Xcel gives $8K to agency

Xcel Energy recently awarded $8,000 to Buckner Family Place Amarillo to continue providing support to single-parent families, help build a self-sustaining community and break the cycle of poverty.

"We are grateful for the continued support Xcel Energy has faithfully provided throughout the years to help assist our families as they work toward their goals of becoming self-sufficient," said Susana Guevara, program coordinator for Buckner Family Place. "It is because of generous gifts like this that our single parents are set up for success as they pursue their educational dreams."

Buckner Children and Family Services was one of 74 nonprofits across Texas and New Mexico to be awarded $400,000 in grants from Xcel Energy Foundation during a July 10 reception at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

The grants fall under four focus areas - arts and culture, economic sustainability, education and environmental.

"Xcel Energy is committed to strengthening our communities from the ground up," said Terry Price, Xcel Energy senior foundation representative. "Community partners such as Buckner Family Place play a vital role in freeing struggling families from the cycle of poverty, allowing them the chance to contribute to our society."

The funds Xcel Energy awarded Buckner Family will go toward providing participants with affordable housing, financial assistance, education scholarships and case management services, which include referrals to parenting education, budget training, life skills and individual and group counseling.

"We see it as a partnership more than anything else," said Xcel Energy spokesman Wes Reeves. "We understand that there will always be those who are in need .... but we don't want to see anyone stay in that predicament permanently."

Since 2008, Xcel Energy has contributed a total of $62,000 to Buckner, which has provided services that help strengthen at-risk children and families in Amarillo since 1985.