The Western Kentucky chapter of the American Red Cross received a $5,000 grant Thursday morning to help the agency continue providing assistance after this year’s catastrophic floods.
The grant was presented by officials from NextEra Energy Resources, a renewable energy company with projects in Kentucky and Daviess County. Officials presented the donation at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s office.
Jennifer Barnett, executive director for the Red Cross’ Western Kentucky Chapter, said while the agency’s immediate disaster response is complete, the Red Cross is still working with families who are receiving recovery assistance.
“We still have 29 families” receiving help with recovery, Barnett said
In terms of the amount of assistance needed, both eastern and western Kentucky were considered “level 5” responses because of the extensive need after the flooding, Barnett said.
The recent tornado in London is also a “level 5” response, Barnett said.
The donated funds were through the NextEra Energy Resources Foundation.
Officials at the presentation included, Barnett, Candance Brake, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and state Rep. DJ Johnson, an Owensboro Republican.
Jarrett Daniels, NextEra’s community engagement manager, thanked Johnson and lawmakers for working with the firm on initiatives.
“Your commitment to partnering with us … (has) played a vital role in bringing clean energy to Kentucky,” Daniels said. The grant “represents a deep commitment to the region. We hope this donation helps provide immediate relief … to those who have been impacted.”
“Having someone approach us and say ‘we want to help’ means so much,” Barnett said.
Amanda Paez, a NextEra communications specialist, said the company provides grants for assistance throughout the United States.
“The community has been great to us,” Paez said. “We always want to be a good neighbor. Where we can, we want to extend a hand.”
By Jim Mayse Messenger Inquirer