Standing Strong for Local Families When Flood Waters Hit

Businesses at the East Main Shopping Center in Lancaster, Ohio, are accustomed to some parking lot flooding during heavy rains, but none of them expected the sheer amount of water and devastation wrought from repeated storms in July 2025.

Among the businesses and organizations that sustained damage from the flooded plaza was the nonprofit Harcum House, a children’s advocacy center that provides medical services and support for abused children. Following the late July storms that caused flood damage to homes, cars, and businesses around Lancaster, Harcum House found parts of its office filled with up to 18 inches of water. The flooding damaged furniture, equipment, and essential spaces where children and families find safety, healing, and hope.

Harcum House had been fundraising to move to a new space the following year, but the flooding complicated that effort, creating an emergency situation with families and children in immediate need.

Northeast Ohio Natural Gas swung into action as businesses across the tight-knit community pulled together to help. Northeast donated $2,500 in cash and needed items so Harcum House would not have to miss a beat in its critical mission of providing lifesaving services to child victims of abuse.

Giving back to the communities in which they operate is a longtime tenet of both Northeast and parent company Hope Utilities. Our workforce is much more than employees: they’re the friends and neighbors who value community ties and never hesitate to step up with their time, talent, and care. 

Sycamore Sponsors Hometown Tradition, Nourishing Body and Heart

Supporting local agriculture, local businesses, and community spirit, Sycamore Gas served as the presenting sponsor for the 2025 season of the Lawrenceburg, Indiana Farmers Market. 

The market runs on Saturdays from June to mid-October in downtown Lawrenceburg. It not only helps to meet the growing demand for locally produced food but also features a marketplace for unique handcrafted items and events such as cooking demonstrations, kids’ activities, and giveaways, serving as a local centerpiece where the community can gather.

Sycamore’s longtime customer service representative Debbie Ridgeway mans a booth at the market, spreading safety news and information about Sycamore and the benefits of natural gas service. Kids often stop to play a game and take home Blue, a stuffed version of the Hope Gas mascot.

Sycamore employees have also volunteered to assemble picnic tables and planter boxes for the city of Lawrenceburg, and the company is planning additional volunteer opportunities, keeping up Hope Utilities’ strong tradition of giving back to the communities we serve.