PADUCAH, Ky. - The United States Enrichment Corporation's Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant recently donated $2,500 to Paducah's Family Service Society (FSS) for the agency's utility assistance program.

"We have a great deal of respect for Family Service Society's work, and we're very proud to be able to help in this small way," said Steve Penrod, the plant's Enrichment Plant Manager, who presented the check to FSS Executive Director Karen Mayer.

Mayer explained that utility assistance is one of several programs FSS offers. It provides a financial resource for working families who find themselves unable to cope with utility costs because of circumstances beyond their control. FSS also advises families on budgeting for utilities, refers them to other agencies for assistance with lowering their energy costs through insulation, and offers weather stripping and plastic for windows.

"Because of its role in supplying the world's energy needs, USEC is especially sensitive to the effects high energy costs have on families," Penrod said. "We are one piece in the large puzzle that delivers electricity to the homes of people in Paducah and around the world," he explained, "and our efforts to run the Paducah plant safely and efficiently contribute to lower costs overall. However, we know that sometimes people need a helping hand, and we're glad to join with Family Services to provide that help for Paducah families."

In 1999, FSS helped 480 families, including 667 children, through the utility program. Mayer noted that the need for such assistance continues to grow, especially among the elderly who live on fixed incomes and often don't qualify for other assistance program. Family Service Society was founded in 1927 and is Paducah's second oldest social service agency.

The United States Enrichment Corporation is a subsidiary of USEC Inc., the world's leading supplier of enriched uranium fuel for commercial nuclear power plants. A global energy company, USEC has its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, and operates production plants in Kentucky and Ohio.

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