We are already off to an exciting start to our 2015 United Way Campaign!
Our annual golf tournament with IBEW Local 500 unites CPS Energy employees, volunteers and a United Way agency for a day of fun and fellowship. This year, Family Violence Prevention Services, known to many as the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter, was chosen as our agency partner. This year’s tourney, which took place April 30 at TPC San Antonio, was a huge success with upwards of 250 players and 30 volunteers offering support through corporate sponsorships, time and hard work. More than 50 of our CPS Energy business partners sponsored and also participated in the tournament.
Doyle Beneby, President & Chief Executive Officer, announced the fundraising golf tournament results at the July 27 CPS Energy Board of Trustees meeting. “With our annual United Way Golf Tournament, we raised over $137,000 for Family Violence Prevention Services,” Beneby said.
Every year, Beneby chooses local San Antonio non-profits, like American Heart Association, San Antonio Youth Literacy and United Way, to focus his personal support by serving on their board or in an advisory capacity, and assisting them with fundraising strategy and outreach.
In 2015, Mr. Beneby has committed his time and resources to My Brother’s Keeper, a community initiative led by Mayor Ivy Taylor, and Family Violence Prevention Services (FVPS), which has a mission to break the cycle of violence and strengthen families in San Antonio.
“I wanted to focus on the issue of domestic violence and shed light on the work of Family Violence Prevention Services because it’s not a comfortable topic for many,” reflected Beneby. “It is a complex and difficult issue to address. But, it’s an issue that needs more attention in this community.”
Here’s why:
- Per capita, San Antonio experiences the second highest rate of domestic violence among Texas cities.
- In 2014, the San Antonio Police Department received more than 44,000 calls for service related to domestic violence.
- Last year, more than 8,000 children in Bexar County were determined to be victims of child abuse or neglect, following investigation by Child Protective Services.
Family Violence Prevention Services is the only organization in San Antonio dedicated exclusively to serving domestic violence victims, and has the only shelter in Bexar County designated to serve women and children who are domestic violence victims. FVPS services include an emergency shelter as well as crisis intervention at their Battered Women and Children’s Shelter, where they serve more than 1,800 women and children each year.
In addition, they provide services for victims of domestic violence in a non-residential setting, including legal services, professional counseling services, parenting education, primary medical and dental care, transitional housing, adult education services, including basic literacy, GED preparation, computer literacy, job readiness instruction, and financial literacy instruction.
“Family Violence Prevention Services has been a crucial community partner for more than 35 years, providing a safe environment for victims of domestic violence and working tirelessly to provide them with the support and services they need,” continued Beneby.
Marta Peláez, FVPS President & CEO, expressed appreciation for the partnership between CPS Energy and FVPS, which is focused on, she said, “truly helping victims of domestic violence not only be safe during crisis, but to heal, realize their potential, and develop their skills.”
“Families are our society’s most basic and important unit. All things impacting our society have their genesis in the family. FVPS has the incredible and rewarding responsibility to serve families and coordinate with our community to deliver services that mend the body, restore the spirit, and help each person recognize their worth,” said Peláez.
The proceeds from this year’s tournament, and the partnership with Family Violence Prevention Services, puts us in a great position to have another successful campaign this year.
Thanks a million! CPS Energy employees, retirees surpass six-figure giving goal
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