Pioneer Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Charitable Foundation has awarded Hope Inspired Ministries, Inc., (HIM) with a $10,000 grant to assist in providing transportation for its students.

HIM serves low-skilled and chronically unemployed men and women in Lowndes County by preparing them to obtain and maintain employment. They accomplish their mission through a rigorous nine-week training program where adults complete 360 hours of classroom training for six weeks, followed by on-the-job training through a three-week unpaid internship with a local business. 

The grant will be used toward the purchase of a van to be used to transport students to the HIM program site and, if necessary, to a student’s job for the first 90 days of employment.
Operation Round Up is funded by Pioneer Electric members who voluntarily round up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar. All funds stay in the community to benefit local organizations and individuals in need of assistance. 

“Operation Round Up is proud to support organizations like HIM that provide food, shelter, healthcare, education and public safety services to our communities,” said Christi Scruggs, Pioneer Electric communications director. “Our mission is to improve the lives of our neighbors in the communities we serve, and we are happy to assist organizations that share that goal.”

Since the program’s inception last year, Operation Round Up has awarded nearly $150,000 in grants to individuals in need and organizations that serve our area. More information about Operation Round Up is available at www.pioneerelectric.com/operation-round.