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Insights > Entergy Partners With United Way, HandsOn to Power Volunteer Center
Entergy Partners With United Way, HandsOn to Power Volunteer Center
04/29/2020
Entergy is partnering with United Way of Southeast Louisiana and HandsOn New Orleans to create the United Way HandsOn Entergy Volunteer Center.
This partnership is an opportunity to power thousands of volunteers in creating sustainable value for communities we serve across a seven-parish region in Southeast Louisiana. After normal volunteer activities resume post-COVID-19, the volunteer center will support 170 community partners in recruiting and managing volunteers to execute high-impact service projects helping to revitalize schools, improve early childhood education, ensure economic stability, restore natural and built environments, and create safe, healthy and vibrant neighborhoods.
"On our journey to build the premier utility, collaborative partnerships such as this one are vital in helping us honor our commitment to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve," said Patty Riddlebarger, vice president of corporate social responsibility. "There is no single organization impacting as many people in as many ways as United Way. We are proud of our continued partnership, identifying and addressing gaps in the stability and well-being of Louisianans."
Phone a Senior
Rising to the challenge to support our neighbors and nonprofit partners in times of crisis, the first project sponsored by United Way HandsOn Entergy Volunteer Center is a Phone a Senior virtual volunteer opportunity. Entergy employees and community members are calling senior citizens in Orleans Parish to assist the Save Our Seniors meal delivery drivers by verifying contact information, reporting back any updates and ensuring meals are delivered. This effort provides a vital lifeline to alleviate social isolation and let our elderly neighbors know someone cares.
"Though we must all maintain physical distance from one another during this time, it's important we don't distance our emotions and capacity to care for one another," said Laura Plante, senior IT consultant and Phone a Senior volunteer. "Since starting the Phone a Senior program, I've befriended five seniors, calling them to arrange delivery time and location. I've also made routine checkup calls. Those calls are as much for me as they are for them. We give each other tips for keeping busy, discuss how this situation has impacted our lives, and share recipes and laughter – the best medicine."
