SHAMOKIN, PA – CSO, Inc. has received a $7,500 grant from The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. This award represents a grant from the Ralph and Josephine Smith Fund and will be used to support Watsontown Borough residents with home electricity costs.
Gale Zalar, Executive Director of CSO, Inc. said that CSO will partner with the Watsontown Borough to offer the Operation Power on Program to residents who are behind on their electric bill and may be facing a shut off.
Over the last year, CSO has taken substantial steps to help those who have been unable to pay their bills during the pandemic. These steps include developing programs such as the Operation Power on Program to help more families with basic needs. CSO will partner with Watsontown Borough to provide this new program for residents who are in arrears with their electric bill. Without this program, the Borough does not have a customer assistance program or funding to help customers who are in arrears and are in jeopardy of having their electricity shut off. CSO has a case manager in the Watsontown borough building who will be the point of contact for Warrior Run School District residents residing in Watsontown that need help paying their electric bills. Those who would like to apply for assistance should visit www.csocares.org for contact information.
CSO is a community action agency providing self-sufficiency programs in Columbia, Montour, and Northumberland Counties. Programs and services include intensive case management and supportive services to help people experiencing financial hardships secure basic needs such as housing and utilities. CSO provides workforce development programs in a nine-county area.
The First Community Foundation Partnership is committed to creating powerful communities through passionate giving®. For more information, visit https://www.fcfpartnership.org.
