If you had to describe your community in one word, what would it be? Small? Quaint? Busy? Despite how you identify it, there is one thing in common: in some way, it left an impression. At I&M, we support the communities that our customers call home. Why? Because these are the same neighborhoods our team calls home and work too.  

Communities large and small can be the ideal platform for promoting togetherness. Residents unite for a specific cause or to simply fellowship – as one. Through the work done at I&M, we help to support inclusive opportunities to get everyone involved. Even if through something as simple as a new playground.

In April 2024, the end of a much-anticipated project came, resulting in the opening of Bridgman’s Toth Street Park. The project was completed through support from the community and surrounding organizations, including a $75,000 grant from the AEP Foundation. What started as a vision by a group of local parents was brought to life for the community through updated play equipment, green space, walking track and basketball courts - ensuring accessibility for families of all abilities.

We strive to help our communities thrive by being a good neighbor in the places where employees live, work and volunteer. And one thing our team has consistently demonstrated, is the ability to show up to lend a hand. Through long-standing relationships with area United Ways, I&M employees have helped to rake leaves for neighbors unable to do so in southwest Michigan, clean up a downtown park in Fort Wayne and help a local food pantry package and sort freezer meals. These acts of service are just one piece of the puzzle as staff also participate in independent volunteering for various organizations in their immediate communities.

By supporting organizations and each other, the bond among communities can grow. For Main Street Cassopolis, a Michigan-based nonprofit, that is the goal. Through events and philanthropy, the organization seeks to spark excitement, cultivate community and support local businesses. This is achieved through events during the year, including Cassopolis Beach Bash and Rock the Block – among several others. To make this possible, local organizations, including the AEP Foundation, offer a grant to support their mission. 

But it doesn’t stop there. In Indiana, additional support has recently come to a summer reading program at the Ligonier Public Library, community concert series in the Yorktown area and local STEAM Camp for the Fort Wayne Urban League – to name a few. 

At I&M, serving and supporting our 164 cities/communities is a large part of our story. Each organization and volunteer opportunity has left and impression in some way. Through restoring power after a storm to collecting donated items for local organizations to serve other – there is truly power in community. And we are energized for those opportunities.

Read more about how we are partnering and supporting the communities we serve by visiting the community section on our website.