$75,000 in Grants Awarded to Nine Nonprofits; Funding will Support Critical Programs For Abused, Neglected and Hungry Children.

Business Editors & Energy Writers

TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 2002

Nine social service agencies that serve at-risk youth were awarded $75,284 in grants today during a ceremony for Tucson Electric Power's "Grants That Make a Difference."

The funding will literally help keep the doors open for some of the agencies, which have suffered deep cuts in federal assistance that jeopardize the continuation of counseling, clothing, food and educational programs for Tucson's youth.

"We appreciate TEP's cash contribution and thousands of volunteer hours. Whenever we need help TEP seems to be there," said Punch Woods, executive director of the Community Food Bank.

The food bank's $7,000 grant can buy up to 28,000 boxes of macaroni and cheese, a staple in the diet of the 10,000 people, two-thirds of which are children, that the agency feeds every month, Woods said.

"This funding comes at a particularly good time. We are greatly appreciative of TEP's generosity," said Richard K. White, executive director of American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter, which recently announced that funding shortages could result in staff layoffs and a reduction in services. The grants are:

-- $4,784 to American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter for youth scholarships/materials and a babysitting safety training course;

-- $5,000 to Assistance League of Tucson to support Operation School Bell, which provides students clothing and shoes for school;

-- $10,000 to Child & Family Resources Inc. to support programs in child abuse prevention and parent strengthening;

-- $7,000 to the Community Food Bank for emergency food assistance to low-income children and their families;

-- $10,000 to Intermountain Centers for Human Development to support programs in basic hygiene and clothing resources for emotionally disturbed youth;

-- $10,000 to Jewish Family & Children's Services' Project Safe Place, an outpatient treatment program for sexually abused girls;

-- $10,000 to Luz Social Services' Project Lift, which provides learning opportunities to at-risk students who in turn mentor elementary students;

-- $8,500 to Tucson Nursery School & Child Care Centers for capital improvements to classrooms to meet national accreditation standards; and

-- $10,000 to Wingspan for outreach support services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

In its second year, TEP's "Grants That Make a Difference" campaign has provided more than $150,000 to local nonprofit programs that provide important services to the community.

"These agencies provide critical services to our community," said James S. Pignatelli, president, chairman and CEO of TEP and UniSource Energy Corp. "Investing in the quality of our children's lives today ensures a brighter future for all of us in Southern Arizona.

"There has been a dramatic decrease in government funding for social services. Now more than ever, we need local support for these critical programs."

More information on the grants is available at TucsonElectric.com.

TEP Public Affairs

P.O. Box 711

Tucson, AZ 85702

520/884-3742