Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), today announced a $50,000 social and racial justice grant from the AEP Foundation to Youth Services of Tulsa (YST) to support the organization’s Transitions Program: Putting Youth on the Path to Self-Sufficiency. The program addresses the issue of homelessness for those 17 to 24 years old by providing housing and skills needed to transition to self-sufficiency and permanent housing.
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The announcement was made today at a press conference that included PSO President and Chief Operating Officer, Peggy Simmons and David C. Grewe, Executive Director of Youth Services of Tulsa.
The AEP Foundation is the charitable arm of AEP and is partially funded by PSO. The gift is part of the foundation’s Delivering on the Dream: Social and Racial Justice grant program, which is a five-year commitment to fund organizations with programs dedicated to advancing social and racial justice in communities served by AEP.
“Through our long association with, and support for, Youth Services of Tulsa, we at PSO and AEP are keenly aware of the many social issues that lead to youth homelessness,” said Simmons. “On behalf of the AEP Foundation, we are pleased to announce this grant to help promote equity and opportunity so young people may achieve self-sufficiency and find their path forward to a successful life.”
In 2020, the AEP Foundation began the Delivering on the Dream program to award social and racial justice grants to organizations that play pivotal roles in working to eliminate systemic racism. The grant to YST is the AEP Foundation’s first Delivering on the Dream grant awarded in Oklahoma.
“Youth homelessness is a significant challenge here in Tulsa and across the country,” said Youth Services of Tulsa Executive Director, David C. Grewe. “Young people from marginalized groups, including youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth, are more likely to experience homelessness and need inclusive and affirming opportunities. With help from the AEP Foundation, YST will house more than 100 youth this year, equipping them with the skills and supports they need to gain independence, achieve their educational and employment goals, and realize their full potential.”
About The AEP Foundation
The American Electric Power Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area. The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, support healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage. The AEP Foundation is based in Columbus, Ohio.
About PSO
PSO, a unit of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), is an electric utility company serving more than 562,000 customer accounts in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma. Based in Tulsa, PSO owns approximately 3,800 megawatts of generating capacity fueled primarily by natural gas. It also maintains and operates 22,000 miles of distribution lines and 3,700 miles of transmission lines. PSO is one of the largest distributors of wind energy in the state. News releases and other information are at www.PSOklahoma.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PSOklahoma.
About YST’s Transitions Program
Youth Services of Tulsa’s Transitions program helps youth ages 17 to 24, who are currently experiencing homelessness, through housing and support services focused on life skills, employment and education. Youth gain the skills needed to move out of homelessness and into self-sufficiency.
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