SECO Energy and CoBank Award $30,000 in Sharing Success Contributions to Strengthen Rural Communities
SECO Energy and CoBank have awarded $30,000 in Sharing Success contributions to four nonprofit organizations serving Central Florida. The recipients — Wildwood Soup Kitchen in Sumter County, Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) in Citrus County, The Rock Program in Marion County, and Lake Support & Emergency Recovery, Inc. (LASER) in Lake County — each received $7,500 to expand critical services addressing hunger, domestic violence, student support, and disaster recovery.
“These organizations are on the front lines of serving our rural communities,” said Curtis Wynn, Chief Executive Officer of SECO Energy. “Through our partnership with CoBank, we are proud to support programs that improve lives and strengthen communities every day.”
In Sumter County, Wildwood Soup Kitchen provides more than 17,000 hot meals each month to homebound residents, individuals experiencing homelessness, and others facing food insecurity. Operated entirely by volunteers, the organization serves as a vital lifeline, offering both nourishment and human connection to thousands of Sumter County residents in one of the region’s most rural areas.
In Citrus County, the Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) provides emergency shelter and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Last year, the nonprofit assisted more than 1,200 individuals, helping families find safety, support, and stability during some of the most critical moments of their lives.
In Marion County, The Rock Program operates in-school resource centers known as Rock Rooms, where students can discreetly access clothing, hygiene items, food, and school supplies. By addressing basic needs within schools, the organization removes barriers that can interfere with learning and helps students thrive academically and socially.
In Lake County, Lake Support & Emergency Recovery, Inc. (LASER) works with residents recovering from hurricanes and other disasters, particularly those who are uninsured, underinsured, elderly, or disabled. The organization provides critical recovery and mitigation support, helping communities rebuild stronger, and more resilient after major events.
Funding for these contributions was made possible through a partnership between SECO Energy and CoBank, a national cooperative bank that matches charitable contributions from electric cooperatives to support rural communities nationwide. CoBank’s Sharing Success program aligns with SECO Energy’s commitment to investing in the community beyond providing reliable electricity and supporting local organizations that strengthen families and enhance the quality of life across the region.
For more information about CoBank’s Sharing Success program visit CoBank.com.
