By DeAnna Greene
Valley Electric is a leader in community commitment. The co-op made a significant impact through its recent involvement in CoBank’s Sharing Success program by matching donations for 4 local organizations: Remote Area Medical, Amargosa Senior Center, Disabled American Veterans, and Pahrump Senior Center.
These organizations are making a meaningful difference in the community.
Remote Area Medical
Remote Area Medical provides medical services to the underinsured and underserved. RAM provides a variety of free services, including medical, dental, vision, women’s health, and mental health services.
“Receiving funding from the Sharing Successes Award helped our cause tremendously,” says Ryan Muccio, Nye Communities Coalition president and the RAM committee chair. “Undoubtedly, without support like this, we would not be able to host these free medical clinics. It means a lot to have the support of Valley Electric as well as the Sharing Successes program.”
Every year, RAM looks for volunteers to support the medical clinics.
“The community can help our Remote Area Medical clinics in several ways,” Ryan says. “Getting involved by volunteering is a great way. Folks don’t need medical training or experience. There are plenty of volunteer positions available.”
Amargosa Senior Center
At the heart of the remote Amargosa community is Amargosa Senior Center, which serves as a place to eat warm, nutritious meals, socialize, and be part of the community.
“It is a real tribute to all the people that volunteer their time and talents in support of not only the senior population but the entire community in Amargosa Valley,” Amargosa Seniors Inc. President Dave Hall says. “Amargosa Seniors Inc. is a nonprofit that is responsible for the funding and operation of the senior center. Our operation and maintenance funding comes entirely from grants, fundraisers, and donations of individuals and businesses, such as Valley Electric.”
Disabled American Veterans
The Pahrump Disabled American Veterans, Chapter Number 15, is committed to helping local veterans and their families receive the benefits they qualify for and deserve. The organization focuses on ensuring access to benefits, services, and resources to help improve the lives of veterans and their families, including claims assistance, transportation services, and homelessness support.
“This award acknowledges that what we are doing in the community for our veterans is being noticed,” chapter commander Bill Dolan. “This award will help us help other veterans in our community with their applications for benefits that the veteran has earned. It also helps support various programs and events where our veterans can meet other veterans and share their stories. In addition, we have assistance to help veterans who might need that little extra help during a struggling time.”
Pahrump Senior Center
Making a profound impact on the lives of senior citizens in the area, Pahrump Senior Center offers a variety of services. Its impact goes much beyond nutrition; it offers seniors a place to socialize at holiday parties, themed events, and lively daily lunches. The center also arranges transportation assistance for local seniors to doctor appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations.
“It makes a huge impact on the senior center,” says Anne Blankenship, Pahrump Senior Center site manager. “We work strictly off donations from seniors and small grants. Every little bit helps, and when you have an organization that gives such a large amount of money, it is really amazing.”
Valley Electric’s involvement in CoBank’s Sharing Success program reflects the cooperative’s commitment to the 7th Cooperative Principle: Concern for Community. Through support for these 4 outstanding organizations, Valley Electric makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in the communities they serve. They set an example of community-driven impact and highlight the strength of cooperation.