We’re Proud of Our PRIDE Support
Terri Grabiak, manager, Regional External Affairs, West Penn Power/Penn Power (r.), presented a $2,000 FirstEnergy Foundation check to Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Greensburg. The contribution will support LGBTQ 101 and Understanding Transgender People training workshops and other initiatives. PFLAG is the nation's first and largest organization for LGBTQ people, their parents, families and allies, and is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued and affirmed. Joining Terri in the photo are PFLAG Greensburg's Jean Slusser and Donna Fischer.
September 26, 2019
Equality marches, festivals, event sponsorships and more – FirstEnergy and its employees are supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities throughout our service territory. Here are a few examples.
The Franklin County Coalition for Progress (FCCP) in Chambersburg, Pa., received a $1,000 FirstEnergy Foundation check. Shown with Jim Crowder, consultant, Regional External Affairs (third from left), are FCCP’s Nathan Strayer, Ilana Vojnovich and Phillip Phabulous. Our funds sponsored the annual Franklin County PRIDE festival, which celebrates the LGBTQ community, fosters a sense of fellowship and pride between the LGBTQ and heterosexual communities and provides educational resources and support.
Volunteering at the festival are (l.-r.): Jessica Benoit, advanced administrative assistant, West Penn Power; Benny Grove, retired, circuit reliable coordinator, Potomac Edison; Talisha Seville, distribution technician 1, West Penn Power; Trisha Dawe, advanced distribution instructor; Jim; and David Turner, manager, Regional External Affairs.
The FirstEnergy Foundation recently presented a $5,000 donation check to Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative (CANAPI) to sponsor Akron PRIDE 2019. CANAPI’s mission is to serve and promote the well-being of the LGBTQ community and persons at risk and/or affected by HIV through education, support services, quality housing and advocacy.
At the check presentation are: (l.-r.): Jen Hardin, consultant, Corporate Affairs & Community Involvement; CANAPI’s Rebecca Callahan; and Michael Cranston, advanced distribution associate, and EBRG Alternate Current vice chair.
In addition to the Foundation’s sponsorship, nearly 100 FirstEnergy employees, family members and friends participated in the Akron PRIDE March for Equality.