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West Virginia American Water Awards Inclusion and Diversity Grants to 13 Organizations Across the State

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Nov. 18, 2021) – West Virginia American Water announced today 13 recipients of the company’s inaugural Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program. The first of its kind in West Virginia and throughout American Water’s footprint, nearly $15,000 will be awarded to organizations seeking to develop and implement programs, training and community-related projects that aim to promote and foster inclusion and diversity in communities across West Virginia.

“As the state’s largest water and wastewater provider, it’s important that we continue to lead the way for inclusion and diversity efforts in West Virginia,” said Bradley Harris, senior external affairs specialist at West Virginia American Water and American Water inclusion and diversity council member. “This year’s grant recipients showcase strong partnerships and support community-building initiatives that work to ensure that all West Virginians, regardless of beliefs and backgrounds, have a seat at the table.”

West Virginia American Water’s community investment committee reviewed 35 grant applications for programs, events and initiatives across the state. Thirteen organizations were selected to receive nearly $15,000 in funding for inclusion and diversity efforts. Awardees include:

  • Bluefield State College (Bluefield)
    • $1,000 to support the Cultural Histories of Affrilachian People Event Series
  • BridgeValley Community and Technical College (South Charleston and Montgomery)
    • $1,000 for LGBTQ+ Allyship Training
  • Charleston Thunder Sled Hockey (Charleston)
    • $2,500 to purchase sleds, sticks protective gear and helmets for persons with disabilities
  • Concord University (Athens)
    • $500 to support the 2022 Black History Month Celebration
  • Drive for the Deployed (Princeton)
    • $1,000 to support the Healthy Snack and Hygiene Care Package Project
  • Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy (Ansted)
    • $500 to support the 2022 Arts and Heritage Academy
  • Putnam County Library (Hurricane)
    • $1,000 to purchase inclusion and diversity books and materials for 2022 programming
  • Salvation Army of Huntington (Huntington)
    • $2,500 to support the development of a new mental health program, “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay”
  • The Upper Kanawha Valley Strategic Initiatives Council (Smithers)
    • $1,000 to support the 2022 Human Library Event Series
  • West Virginia Health Right (Charleston)
    • $1,500 to support the EquaHealth Clinic
  • West Virginia State University (Institute)
    • $500 to support an inclusion and diversity community engagement event
  • The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (Institute)
    • $1,000 to support the 2022 West Virginia Youth Leadership Forum
  • The YMCA of the Kanawha Valley
    • $1,000 to support the “Y Welcomes” program for immigrants and refugees

“The YMCA is a community that is open and welcoming to all,” said Sarah Bolyard, president and chief executive officer at the YMCA of the Kanawha Valley. “We are so appreciative of West Virginia American Water for making this type of inclusion and diversity funding available so that we can continue to build a stronger community for everyone.”

West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 545,000 people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 545,000 people. For more information, visit www.westvirginiaamwater.com and follow West Virginia American Water on Twitter and Facebook.