As the UGI family observes National Women’s History Month and its theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” UGI Energy Services applauds the contributions of its many colleagues giving back and supporting our communities throughout the year. Among those is our colleague, Stacey Taylor.

Throughout her career, Stacey has been helping make our community stronger and more inclusive.

In addition to assisting the energy needs of UGI Energy Services many customers, Stacey is a more than 20-year volunteer with the with the Reading Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. This service includes a decade as chapter president, a role she continues today in addition to serving as NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference President. Stacey’s efforts were recently recognized by City & State PA magazine, being named to the publication’s impressive list of 2024 Black Trailblazers.

A great example of Stacey’s community dedication came through this past January. The UGI Energy Services team was thrilled to join her and the NAACP Reading chapter for a day of service, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., at Helping Harvest Food Bank. Helping Harvest provides meals to over 100,000 people in Berks & Schuylkill Counties. The event exemplified this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day theme of a “community thriving together.”

UGIES employees joined 13 Berks County organizations (representing more than 100 volunteers) to help package approximately 1,000 boxes of nonperishable foods to support seniors in the Berks County region. Volunteers included Pennsylvania State Senator Judy Schwank and State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz. The service event represented the largest group of volunteers that Helping Harvest has ever had.

“Our day at Helping Harvest was tremendous,” Stacey said. “I can’t wait to do it again, with even more volunteers, next year!”

Stacey is proud to be part of the NAACP Reading Chapter and credits the chapter for addressing issues within the community inclusive of people of all backgrounds.

The chapter’s initiative to help young adults nearing age 18 register to vote, understand where their polling place is located, and to know their rights when it comes to voting is a great example of the chapter’s community engagement and fostering a civically minded next generation.

The chapter travels to area high schools and educates students so they’re better prepared when it’s election day. “Our efforts our aimed at helping reduce anxiety and possible intimidation of voting,” Stacey said. “It’s rewarding to provide voting information to our young people and address their concerns and questions.”

As part of UGIES’ customer service team, Stacey has developed excellent people skills. She says it’s important to be in tune with what customers are asking, to listen to their concerns, and then ultimately resolve their concerns.

“It’s not about me doing the work, but accompanying customers while we work together, and I truly enjoy helping others,” Stacey said. Stacey is passionate about improving the lives of others, which is evidenced by her years of work with the NAACP.

Reflecting on how the recent Martin Luther King Jr. event at Helping Harvest came together, Stacey underscores that, “MLK is about community and about helping one another.” The group wanted to do something that would have a direct impact on the individuals attending the event.

And not only did the NAACP and UGIES volunteers package meals for their community, but they also got to know those they were working with.

“It was nice to recognize and get to know the many others that joined us at Helping Harvest,” Stacey said. “While the day was about helping those less fortunate or in need of assistance, it also included building new relationships, making new friends, and furthering our mission for a more inclusive community, it all starts with knowing someone’s first name.”

The Helping Harvest volunteer event was just a small part of what Stacey and the NAACP Reading Chapter do for Berks County residents—and beyond.

The chapter supports more than the African American community – anyone they can, without regard for race, gender, creed, or religion. And they’ve officially “crossed the pond” with their outreach – lending helping hands to the UK.

The NAACP Reading Chapter has been around for more than a century and the work they’ve done speaks volumes.

On the heels of Black History Month and now celebrating Women’s History Month, this is a great time to recognize Stacey and the chapter’s past, current, and future accomplishments.

“It’s about bringing change, developing young leaders, supporting cultural diversity, bringing people together from different backgrounds, and focusing on connections and similarities,” Stacey said. “If we want a strong, inclusive community, we must coexist as neighbors and friends and be accepting to all. It starts with getting to know one another. Let’s make it work, let’s be happy.”