#FridayGiving: We Energies support helps Community Advocates reach the chronically homeless

It’s hard to imagine sleeping on the streets during Wisconsin winters. Unfortunately that’s the reality for Milwaukee’s chronically homeless population. That’s why we support Community Advocates, an organization dedicated to helping those in need. 

For the past four years, the We Energies Foundation has provided funding for Community Advocates’ Autumn West Safe Haven and Homeless Outreach Nursing Center. It’s the only program of its kind in Milwaukee devoted to helping chronically homeless men and women who are living with severe mental health conditions.

The Autumn West Safe Haven offers 20 private apartments and 24/7 support staff. Members of the Community Advocates outreach team are trained to offer options and support to homeless men and women without any pressure. The goal is to transition residents into permanent housing with the support they need. Of the 43 people served at Autumn West in 2018, 93% were off the streets and had a permanent residence by the end of the year.

 

#FridayGiving

Since the early 1980s, We Energies has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in communities across the state.

Read more about our year-long effort to highlight some of the incredible organizations we support here.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to make sure you don’t miss any #FridayGiving posts.

Don’t go viral: We Energies warns parents on the dangers of the #OutletChallenge

You’ve probably seen the viral videos online. Kids are risking their safety to complete the dangerous #OutletChallenge on social media. Safety is our number one priority at We Energies, and we are encouraging all parents to talk to their kids before it’s too late.

The outlet challenge could result in damage to the electrical system in your house, a fire, or serious injury.

We asked our highly-trained staff to show us just how dangerous it is.

Don’t— we repeat— don’t take this challenge. Please talk to your kids today to make sure they don’t put internet fame over their own safety.

MPS students announce they are ‘taking their talents’ to We Energies

We Energies is proud to announce the recruiting class of 2021. This year, 21 Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students committed to our innovative line mechanic and gas distribution internship programs.

In a special ceremony, the teenagers signed their paperwork, tried on their new We Energies gear and committed to the program in front of their biggest fans — family, friends and teachers.

As part of the program, the students will spend two years getting hands-on experience working with the tools and equipment that our line mechanics and gas distribution workers use on a daily basis. In addition to earning a paycheck, the students are paired with a We Energies employee who serves as a life mentor. Students who successfully finish the program may have the opportunity to join We Energies full time.

Both internships are offered through a unique partnership between We Energies and MPS. Each is designed to help students explore careers in energy, and help We Energies attract and retain skilled and diverse employees.

Students carry on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through We Energies speech contest

“Though we are just learners today, we will be leaders tomorrow.” Powerful words from Abigail Cashman, one of the winners of We Energies’ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest.

Abigail and five other students wowed the crowd at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday. Today the first, second and third place winners were honored at halftime at the Milwaukee Bucks game.

We Energies has been hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Speech Contest for 36 years. We’re proud to encourage students across Milwaukee to carry on Dr. King’s legacy.

This year, students from kindergarten to 12^th grade were asked to write a speech using the theme “Your life has significance.” The theme is inspired by a speech Dr. King delivered in Philadelphia in 1967. Dr. King told junior high school students, “Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that you’re nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance.”

Abigail captured the theme perfectly: “No matter what, I want each of you to believe in yourself. Feel like you are made for something bigger than you can even dream.”

#FridayGiving: We Energies support helps Riveredge Nature Center grow

We Energies has a long history of helping the Riveredge Nature Center in Saukville fulfill its important mission of inspiring people to become environmental stewards.

The Riveredge Nature Center shares our passion for the environment, which is why we have provided funding, and We Energies employees have donated their time and talents to the organization.

The We Energies Foundation is proud to continue providing significant financial support in 2020 for “Growing Adventures for the Future: the Campaign for Riveredge.” This campaign will support the construction of major facility projects and interpretive exhibits with digital technology elements.

The new infrastructure projects will help more people engage with nature at Riveredge while protecting ecologically sensitive areas within the preserve.  

To learn more about the Riveredge Nature Center, visit it online, or — better yet — stop by in person to experience all it has to offer.

#FridayGiving

Since the early 1980s, We Energies has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in communities across the state.

Read more about our year-long effort to highlight some of the incredible organizations we support here. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to make sure you don't miss any #FridayGiving posts.

Score energy savings while cheering on the Green and Gold

Ok team, huddle up. We have a game plan to cheer on the green and gold on Sunday while also saving money and reducing energy. Let’s do this.

1^st down – 7-10 reverse

Turn the thermostat back 7-10 degrees when leaving home to catch the game so the furnace doesn’t run when no one is around. Customers who are hosting also can lower the temperature a few degrees to account for extra body heat from guests.

2^nd down – Smart-use counter

With the television on all afternoon and evening, counter its energy use by keeping lights and electronics turned off in unoccupied rooms. Trap hidden energy costs further by unplugging or using power strips to switch off electronic devices that are not being used.

3^rd down – Double chicken wing pass

Use a microwave or slow cooker to create the perfect pigskin party dish. Both appliances use less energy than firing up an oven.

4^th and goal: Full load option

Dishwashers use the same amount of energy and water each time. Establish an efficient game plan for this appliance by waiting to run it until it is full. Save even more energy by passing on the heated dry cycle and opening the door instead.

Following these plays will help you score a lower energy bill. And the extra point… is good!

#FridayGiving: We Energies Foundation donation supports babies and new parents

As we welcome a new year, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin is welcoming new families across the Fox Valley. Their “Welcome Baby” program makes sure first-time parents have the resources they need. We Energies and its sister company, Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) are proud to support Family Services’ innovative efforts to protect, heal and care for the families of Northeast Wisconsin.

“Welcome Baby” is already a success in Brown County. Recent donations from the We Energies and WPS foundations will help the program expand into the Fox Valley in 2020. Family Services collaborates with local hospitals with the hope of reaching every family as they welcome a new baby. The agency strives to provide a gateway for new parents to access the resources they need and to identify potential risk factors before any crises develop.

We are committed to creating a brighter future for the communities we serve. That’s why we’re proud to support Family Services and other organizations working to make a difference.

Since the early 1980s, We Energies has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in communities across the state.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to make sure you don't miss any #FridayGiving posts. You can read more about our year-long initiative here. 

#FridayGiving – We Energies committed to enhancing the well-being of communities

We are committed to delivering reliable, affordable energy to your family. We work hard every day to keep your lights on, your phones charged and your homes comfortable.

But our dedication to our customers goes beyond that. We are also committed to giving back to the communities where we live and serve. Every year, through corporate giving and the We Energies Foundation, we proudly donate millions of dollars to help fund nonprofit organizations and worthwhile community causes. Since the early 1980s we've donated more than $200 million.

We are taking a new approach this year to highlight some of the charitable efforts we support. Every week on social media we will highlight some of the groups we support and share stories and examples of the good work those groups are doing.

Each post will feature the slogan #FridayGiving and will run on, you guessed it, Fridays.

To make sure you don’t miss any posts, follow and like our Twitter and Facebook pages.

You can find more information about our corporate giving in our Corporate Responsibility Report and the We Energies Foundation website.