/PRNewswire/ - CITGO Petroleum and local Marketer Consumers Petroleum have named Catholic Charities' New Heights Center of Danbury, Conn., as a CITGO 2011 Fueling Good summer winner. Recognized for its psychosocial rehabilitation program for adults with mental illnesses, the non-profit organization has been awarded $5,000 in CITGO gift cards to help extend its ripple of good and the impact of its work.

"This generous award from CITGO and Consumers Petroleum will have a major impact on the New Heights Center programs," said Cami Peters, director for Catholic Charities' New Heights Center. "Having the fuel for our vehicles paid for means that we can provide transportation for more counseling clients and still focus money and resources on our support and educational programs."

New Heights is dedicated to helping empower people to live more independently and overcome problems in their lives. New Heights offers a variety of services to meet the varied needs of each program participant in their personal recovery. Programs include vocational and prevocational services, educational services, including computer training and support groups, social activities and peer support services. Through the program, clients gain independence and social skills to live fulfilling lives in their community and careers.

"It is an honor to help recognize and reward the New Heights Center for all the support and caring they provide those stricken with mental illness," said Greg Caponegro, Sales Manager for Consumers Petroleum. "The services provided by New Heights are a real necessity to the Danbury community. We are proud to award New Heights and help their efforts to support those with mental illness."

The Catholic Charities' New Heights Center is one of 12 CITGO Summer Fueling Good campaign winners selected from more than 1,100 charities through a nationwide online vote. More than 100,000 votes were cast to help identify the latest winners in one of four categories: Environmental Protection and Restoration; Education and Social Investment; Energy Assistance and Conservation; and Health and Well-being.

The principles of Fueling Good can be seen in all aspects of the CITGO brand and are aligned with the social development principles of the CITGO shareholder, Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Voting for the Fall 2011 Fueling Good program closes on Oct. 27 and the next 12 winners will be announced in November. Registration for the Winter program begins Dec. 1 and all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations based in the 26 states and District of Columbia in which CITGO operates are invited to submit an entry at www.FuelingGood.com.

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.

CITGO Petroleum Corporation

CITGO Petroleum Corporation

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry with a well-known brand. CITGO operates three refineries located in Corpus Christi, Texas; Lake Charles, La.; and Lemont, Ill., and wholly and/or jointly owns 48 terminals, nine pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,400 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 769,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO is ranked as the fifth-largest, and one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products and supplies a network of approximately 4,700 locally owned and operated branded retail outlets in 30 states and the District of Columbia. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com. 

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