Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association recently gave $14,000 to four organizations who assist women and children.
Three crisis centers and CASA of South Central Missouri were recipients of the funding. Among the crisis centers was Christos House, which services Texas County. CASA also impacts those in the county.
“We thought this would be a great way to support and show our gratitude to several organizations that provide services to abuse victims seeking help as well as for the children caught in the middle,” said Aaron Bradshaw, chief executive officer of IECA. “Their efforts to support abuse survivors and equip them to begin new lives free from further victimization are greatly appreciated. These organizations certainly improve lives and strengthen the communities they serve.”
One of Intercounty’s cooperative principles is “concern for community” and while the co-op’s primary focus is serving their members’ energy needs, the member-owned organization recognizes the importance of supporting its local communities.
“A primary goal of IECA is to continually improve the quality of life for its members. This seemed like a perfect fit,” said Matthew Duncan, IECA board director.
It was in that cooperative spirit that Intercounty Electric teamed up with partner organizations Sho-Me Power and CoBank to make the investment. The three organizations wanted to honor the crisis centers and advocacy group for how they enhance the quality of life for the women and children they serve.
Sho-Me Power is Intercounty’s transmission cooperative. Sho-Me Power provides reliable, low-cost electric energy to Intercounty and eight other rural electric cooperatives. CoBank is a cooperative bank that provides loans and financial services to Intercounty and other rural power systems across the nation. Sho-Me Power and CoBank each partnered with Intercounty Electric in making these donations possible in effort to help build vibrant rural communities.
Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association serves 2,916 square miles covering Phelps, Dent and Texas counties and parts of seven other counties. IECA operates 5,580 miles of line, serving more than 30,000 active meters and employs 116 local residents.