Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1177154
www.HartfordBusiness.com • November 4, 2019 • GIVING GUIDE • Hartford Business Journal 39 ABOUT US Year established: 1977 Annual revenues: $3,673,483 (most recent fiscal year) Total number of employees: 10 GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S) Operation Fuel serves all communities throughout the state of Connecticut. TOP FUNDING SOURCES Governmental grants — state: 57.2% Add-A-Dollar program: 14.6% Individual contributions: 9.7% Foundation grants: 8.6% O peration Fuel is the only organization in Connecticut that provides year-round emergency energy assistance statewide. For the past 42 years, we have helped families and individuals who are in financial crisis and have nowhere else to turn. More than half of our recipients are elderly, children under the age of 18, premature infants, and people with chronic illnesses. Operation Fuel has become a strong advocate for lower-income families and individuals whose voices otherwise wouldn't be heard. We assist with all types of energy including heating oil, natural gas, electricity, and propane and also provide assistance with repair and replacement of furnaces and hot water heaters. Our 108 fuel banks strategically located across the state make it possible for households statewide to have access to emergency energy assistance from Operation Fuel. They are part of municipal human and social service departments, community agencies, nonprofits, and religious organizations. GOALS • Expand our services to state residents through a streamlined 24/7 online application process that saves Operation Fuel money and increases access to assistance. • Build upon the talent in our current Board of Directors to identify additional leaders who have expertise specific to the energy and philanthropic communities. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES We know that the energy affordability crisis is not going away anytime soon. With Operation Fuel's limited funds, we can only help a fraction of the 500,000 Connecticut households that are struggling to pay their energy bills. Families and individuals are forced to choose between paying their energy bills, buying nutritious food, or paying their rent or mortgage, and community support is vital. Add-A-Dollar: One of the easiest ways to support families struggling with energy costs is through Operation Fuel's #AddADollar program, where we partner with utility providers so customers can conveniently add a one-time or monthly donation to their utility bill, and the providers send your donation to Operation Fuel. Our #AddADollar electric and water partners are Eversource, United Illuminating, The Metropolitan District, Norwich Public Utilities, Wallingford Public Utilities, CNG, SCG, and Jewett City Department of Public Utilities. Ice House: Connecticut's coolest winter attraction! Join Operation Fuel January 24-25, 2020 at Hartford's Old State House for our annual event, bringing awareness and funds to help Connecticut families struggling with energy costs. Come experience what it feels like inside a spectacularly-carved house and garage made from 40,000 pounds of ice, get your thermal imaging body heat photos, and enjoy more winter fun. Treasurer Rick Schauster Empire Industries (Retired) Secretary Camilla Hillian Bloomfield Social & Youth Services Charles "Chuck" Anderson State of CT Department of Social Services Arianna Baret Peralta Eversource Energy Daniel Canavan UIL Holdings Corporation Courtney Chan Town of Coventry Melissa Davis-Hussain US Department of Veteran Affairs Denise Rhone Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) Executive Director Brenda Watson Chair Allan Smith Manchester Sports Center Co-chair Megan Brown Thames Valley Council for Community Action Operation Fuel 75 Charter Oak Avenue, Suite 2-240, Hartford, CT 06106 | 860-243-2345 | www.operationfuel.org OUR MISSION: Operation Fuel ensures equitable access to energy for all Connecticut residents by providing year-round energy assistance, promoting energy independence, and advocating for affordable energy. Founded by Gov. Ella Grasso and members of the business and faith communities, Operation Fuel fills gaps for families, thanks to individual, community, and agency support. PERATION FUEL BOARD OF DIRECTORS T he minute I spoke with someone at Operation Fuel, it was wonderful. They were so helpful and made the process go so smoothly. It was a godsend. If it weren't for Operation Fuel, I still wouldn't have heat. Until you're there, you'll never understand what people without heat go through. Nobody should have to go cold. I'm truly grateful, and I have 100% faith in Operation Fuel's cause. You really help people. — Judi Aidukonis , a resident of Vernon, CT, had lived in her home for 22 years and never struggled with home repairs — until she lost her job and her furnace went out. USE YOUR POWER FOR GOOD: BE PART OF THE OPERATION!