Direct Energy Honors Autism Advocate as Abilene's Volunteer Citizen of the Year

Abilene, TX (October 23, 2015) - WTU Retail Energy, a Direct Energy company, and KTXS Channel 12 today named Sara Collins the 2015 Abilene Volunteer Citizen of the Year winner during the live Channel 12 morning news. She was honored for her work in founding REACH for a Difference, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide resources, education, action, communities and hope to families with autistic children.

Collins founded REACH for a Difference five years ago in an effort to educate and provide resources to help make Abilene one of the best communities for children with autism. From training first responders on how to work with autistic children during a crisis to bringing an awareness program to Abilene Independent School District, Collins has educated a variety of groups on the unique needs of children with autism. She has secured donations from the community to help support autistic children's everyday needs, such as customized grocery cart chairs and motor skills workshops.

"As the parent of a child with autism, I noticed the need for a central place for parents to get the resources they need to care for children with autism," Collins said. "My hope is that REACH for a Difference provides that place for parents and kids, and I don't plan on slowing down until Abilene is the friendliest autism community in Texas."

WTU Retail Energy will make a $5,000 donation to REACH for a Difference in honor of Collins' award as the 2015 Abilene Volunteer of the Year. REACH for a Difference will use the donation to create a program that provides qualified caretakers to babysit for autistic children and provide parents an evening out.

"Collins is a visionary building hope for autistic children in Abilene," said David Draper, Texas general manager at Direct Energy. "Her commitment to provide resources and improve lives shines through the success of REACH. She is building a better tomorrow through her determination to advocate and support the needs of the autistic community."

In addition to Collins' outstanding volunteer spirit, this year's Volunteer Citizen of the Year award also recognizes four finalists who have made a positive impact on their communities:

• Alexander "Mr. Al" Francis, for his role as a mentor and volunteer reader at Bassetti Elementary
• Jerrid Caverly, who is the service officer for American Legion Parramore Post 57, a nonprofit organization providing support and services to veterans
• Lora Lynn Christensen, who has served 10 years as a board of director for Harmony Family Services, a nonprofit providing emergency shelter care and foster care services to children
• Misti Collier, who leads development workshops in eight school districts in the surrounding Big Country area for Junior Achievement of Abilene

The Abilene Volunteer Citizen of the Year award program, now in its third year, is part of Direct Energy's North American community involvement initiative to recognize unsung heroes in cities and regions where services are provided by the company's family of brands. More information about the program and previous winners is online at http://www.volunteercitizenoftheyear.com/past-winners/.