JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After battling through back-to-back hurricanes, JEA is taking a moment to celebrate.
“I’m so glad there’s not a hurricane coming this weekend,” JEA Managing Director and CEO Vickie Cavey said. “I am so over it.”
Recommended Videos
But JEA officials said they couldn’t do what they do without the help of local nonprofits.
Because of the city-owned utility’s charter, they said, they can’t cut bills for anyone in circumstances that make it hard or impossible to pay their bills.
That stipulation puts those people in jeopardy of having their power or water shut off.
That’s where the nonprofits come into play to try and lighten the load.
“We decided it was time to bring them together and say, ‘Thank you,’“ JEA Manager of Customer Solutions Elizabeth Paulson said. ”Because the agencies in this room right now -- we have many local and faith-based groups -- have helped JEA customers pay their utility bills.”
Over 20 organizations gathered at JEA for the 10th Light it Forward awards breakfast. The groups help provide utility bill assistance, housing and other services.
“It is a little bit more than a breakfast,” Paulson said. “We decided to create the Light it Forward awards to recognize based on nominations from our agencies three different individuals that work on the front line to help people in need and they go above and beyond.”
Christopher Jones works in the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP). He said his days are spent helping seniors in need.
“They’re in an emergency crisis,” Jones said. “Either they can’t pay their light bill, their air conditioner broke, or they simply can’t come up with the deposit, and we assist with paying that bill.”
Jones was one of the three employees awarded for his work helping people who are just trying to keep the lights on.
This year the winners were:
- Nicole Andrews, LJD Jewish Family and Community Services
- Christopher Jones, City of Jacksonville Senior Services
- Jessica Kloke, Northeast Florida AIDS Network
“I’m not big on recognition,” Jones said. “But this means a lot.”
If you or someone you know are in need of assistance, JEA recommends calling United Way’s 211 phone number. They are able to direct you to resources that may help.
JEA is also hosting a Senior Day on Nov. 20 to get information about any resources available to you. They do ask to call ahead and schedule an appointment to attend.