It started with a dream: Families United Network ‘flips the switch’ to solar

The new network will reduce the annual electricity cost for the campus, which is approximately 16,000-20,000 per year. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

It was a joyous occasion on Wednesday afternoon when Families United Network hosted its inaugural Flip The Switch event on the Muncy campus, commemorating the debut use of newly installed solar panels.

“Families United Network Inc. seeks to strengthen families by providing children and youth with a safe, nurturing social environment through a continuum of services focusing on reunification or permanency.” – wrote in the organization’s press release.

According to the Rev. George Scott, who prayed at the event, 14,000 children are currently in the state’s foster care system, with 750 of them in the care of Families United Network.

“That’s about 5% of our community’s population. “It has a huge impact not only on this community but on the entire state,” he added. he said.

“We are very excited about this new solution.” said Ron Simon, CEO of Families United Network. “By reducing expenses, we will have more money to spend on our programs for children and their families.

James Ross, CEO of Ashler Inc., ceremonially turns on a new solar array on the Families United campus in Muncy. The new network will reduce the annual electricity cost for the campus, which is approximately 16,000-20,000 per year. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

The project began as a dream, said James Ross, founder of Families United Network and chairman of the Ashler Board.

“I actually had a dream about solar energy and decided, ‘why don’t we look at it for this campus?’ Because we could reduce our energy use and save money, which means more dollars to serve children.” he said.

“Two years and a month after this dream, we are now connected and I am very pleased and proud that our organization has achieved this.” Ross said. “We hope to be an example to many other nonprofits, as well as other community organizations.”

According to Seth Berry, manager of Solar Renewable Energy LLC, the project had no upfront costs and is expected to save between $16,000 and $20,000 a year.

“It is a victory both ecologically and financially. It is actually connected to the day care facility and is expected to offset about 100% of the total consumption, maybe a little over 100%.” Berry said.

“Any additional energy generated on campus can be sold back into the power grid to benefit others in our community.” said in a press release.

“My first house was built in the 1930s and had no insulation at all. I compare it to what we are doing with the transition from fossil fuels to solar energy,” he added. said Tom Newhart, chairman of the board. “There is a better way to do it and I am truly proud to be part of the board and part of the effort to set an example for future generations of young adults.”

“Solar energy is growing. In 2023, there was an increase in photovoltaic power by 55% compared to the previous year, and I read that it is the cheapest source of energy and is the most abundant on Earth, so as an organization we are heading in the right direction,” he added.

According to Dr. Nate Woods Jr., Special Assistant to the President for Inclusive Transformation at Pennsylvania College of Technology, the impact of the new power option goes far beyond the renewable energy aspect, he emphasized in his speech to participants.

“It’s not just about flipping a power switch. It is a light switch that will give students a chance for a better lifestyle and better education opportunities,” he added. he said.

Several local leaders attended the event, including Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, who offered congratulations.

“We know how important it is for our youth to have positive outlets, to have places, people and mentors to look up to, and to just leave here feeling that they have achieved something and become successful members of our community, that we ourselves will be in able to give back and mentor others who may find themselves in a similar situation,” Said Slaughter.

“Families United is one of those organizations that gives back to people who are less fortunate than us.” Lycoming County Commissioner Mark Mussina said.

“They do a great job of helping some people who just need a little bit of help and a little bit of guidance; guidance that we all received and kind of took for granted, and we realized that not everyone gets it,” – said the commissioner.

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