CITGO Helps To Write Love on Her Arms Assist People With Mental Health Issues

MELBOURNE, Fla., March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Petroleum Corporation has recognized Melbourne, Fla.-based 501(c)(3) To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) as a 2013 Fueling Good Project winner for its work presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. The non-profit organization was presented with $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards on Feb. 27 to expand its reach and help its volunteers travel to events to share the TWLOHA vision.

"To Write Love on Her Arms exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery for those struggling with mental health issues and looking for support," said Chloe Grabanski director of fundraising and supporter relations. "Every year, our volunteers travel across the country to help educate and support those dealing with mental health issues. The CITGO Gift Cards will make it possible for our volunteers to reach thousands suffering from mental health disorders and help them get the assistance they need."

To Write Love on Her Arms started in 2006 with one person's struggle with depression, addiction and self-injury. Over the years, the organization has answered more than 170,000 messages from 100 countries, invested more than $1 million in treatment and recovery for mental illness, and spoken at more than 300 high schools, colleges, churches, conferences and special events.

"We've expanded from a single blog to having a presence at conferences, campuses, and events around the country and the world," added Grabanski. "Our volunteers work year-round traveling to conventions, campuses and festivals to provide an outlet for those suffering from mental health disorders. Thanks to the support from community partners like CITGO, we're able to travel the country challenging the stereotypes that surround mental health." 

Since 2009, the CITGO Fueling Good programs have rewarded more than 220 organizations, further helping them to do good in their own communities. Visit www.FuelingGood.com for more information. For regular updates and to join the conversation, "Like" CITGO Fueling Good at www.Facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood and view videos of past winners at www.youtube.com/CITGOFuelingGood.

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information visit www.CITGO.com.

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SOURCE CITGO