

Xcel Energy Foundation Representative Terry Price presented the check to The Bridge Friday, June 16.

The Bridge opened its doors in 1989 as the first Children’s Advocacy Center in the state of Texas, serving the26 counties in the Panhandle area. Learn more online at www.bridgecac.org .

American Red Cross providing disaster assistance in Perryton; financial assistance available to those who qualify

The American Red Cross is on the ground in Perryton, responding to the devastating tornado that struck the area on June 14. The Red Cross is here to help everyone affected by the devastating tornado, a news release states. Many services are available to those impacted including medical and mental health services, meals and snacks and ongoing case management. Services are available to everyone regardless of race, religion or citizenship status.

Financial assistance is available to those with qualifying home damage. If your home was damaged or destroyed by the tornado in Perryton, you may be eligible for financial assistance. Please call the Red Cross at 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment or visit the Red Cross shelter at Perryton High School, 1200 S. Jefferson St. No ID is required for our assistance; they just require documentation of your address. Information provided to the Red Cross is confidential and will not be shared with the government or any other organization.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is a gift and free. The Red Cross responds to disasters big and every day. You can learn more about Red Cross funding and consider offering your support by visiting www.redcross.org.