Texarkana, Texas – At a ceremony held Tuesday at the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, Summit Utilities distributed four grant checks, each worth $5,000, to local nonprofit organizations that serve the community’s most pressing needs.
Grant recipients and their missions
The awards went to the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties, the East Texas Food Bank Texarkana Resource Center, the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council, and Texarkana Resources for the Disabled. All four agencies applied for the funding in July and received the money in August, allowing them to expand programs that already benefit families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across the region.
The Literacy Council focuses on adult and youth reading programs, helping residents improve job prospects and civic participation. The East Texas Food Bank’s Texarkana Resource Center provides emergency food assistance and nutrition education to families facing food insecurity. The Regional Arts and Humanities Council supports cultural events, art education, and heritage preservation, enriching the community’s quality of life. Finally, Texarkana Resources for the Disabled offers essential services, adaptive equipment, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
Summit Utilities’ commitment to community
“Nonprofit organizations are the backbone of the communities we serve,” said Kurt Adams, President and CEO of Summit Utilities, in the press release accompanying the event. “Our part is to help them do more of what they already do so well.” The company highlighted its ongoing “Summit Cares” initiative, which seeks to strengthen local institutions through financial support, volunteerism, and partnership opportunities.
Summit Utilities, a major provider of electricity and natural gas in the region, has a long history of community involvement. The recent grants are part of a broader strategy to invest in education, hunger relief, the arts, and disability services—areas that align with the company’s values of family stability, faith‑based stewardship, and individual liberty.
Impact on the community
Local leaders praised the grants as timely assistance. “These funds will allow us to expand our literacy classes and reach more adults who need to improve their reading skills,” said a spokesperson for the Literacy Council. The food bank’s director noted that the additional resources will help stock its pantry during the holiday season, a period of heightened demand.
Arts advocates emphasized that the grant will support upcoming exhibitions and educational workshops, fostering cultural enrichment for families and schools. Representatives from Texarkana Resources for the Disabled highlighted plans to purchase new adaptive equipment, improving independence for many residents.
By directing resources to organizations that address education, hunger, culture, and disability, Summit Utilities demonstrates a practical commitment to the well‑being of Texarkana’s families. The company’s approach reflects a belief that strong neighborhoods are built on the collaborative efforts of businesses, faith‑based groups, and civic organizations.
Looking ahead
Summit Utilities indicated that the Summit Cares Impact Celebration will become an annual event, with the goal of expanding the grant program to additional nonprofits in future years. Community members are encouraged to volunteer, donate, or partner with the highlighted organizations to further amplify the positive outcomes generated by these contributions.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
