GraceWorks Receives Generous $40,000 Donation From Atmos Energy
GraceWorks is thrilled to announce a much-needed $30,000 donation for the Food Pantry from Atmos Energy.
Atmos also gave an additional $10,000 to GraceWorks to help struggling families’ bill payments and appliance and line repairs.
Atmos is a longtime sponsor of GraceWorks’ 27-year mission of Neighbor serving Neighbor, by the power of God’s grace. Their support has provided Food, Shelter and Support to thousands of local struggling families. In addition to numerous monetary contributions, the organization also provides assistance to GraceWorks Neighbors who are behind on utility bills and sponsors occasional days at GraceWorks for Neighbors to receive help with their utility payments.
“Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities isn’t just a tagline for Atmos Energy; it is what we do, and it is who we are,” said Christina Christiansen, Atmos Energy manager of public affairs. “The impact GraceWorks has on our Williamson County community is extraordinary. Through our continued partnership, we are making a difference in the lives of our neighbors.”
GraceWorks CEO Valencia A. Breckenridge said the donation is critical in meeting an unprecedented demand for food from struggling families.
“We are over the moon to have this beyond generous contribution to our Food program,” Breckenridge said. “In two of the past two years, we have had historic increases in requests for food.”
In the first quarter of this fiscal year — from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2022 – GraceWorks has seen an 89% growth in demand for all programs over last year. Food distribution increased 62% from last year’s first quarter, and Shelter programs of rent and utility bill assistance rose 46%. These increases are due to inflated costs of food and rent.
In addition, USDA has significantly limited provision of eggs, milk, butter and meat, which has forced GraceWorks to find other costly avenues to obtain these necessary products for our Neighbors. Local grocery stores that have always donated rescue food to fill GraceWorks’ Food Pantry have decreased those donations in the current inflation.
Atmos Energy Corporation, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural gas-only distributor. The company safely delivers reliable, affordable, efficient and abundant natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South. As part of its vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, it is modernizing business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and its communities. Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas.
GraceWorks is a Christ-centered nonprofit community resource center. For more than 25 years it has provided Food, Shelter and Support to Neighbors in need. GraceWorks invites all to join in its response of Neighbor serving Neighbor, by the power of God’s grace.
If you want to join Atmos Energy in supporting GraceWorks’ Food Program, you can visit https://www.graceworksministries.net/donate/
