JEA Recognizes Three Agency Employees at Light It Forward Awards

2025-10-23

Jacksonville, FL (Oct. 23, 2025) - JEA hosted its annual Light It Forward Awards honoring local human services advocates for their dedication and commitment to serving Jacksonville residents in need at a ceremony at its headquarters today.

The awards program recognizes the people behind the scenes in local agencies who go above and beyond to help JEA’s neediest customers. Representatives from more than two dozen agencies who work collaboratively with JEA attended the event.

• LJD Jewish Family & Community Services Manager Marilyn Darius| Watch video
• ElderSource Crisis Manager Renee Sares | Watch video
• Sulzbacher Center Men’s Veterans Case Manager Hope Brown | Watch video

The awards spotlight community advocates who have assisted JEA customers with utility bill assistance, housing and relocation services, food supplies, employment opportunities, job training, health care resources and financial counseling. The three honorees have provided hope and reassurance to those who need it most.

This past year, JEA customers received approximately $4 million from local agencies that process local and federal utility bill assistance. In addition, many customers received assistance from the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program through Promise and FL Commerce.

B-Roll Video for Media Use

Key Points:

• Since its inception in 2017, the Light It Forward Awards have highlighted the incredible work of our local human services employees who go above and beyond to support those in need.
• JEA’s charter does not allow us to provide any discounted rates based on financial need, but we work every day to help customers with payment solutions and connect them with agencies that can help.
• So many agency employees are dedicated to helping our community members. We are celebrating three for their dedication, compassion and service to our community.
• Each honoree has demonstrated commitment to uplifting the lives of others, our customers. We’re honoring their collective spirit of service.
• We are proud to work alongside the dedicated agencies represented today who help our most vulnerable customers receive the support they need.
• Just as we light up homes with foundational services, these honorees light up lives with their compassion.
• Founded in 1987, JEA’s Neighbor to Neighbor Fund is a way for customers to provide temporary assistance to customers unable to pay their utility bill during a financial crisis. The Neighbor to Neighbor Fund helps elderly, disabled, and those less fortunate keep the lights on and water running.
  -Every dollar counts. Each year, over 550 families are able to maintain utility services as a result of Neighbor to Neighbor Fund.
  -Each customer contribution goes directly to people in need. No expenses are deducted by JEA.
  -Every donation is tax-deductible.

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About JEA
JEA is a municipal utility providing safe, reliable and affordable services to more than one million residents across four Northeast Florida counties. JEA is not owned by investors and does not earn a profit. It was created by the City of Jacksonville to meet the electricity and water needs of those who live in Jacksonville and surrounding communities. JEA’s 2,200-plus workforce is dedicated to meeting customer needs, both today and for generations to come, while protecting our precious natural resources and supporting our region’s growth and economic development. Learn more at jea.com.

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