California American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation Announce $30,000 Grant to Support Wayfinder Family Services

California American Water, in collaboration with the American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), announced today that the Foundation awarded a $30,000 State Strategic Impact grant to Wayfinder Family Services. Funding will support children and youth Foster Care, Adoption and Post-Adoption programs to help ensure they have access to high-quality services.

“Wayfinder is grateful to California American Water and our Impact Council member Brian Barreto for their continuing support and partnership,” said Jay Allen, Wayfinder President and Chief Executive Officer. “Thanks to the American Water Charitable Foundation’s generosity, Wayfinder’s statewide foster care, adoption and post adoption services will continue to provide life-changing programs to thousands of children and families.”

Children who enter Wayfinder’s Foster Care, Adoption and Post-Adoption services need stable, coordinated, comprehensive care to overcome obstacles and become successful adults. Wayfinders’s services match children and youth who have been displaced from their homes due to abuse or neglect with families that can provide safe, nurturing environments. Wayfinder recruits, trains and certifies resource families, some of whom ultimately adopt the children they foster using a “whole person” approach, assessing social, psychosocial and health-related needs. In foster care and adoption, case management helps ensure smooth and timely planning and helps reduce placement disruptions.

“Being a good corporate neighbor and partner in our local community has always been an important part of who we are as a company,” said Jessica Taylor, Director of Operations, California American Water. “California American Water is proud to support Wayfinder Family Services’ commitment to serving children and families in need and providing them an opportunity to have brighter futures.”

The State Strategic Impact Grant is part of the Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. These grants support high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s regulated footprint.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is pleased to partner with California American Water to help provide young people and families in the foster care system with a reliable place to turn,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “We are grateful for Wayfinder Family Services’ longstanding commitment and deep expertise, which will help ensure this grant reaches children and families who need it most.”