FirstEnergy Corp. named Cornerstone Partner of the year

COLUMBUS - FirstEnergy Corp. was named Cornerstone Partner of the Year at the 2009 Habitat for Humanity of Ohio Statewide Conference, a news release states.

This award, presented at the event held Friday and Saturday in Columbus, was given for significant contributions to advance the mission of Habitat for Humanity.

In 2002, a partnership was formed by FirstEnergy and Habitat for Humanity International to build simple, decent homes with Ohio families. In 2007, the administration of the partnership was transferred to Habitat for Humanity of Ohio. To date, FirstEnergy has provided more than $18 million in house sponsorships to Ohio Habitat affiliates that helped finance the construction of more than 400 Energy Star-certified Habitat homes.

Many volunteers from FirstEnergy spent numerous hours providing labor on Habitat build sites. Some FirstEnergy employees have served or are serving on local Habitat boards in their respective communities.

With FirstEnergy as a partner, Habitat for Humanity of Ohio will continue to advance the Christian ministry of providing safe, decent housing for so many families working their way toward independence and prosperity, the release states.

Delores Jones, community initiatives director for FirstEnergy, joined the Habitat for Humanity of Ohio board of directors in April 2007.