Media Contacts

· Donna Dunn, HumanKind Director of Communications ddunn@humankind.org, 434-384-3131

· George Porter, Appalachian Power, Director of Communications APCoNews@aep.com, 540-985-2968

FOR IMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2026

Appalachian Power Creates Powering Communities: Bright Futures for HumanKind Early Head Start Families

Special event celebrates expansion that will nearly double the capacity of the EHS Center in Lynchburg

LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Appalachian Power Foundation, whose $75,000 investment helped make the expansion of the HumanKind Early Head Start Center possible, elevated its commitment by also holding a hands-on learning experience for Early Head Start families. On June 26, Appalachian Power Company (APCo) celebrated the expansion with Powering Communities: Bright Futures, which focused on learning and exploration.

“Appalachian Power is committed to strengthening the communities we serve, and investing in early childhood education is one of the most impactful ways we can do that,” said Brian Abraham, president and chief operating officer of Appalachian Power, who attended the event. “We’re proud to partner with HumanKind to support children and families during these critical early years.”

APCo provided additional funding and volunteers who set up and brought the event to life with interactive STEM and literacy activities designed to spark curiosity and early learning. Families engaged in hands-on experiences and enjoyed the CraveABLES ice cream truck and the Lynchburg Public Library Bookmobile.

“Because of partners like Appalachian Power, more children will receive the strong start they deserve, and more families will have the support they need to thrive,” said Stan Southworth, President and CEO of HumanKind. “What makes this partnership especially meaningful is Appalachian Power’s commitment not only to invest in this expansion, but to show up alongside our families, bringing volunteers, energy, and care.”

The expansion, commemorated with a community ribbon cutting on June 5, nearly doubles the program’s capacity (from serving 48 children to 90), positively impacting more than 300 family members and their children each year. The enhanced facility strengthens access to high-quality early childhood education in a region where childcare availability remains critically limited.

The HumanKind Early Head Start program provides more than childcare, offering comprehensive services including medical, dental, nutrition, mental health, and family support, all at no cost to eligible families. The $1.7 million expansion effort was made possible through a combination of community donations and strategic partnerships like APCo’s, ensuring the program can meet growing demand.

The expanded Early Head Start center underscores HumanKind’s mission to remove barriers to financial opportunity and ensure every child and family has the foundation they need to succeed.

About HumanKind

HumanKind, a Virginia-based nonprofit, is dedicated to stabilizing families and removing barriers to financial opportunities. With a legacy of service dating back to 1903, HumanKind offers a range of community-based programs — including foster care, Early Head Start, parental education, financial coaching, fair-interest car loans, and workforce development. Driven by the belief that kindness can catalyze change, HumanKind’s mission is to ensure every person we serve has the tools and support to thrive. Learn more or get involved at www.humankind.org.

About Appalachian Power Foundation

The Appalachian Power Foundation awards charitable grants within communities served by Appalachian Power, an operating subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP). The Appalachian Power Foundation, along with the rest of the American Electric Power Foundation, is funded by AEP and its operating subsidiaries solely through shareholder dollars.

About Early Head Start

HumanKind’s Early Head Start program provides high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family support services at no cost to eligible families in Lynchburg and Bedford. The program promotes healthy infant and toddler development and helps parents remove barriers to long-term self-sufficiency.