Chicago's "Neighborhood Heroes" Take A Bow During Black History Month

CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Diane Latiker, a mother of eight and grandmother to 13, began her outreach by opening her home as a safe haven to kids on the block. Her compassion to help a few has created an award-winning non-profit organization, "Kids off the Block," dedicated to providing more than 1,500 young people positive alternatives to gangs, drugs, truancy, violence, and the juvenile justice system. Today she has a center that services nearly 50 young people each day for tutoring, counseling or activities such as sports, drama, dance and music.

In honor of Black History Month, ComEd launched its "Power of One" campaign to recognize unsung heroes, like Diane, who are making a difference in the community. The campaign profiles 28 inspiring Chicago-area "Neighborhood Heroes," and their unique stories of how they are powering lives.

"We are pleased to honor our heroes for their remarkable contributions to their neighborhoods and Chicago's rich African American heritage," said Kevin Brookins, senior vice president of strategy and administration, ComEd. "For more than 100 years, ComEd has been committed to serving the communities where our customers and employees live and work, and this campaign is an extension of this longstanding commitment."

"The Power of One" campaign includes videos profiling the neighborhood heroes. Beginning Feb. 1, all heroes will be profiled on ComEd's website ComEd.com/PowerOfOne, and its social media channels Facebook.com/ComEd and Twitter (@ComEd). In addition, the heroes will be highlighted in a series of radio, out of home, print and digital advertisements.

ComEd also invites the general public to nominate someone to be the next featured neighborhood hero. Visit ComEd.com/PowerOfOne and click on the "Nominate" section for more information.

ComEd's "The Power of One" neighborhood heroes:

Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation's leading competitive energy provider, with approximately 6.6 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population.

SOURCE ComEd