Citizens Energy Group was the presenting sponsor of the 10th Annual Neighbor Power Indy event, which took place March 4-6.
Organized by the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center (INRC), the event brings together hundreds of residents, community leaders, business owners, nonprofit leaders, corporate partners, and government officials to celebrate the diversity and rich history of our city and its neighborhoods, share accomplishments, and discuss how to make Indianapolis an even better place to live, work, worship, and play.
Traditionally, Neighbor Power Indy has been a one-day event; however, due to the pandemic, this year’s gathering was held virtually over the course of three days, offering a variety of free online workshops. The 2021 theme was “Community Healing,” with a focus on the variety of issues our city is facing, such as health and wellness, crime and violence, and racial injustice.
“Neighborhoods are at the heart of the communities and customers we serve at Citizens,” said Corporate Sponsorship/Philanthropy Team member Steve Berube. “Our team was honored to sponsor the event and lend our support to promoting economic and community development opportunities through the building up of neighbors and neighborhoods.”
Learn more about the Corporate Sponsorship/Philanthropy Team and how it determines what to support in the September Engauge: https://blog.citizensenergygroup.com/engauge/qa-meet-the-corporate-sponsorship/philanthropy-team
As the presenting sponsor, Citizens was given the opportunity to provide opening remarks and present one of three awards during the event.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Rhonda Harper, who has served on the planning committee for Neighbor Power Indy since June 2015, gave opening remarks at the keynote session.
The awards recognize grassroots activities and accomplishments that strengthen neighborhoods, which this year included efforts to support neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic and increase equity and access throughout their neighborhood and city.
Public Outreach Coordinator Jessica Castellanos, who serves as the secretary of the organization’s board of directors, presented two awards. The Building Local Economy Award was given to Crossroads Education Foundation for partnering with several other organizations to secure healthy food options for families on the near west side. The Connecting Community Award was presented to Black Women in Charge, Inc., an organization formed in May 2020 to peacefully protest and advocate for racial justice. The group is now collaborating with the city’s leaders on the progression of justice.
Anne-Marie Taylor, INRC Executive Director, said, “We are grateful for Citizens Energy Group’s support, making it possible for neighbors to come together virtually and share how we all are healing as a community. Our neighborhoods are ground zero for conversations and interactions that stand to define our community for years to come. Neighbor Power Indy allowed for thoughtful discussions about the many ways we can strengthen these connections in a meaningful way in our neighborhoods and our city.”
This year’s event was attended by nearly 275 residents from across Indianapolis’ neighborhoods showing their commitment to community healing.
