Community Programs
El Paso Electric participates in and provides community service programs that benefit a variety of organizations and individuals.
Project Care
The Gatekeeper Program
United Blood Service Blood Drives
United Way Pledge Drives
VIA Employee Fund
VIA Hand-Up Program
Project Care
Project Care is a program established more than 20 years ago to help El Paso Electric customers with financial emergencies pay a month's electric bill. For each dollar donated to Project Care by employees and customers, EPE shareholders match their donation dollar-for-dollar. The fund is administered in El Paso by the El Paso County General Assistance. Since the program started, more than 10,000 families have received assistance.
The Gatekeeper Program
The Gatekeeper Program is a community outreach program that extends a helping hand to the elderly. EPE field employees are trained to recognize trouble signs in elderly customers. They report their concerns to designated employees who forward the pertinent information to area assistance agencies which help senior citizens in times of need.
UBS Blood Drives
UBS Blood Drives are critical to assure a safe and adequate blood supply for our communities. That's why El Paso Electric has led a community-wide effort to increase blood donations. Since 1998, EPE employees have consistently donated more than 300 pints of blood each year.
United Way Pledge Drive
United Way pledge drives are held every year. In 2008, El Paso Electric employees contributed more than $140,000 to United Way in El Paso and Las Cruces. When combined with the El Paso Electric corporate match, the total 2085 amount exceeded $210,000. Additionally, EPE employees serve on the United Way Board of Directors and on various United Way committees.
VIA Employee Fund
El Paso Electric supports the community involvement of its employees through its “Volunteers in Action” Employee Fund. The fund provides limited financial support for youth athletic teams coached by employees. The fund also supports the health-related fund-raising activities of employees by matching a percentage of money raised. The fund is managed and administered by a committee of employees.
VIA Hand-Up Program
In 1999, a group of employees organized and established a unique program which focuses on helping families and community-based organizations with construction projects. Employees who have an interest in and talent for construction and electrical work contribute their expertise to families in need. EPE supports these employees with out-of-pocket expenses, in-kind contributions of surplus materials, tools and equipment.