A recent initiative aimed at training students as line workers, distributing hygiene items, and ensuring patients receive necessary medications has secured funding from TVA and Athens Utility.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Athens Utility’s electricity division recently allocated $46,000 to 16 local nonprofits.

Mayor Ronnie Marks and City Council Speaker James Lucas were present during the check presentation at City Hall.

The TVA established the Community Care Fund in April 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Each year, TVA assigns funds to support local communities, which local utility companies match.

“While TVA sells electricity to Athens Utility, they also invest in Limestone County,” said Hunter Allen, manager of the Electrical Division. “This reinvestment aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Limestone County and the broader Tennessee Valley region.”

Since its inception, the TVA Community Care Program has been crucial in providing grants to various nonprofits addressing community needs, according to Marks.

Marks expressed gratitude for the many nonprofits striving to improve citizens’ lives in Athens and Limestone County. He commended TVA for recognizing the value of local initiatives. “Many volunteers dedicate their time to making our community better. This funding is a way to bolster their efforts.”

The funded projects focused on several key areas: education, workforce development, environmental stewardship, disaster relief, health, and housing.

The funding breakdown is as follows:

• Learn to Read – $2,400 for adult literacy improvement through an ESL program.
• A Perfect Tummy – $2,500 for hygiene product availability in schools.
• Foundation – Limestone County – $2,000 for a weather awareness workshop at the senior center.
• Family Resource Center – $2,000 to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program for young children.
• United Way – $2,000 for ACT prep classes for high schoolers with guidance from certified teachers.
• Camp Hope – $2,250 to support a bereavement camp for children ages 5-15.
• Athenier Treegu – $2,450 for educational initiatives, including arts and music activities.
• Athens-Limestone County Community Association – $2,600 for a walking trail with educational spaces.
• Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation – $2,800 for medications and supplies for underserved patients.
• Fire Assistance in Athens – $4,000 to aid children needing help during Christmas.
• Enhanced MTM Education – $2,000 for laptops and software to support students on scholarships.
• Council on Aging – $2,800 for meals and social activities for seniors.
• Calhoun Community College Foundation – $9,180 for scholarships for two students in the Line Worker Training Program.
• Athens City School Fountain – $2,500 for teacher grants for STEM and arts projects.
• Boys and Girls Clubs in Athens – $2,800 for a STEM Career Pathways program.
• Limestone County Church Related – $1,720 for crisis assistance with food, rent, and utilities.

Lucas acknowledged the contributions of all participants and thanked TVA and the Electrical Department for their support of nonprofit missions.

Dunplatt, the TVA Senior Vice President of Customer Relations and Community Relations, expressed in a letter that the funding aims to enhance the work of nonprofits serving the TVA community.

“This fund is designed to sustain and elevate the quality of life in the valley.”