Imperial Irrigation District and Citizens Energy Corporation Support Local Organizations

-Editorial 

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) and Citizens Energy Corporation announced their first funding donation to three local organizations at a press conference held on March 31. The announcement highlighted the launch of the Neighborhood Partnership Program, a joint initiative designed to support community-based nonprofits serving low-income and underserved residents.

The program provides funding to help offset essential operating costs, including utilities, rent, insurance, equipment, and program materials. Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen neighborhoods, improve the quality of life, and ensure communities connected to regional energy infrastructure see tangible benefits.

REPS 4 Vets received a $12,000 grant through the Neighborhood Partner Support Program, the Humane Society of Imperial County was awarded $25,000 from the same program, and the Westmorland Union Elementary School District received $7,500. 

Joseph Kennedy III of Citizens Energy said, “We are proud of the partnership we’ve developed over more than a decade. This relationship is about meeting the needs of the people of the Imperial Valley and investing the benefits of a clean energy transition back into communities.”

Reps4Vets received a $12,000 grant through the Neighborhood Partner Support Program to expand its veteran wellness and support services. The nonprofit, co-founded by combat veterans, provides a 12-week wellness program that includes 36 one-hour sessions combining physical fitness, peer support, and life coaching. Participants receive guidance on mental health, PTSD, substance use, and access to local behavioral health services, often within 24 to 72 hours, a faster connection than typical VA processing times. The organization also supports homeless veterans through transitional housing, job training, and financial literacy programs designed to help participants achieve independence and stability.

Brendon Brown, founder of Reps4Vets, said, “I want to thank IID and Citizens Energy Corporation for believing in and supporting the work we do. From our wellness program to transitional housing and career development, this support allows us to meet veterans where they are, provide critical services, and help them build a stable, productive future. Grants like this make a real difference for veterans and their families in our community.”

The Westmorland Union Elementary School District received $7,500 through the Community Benefit Micro-Projects Program to support a new book vending machine aimed at encouraging student reading and engagement. Sixth-grade teacher Ana Lorena Perez said the funding was the result of an ongoing collaboration between IID, Citizens Energy, and district officials. “It wasn’t just one event, it was years of partnership, with Mr. Alex Cardenas asking what our school needed,” Perez said. “Thanks to that, we’re getting a book vending machine that will help our 313 students build a love of reading and improve academics overall.”

“Westmorland School District is an amazing district in one of the most rural areas of our county,” said Alex Cardenas, IID Division 1 Director. “They have incredible teachers, board members, and students, and one of their main goals is to improve literacy. They approached IID for support, and we selected a project that adds a book dispensary to their library, allowing students to access books during school hours without having to visit the library.”

The Humane Society of Imperial County received a $25,000 grant from IID to support its low-cost spay and neuter program. Board member Amy Volmer said, “We’re super excited about this grant. It’s going directly to our spay and neuter program, which helps people bring in their pets and get them fixed at a reduced cost while we cover the rest. It’s a good investment, if more pets are spayed and neutered, fewer animals end up in shelters.”

The initiative reflects IID and Citizens Energy Corporation’s broader goal of ensuring that community investments translate into tangible benefits for the neighborhoods they serve.