The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight for-profits and nonprofits working together for a better Arlington.
Arlington Urban Ministries (AUM) and Reliant’s CARE (Community Assistance by Reliant’s Energy) joined forces to provide a safety net for Arlington residents struggling financially, creating a foundation for stronger, healthier households.
A nonprofit rooted in the community, Arlington Urban Ministries provides financial assistance for utilities and rent to those in need and hands out sack lunches to the homeless. Reliant Energy’s CARE Program stems from Reliant Energy, a for-profit company that provides power to homes and businesses in Texas. The CARE program helps customers facing financial hardship pay their electricity bills.
Through their partnership, AUM connects individuals with the resources Reliant provides and handles the application process, taking the burden off the resident’s shoulders.
“We want to ensure that families struggling with financial hardship can keep their electricity running and reduce the stress and instability unpaid energy bills can cause,” Jennifer Weber, Arlington Urban Ministries, said. “Reliant’s CARE’s mission is complementary to ours, so our alignment creates a natural synergy.”
Weber said since 2008, AUM has acted as a bridge, ensuring the Reliant CARE program reaches families. Their partnership prevents utility disconnections, relieves financial stress, promotes stability, strengthens community trust, broadens reach and awareness and creates a long-term impact in the community.
“This partnership is a lifeline for families facing unexpected emergencies,” Weber said.
Weber shared a couple instances where the partnership between AUM and Reliant’s CARE program covered a resident’s electric bill, directly impacting people in the greater Arlington area.
When unexpected car troubles drained a resident’s savings and repair costs were much higher than she anticipated, the financial strain of fixing her car left her struggling to keep up with her other bills. As her utility bills began to pile up, she found herself facing a $500 electricity bill she simply couldn’t pay. The stress was overwhelming because she had worked so hard, but it felt like every step forward pushed her two steps back.
Through their partnership with Reliant, AUM stepped in and covered her $500 Reliant bill, offering her a much-needed lifeline and helping her regain some stability, Weber said.
When another resident made a difficult move into a new home, the cost of the security deposit threw her finances into disarray. Before, she relied on the extra income she received while living with her grandkids, but in this new home, she could only rely on her own resources. Desperate to stay afloat, she took on various side gigs but constantly fought an uphill battle just to cover her basic needs.
“Though she was doing everything she could to make it work, it wasn’t enough,” Weber said. “AUM stepped in to provide some relief, helping with her $76 Reliant bill. Her determination to stay independent is strong and with the help of other resources, she’s feeling more hopeful about the future.”
After providing assistance, AUM introduces individuals to additional enrichment services, such as financial literacy, life skills and job readiness programs, equipping them for sustainable success.
Weber said through their partnership with Reliant CARE, AUM has strengthened their capacity to serve the Arlington community.
“With Reliant CARE’s support, AUM can better fulfill its mission of providing emergency financial assistance, particularly during peak times of need like extreme weather events or economic downturns,” Weber said. “This partnership not only supports the Arlington community but also strengthens AUM’s ability to serve as a trusted resource for families in need.”
The Greater Arlington Chamber wants to share how our members are partnering together to better impact the greater Arlington community. The goal is to share your stories and encourage others to build similar partnerships because we really are better together. If you would like to highlight a current partnership between a for-profit business and a nonprofit organization, fill out this form.