Texas Mutual awards $4M in grants to nonprofits, three awarded in Amarillo

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance announced the recipients from its first 2024 request for proposal initiative.

According to officials with Texas Mutual, grants have been awarded to 57 Texas organizations in 35 cities to support generational learning programs with these grants being part of Texas Mutual’s larger commitment of $8 million to fund nonprofit organizations in two categories: generational learning to support working families, and workforce development and safety training.

“At Texas Mutual, we believe that investing in the well-being of working families is an investment in the future of Texas,” said Jackie Sekiguchi, Texas Mutual community affairs manager. “Through these grants, we are empowering organizations that share our commitment to providing essential resources and support for hardworking employees and their family members to ensure they have the tools they need to not only survive but thrive.”

Among the organizations awarded, nine of those organizations were from the West Texas area including Amarillo, Lubbock, El Paso, and Midland:

• Buckner Children and Family Services;
• Communities In Schools of the South Plains;
• Early Learning Centers of Lubbock, Inc.;
• Family Service of El Paso;
• Martha’s Home, Inc.;
• Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center;
• Panhandle Community Services;
• PdN Children’s Development Center; and
• Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center.

According to officials with Panhandle Community Services, the nonprofit received $100,000 from Texas Mutual Insurance.

“This money will be used by our Family Development Program to help fill gaps and eliminate obstacles that normal government funding doesn’t cover. These items may include car payments and repairs, dental help for obtaining a job, hygiene items, and other needs to help struggling families achieve FULL self-sufficiency.” Audra Rea, Director of Family Services

Officials with Texas Mutual stated that generational learning grant recipients were selected based on their ability to meet the following criteria:

• Improving the health and wellness of Texas workers and their families by providing access to quality health care and health education;
• Strengthening the early childhood education system by ensuring child care providers have the resources needed to deliver access to affordable, quality education for Texas families; and
• Providing holistic wraparound support for clients in addition to case management to ensure families have the resources they need to seize opportunities.

Texas Mutual officials also stated the second phase in the RFP initiative will be workforce development and safety training grants to be awarded to organizations and programs focused on the following criteria:

• Training the current and future skilled workforce in safe work practices, especially in industries or occupations at higher risk for workplace accidents;
• Creating strong pathways for in-demand, middle-skill jobs; and
• Upskilling and reskilling adult learners using earn-and-learn initiatives.

Applications for the second grant cycle will open at 8 a.m. on Aug. 19 and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 27 and officials noted that Texas Mutal will host a informational webinar on Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. for organizations interested in applying.

For the latest Amarillo news and regional updates, check with MyHighPlains.com and tune in to KAMR Local 4 News at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 p.m. and Fox 14 News at 9:00 p.m. CST.