Monday | November 10, 2025
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From left, Jeff Geisendorfer, Mike Cherry, Cuivre River Electric board directors; Valerie Levy, librarian, Powell Memorial Library, and Dr. Matt Frederickson, superintendent, both of Lincoln County R-III School District.
From left, Jeff Geisendorfer, Mike Cherry, Cuivre River Electric board directors; Valerie Levy, librarian, Powell Memorial Library, and Dr. Matt Frederickson, superintendent, both of Lincoln County R-III School District.

Four charitable organizations were each awarded a $7,500 “Sharing Success” grant by Cuivre River Electric Cooperative (CREC) and CoBank. The recipients of the 2025 grants are the Hope Center of Pike County, TREE House of Greater St. Louis, Warren County Sheltered Workshop, and the Lincoln County R-III Education Fund.

“At the heart of our cooperative is the principle of ‘Caring for Community,’ ” explains Diane Saale, CREC’s Board President. “This program, in partnership with CoBank, empowers us to act on that principle, enabling us to proudly back local charitable organizations as they deliver essential services to our communities.”

“Sharing Success” is a matching grant program created by CoBank in 2012. The cooperative bank partners with its customers, like CREC, to support the causes and organizations they care about. CoBank customers can apply for matching grants each year. CREC awarded $3,750 to each recipient this year, and CoBank matched the funds. A total of $7,500 went to each of these organizations:
 

From left, CREC Board Directors Karen Berra, Ted House, Diane Saale (president); from TREE House of Greater St. Louis, Shelly N., finance manager; Jamie G., clinical director; Anne K., volunteer sidewalker; Denise P., certified therapeutic riding instructor; client Laura, riding Jack the horse; Cheryl B., aide; Abigail K., volunteer sidewalker; Nathan H., Executive Director, and CREC Board Director Tim Welker.
From left, CREC Board Directors Karen Berra, Ted House, Diane Saale (president); from TREE House of Greater St. Louis, Shelly N., finance manager; Jamie G., clinical director; Anne K., volunteer sidewalker; Denise P., certified therapeutic riding instructor; client Laura, riding Jack the horse; Cheryl B., aide; Abigail K., volunteer sidewalker; Nathan H., Executive Director, and CREC Board Director Tim Welker.

Hope Center of Pike County is a food pantry, providing food for qualified individuals who live in Pike County. Their operating hours are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. They can be reached at 573-324-6255.

TREE House of Greater St. Louis, founded in 1975 as Therapeutic Horsemanship, TREE House of Greater St. Louis celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as one of the oldest and largest Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Centers in the United States. Their mission is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families through Therapy, Recreation, Education, and Exploration. Equine-assisted services are delivered year-round by a team of licensed physical and occupational therapists, mental health professionals, and PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors who work with approximately 20 horses and 150+ specially trained volunteers. The non-profit organization also offers “Freedom Reins,” a program specifically tailored for veterans and service members. Learn more at thstl.org or call 636-332-4940.  
 

From left, Jeff Geisendorfer, Mike Cherry, Cuivre River Electric board directors; Valerie Levy, librarian, Powell Memorial Library, and Dr. Matt Frederickson, superintendent, both of Lincoln County R-III School District.
From left, Jeff Geisendorfer, Mike Cherry, Cuivre River Electric board directors; Valerie Levy, librarian, Powell Memorial Library, and Dr. Matt Frederickson, superintendent, both of Lincoln County R-III School District.

Warren County Sheltered Workshop is a production company that employs over 80 adults with disabilities and specializes in light assembly/production and various packaging/kitting. For more information, visit wcswinc.com or call 636-456-4800.

Lincoln County R-III Education Fund helps to fund projects and programs that are not otherwise possible within the constraints of the Lincoln County R-III School District’s annual operating budget. The 2025 Sharing Success grant will benefit the district’s Powell Memorial Library. For more information, visit troy.k12.mo.us/68512_3. 

Since 2012, CREC and CoBank have awarded a total of $230,000 to organizations selected by CREC (inclusive of this year’s grants). Organizations receiving support have included Honor Flight of Greater St. Louis, The Key Youth Center, Bridge of Hope, Compass Health Network, St. Charles Community College Foundation, Agape Food Pantry, and Our Lady’s Inn. CREC’s board of directors jointly decides which organizations will receive the “Sharing Success” grants.

From left, all representing Warren County Sheltered Workshop, Lisa Grace, human resources manager, Derrick Moreau, production manager, Jami Washburn, executive director; with Phil Dunk, Cuivre River Electric Cooperative board director.
From left, all representing Warren County Sheltered Workshop, Lisa Grace, human resources manager, Derrick Moreau, production manager, Jami Washburn, executive director; with Phil Dunk, Cuivre River Electric Cooperative board director.