(Mitchell, SD) — Central Electric Cooperative recently presented James Valley Drug and DUI Court and their partners at Dakota Counseling Institute with a $750 grant to help program participants with basic needs such as housing and utility deposits.
Michelle Carpenter, Executive Director of Dakota Counseling Institute, explained the goal is to help participants transition into safe living environments.
Carpenter said, “Occasionally, newly admitted drug and DUI program participants will transition from a treatment center or jail into the community. These participants may not have support outside the treatment center or jail, and they are faced with homelessness. Funding enables us to assist with the transition through rent deposits, utility deposits, food and hygiene supplies.”
Currently, 18 participants are enrolled in the program. Since 2013 when the James Valley Drug and DUI Court was formed, 46 participants have completed the program.
Central Electric Manager of Communications Tara Miller said, “The work being done by James Valley Drug and DUI Court and Dakota Counseling Institute makes a positive difference for families in Mitchell and the surrounding area. We are glad to support this cause and help people get back on their feet with very basic needs.”
The grant funds were raised through Central Electric’s Operation Round-Up program. This a voluntary program in which members’ electric bills are rounded up to the next whole dollar, and the change is placed in an account to support community projects. Many cooperative employees also contribute to the cause through payroll. Members and employees have invested nearly $160,000 in local projects through Operation Round-Up since 2015.
The next grant application deadline is November 1. For more information about the Operation Round-Up program, please contact Central Electric Cooperative at 1-800-477-2892 or visit http://www.centralec.coop/operation-round-up.