Natural gas leader provides funding for program serving individuals with disabilities
Gas South, a leading provider of natural gas throughout the southeastern U.S., announces a donation of $327,000 to YMCA of Metro Atlanta and YMCA of North Central Florida. The donation will be used to fund the expansion of YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Adaptive Swim Equity Health Program and provide continued support for the Gas South STEAM Labs in Atlanta and Gainesville.
The YMCA Adaptive Swim Equity Health Program provides recreational and instructional swimming lessons to children ages 5 to 12 with special needs. The program utilizes one-on-one, individualized sessions to teach swimming skills and safety around water. With Gas South’s funding, YMCA of Metro Atlanta will increase the scale of the program with the goal to serve over 200 individuals with disabilities annually. Additionally, YMCA of Metro Atlanta will partner with the Special Olympics to provide adaptive swimmers with opportunities to participate in community initiatives.
“Providing all children, regardless of ability, with the water skills they need to feel safe and independently capable is critical and we are thrilled to help expand this impactful program,” said Kevin Greiner, president and CEO of Gas South. “Gas South is proud to support YMCA of Metro Atlanta and YMCA of North Florida as we continue to Be A Fuel For Good for the communities we serve.”
Since 2020, Gas South has invested in multiple YMCA STEAM Labs to provide educational programming for youth. Gas South will allocate $50,000 of the total $327,000 donation for YMCA of Metro Atlanta and $25,000 for YMCA of North Central Florida to provide ongoing support for the established labs.
“Through Gas South’s generous support, we can continue to create an environment where children feel empowered to pursue what they love,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “Our Adaptive Swim Equity Health Program is designed to cater to each child’s needs, so they can build confidence with every stroke.”
As a part of the company’s ongoing mission to Be A Fuel For Good, Gas South donates 5% of its annual profits to support children in need in the communities it serves. In 2022, the company gave more than $3.2 million to help support children in need in Georgia and Florida, more than doubling the previous year’s contribution. Since 2006, Gas South has donated more than $12 million, focusing on programs that provide food, clothing, shelter, education, career development or aid for chronic and terminal illnesses, to children and young adults.
To learn more about Gas South’s mission to Be A Fuel for Good visit www.gassouth.com/giving-back. For more information on the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, visit www.ymcaatlanta.org/.
About Gas South
Gas South is one of the largest retail natural gas providers to over 440,000 residential, business and government customers across 14 states spanning across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Mid-West. Gas South is an Atlanta-based subsidiary of Cobb EMC, providing simple natural gas plans and excellent customer service. Gas South upholds its mission to Be A Fuel For Good by giving back 5% of their annual profits to help children in need, prioritizing basic needs, education and health. The company has donated more than $12 million to charities since 2006, including $3.2 million in 2022, its largest year ever for corporate giving. To learn more about Gas South and its mission to Be A Fuel For Good, visit www.GasSouth.com.
About the YMCA of Metro Atlanta
For more than 160 years, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has been impacting lives and strengthening communities. As Atlanta has grown, the YMCA has also evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. Well-thought-out planning, while engaging stakeholders at various levels, provides the backdrop for sustainable change and positive impact at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. By providing impactful services and support networks, and building bridges between people from all backgrounds, the Y has maintained its relevance, helping to create stronger, more cohesive communities for all. https://ymcaatlanta.org
