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POLK COUNTY—In response to the challenges faced by local churches during the aftermath of Helene, a local woman helped to provide generators and other essential power supplies to several places of worship in Polk County. 

Tanisha Akinloye, CEO of Empowering Through Beauty, Inc. and founder of the Pea Ridge Partnership initiative, secured funding through a grant for the equipment. Recognizing that churches should serve as critical shelters and safe havens during emergencies, Akinloye felt compelled to ensure that these community pillars are prepared for future storms.

“I believe churches should be a sanctuary for those in need, especially during times of crisis,” said Akinloye. “When I learned that local churches were without generators, I knew I had to take action.”

Like many others in her community, Helene directly impacted Akinloye’s family as her parents were left without power for days. Her 78-year-old mother, a retired pastor with 50 years of service in the A.M.E. Zion Church, and her 81-year-old father faced significant challenges during the widespread power outage. This personal experience intensified Akinloye’s resolve to take action.

Akinloye applied for a grant from Gateway Wellness, knowing she wanted to make a lasting impact that would be beneficial for years to come. The funding she secured allowed her to provide 7 out of 10 churches with 90,000-watt power pack generators. The churches receiving these vital resources include St. Luke C.M.E Church, Zion Grove A.M.E. Zion Church, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Stony Knoll C.M.E. Church, Union Grove Baptist Church, New Zion C.M.E. Church, Garrison Chapel Baptist Church, Wheat Creek Baptist Church, Green Creek Baptist Church, and Moores Grove Baptist Church.

As Akinloye hand-delivered the generators to each church, pastors and members expressed their gratitude and shared their need for generators in their own homes, especially those with handicaps or health conditions. This overwhelming response has inspired her to seek additional funding to extend the program and provide generators directly to families in need.

“I hope to raise more funds so that we can help those who are unable to leave their homes during emergencies,” Akinloye added. “Every family deserves to feel safe and secure, especially when storms approach.”

To help support this initiative, community members can make donations through the Pea Ridge Partnership’s website. Contributions will directly impact the lives of those in the local community.

For more information, to donate, or to learn how you can get involved, call 203-767-9264 or visit www.pearidgepartnership.org.