Wantagh's John Theissen Children's Foundation receives $50,000 PSEG grant

The newly opened John Theissen Children’s Foundation Family Fun Center in Wantagh has received a $50,000 Main Street Revitalization grant from PSEG Long Island, along with rebates for its energy efficiency measures totaling around $4,000.

The grant supports the Fun Center Arcade Room for the nonprofit, which was founded in 1992 to help sick and underprivileged children across Long Island in any capacity possible.

David Lyons, PSEG Long Island interim president and COO, said they are thrilled to support Theissen’s organization, which has spent the last three decades helping children in need.

“John is a visionary who puts his ideas and dreams into practice,” Lyons said. “This beautiful center is a perfect testament to that. We hope the arcade will provide a safe space to allow kids to have fun and forget about their troubles while they’re playing there.”

Theissen’s new building on Wantagh Avenue qualified for PSEG Long Island’s Main Street Revitalization grant because the project improved the economic stability and growth in the area, according to PSEG. To date, PSEG Long Island says they’ve distributed $2 million in grants to 75 businesses and organizations under this program.

John Theissen, founder of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, said his organization is happy that PSEG is involved. He adds that it’s a great partnership because PSEG is here for Long Island, while his organization is here for kids in the community.

“They put energy into our homes and businesses, and the Fun Center was created to put energy into children who are sick and need a helping hand,” Theissen said. “Creating this center would not have been possible without the support of PSEG Long Island and others who care about this cause.”

Along with PSEG Long Island’s economic development grants and programs, the Family Fun Center also qualified for more than $4,000 in energy efficiency rebates for installing LED lighting in and outside the building. This will help Theissen reduce energy costs and consumption, according to PSEG, while also decreasing the building’s carbon footprint.