SHREVEPORT, LA – Community Renewal’s Friendship House program, a cornerstone initiative aimed at strengthening families and neighborhoods in Shreveport-Bossier City, has received a $20,000 donation from the AEP Foundation, recommended by Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO).
Friendship Houses serve as neighborhood hubs, offering a variety of programs such as after-school tutoring, GED courses, character development activities, computer training, and family events. These houses are staffed by Community Coordinators who live on-site with their families, fostering connections and empowering neighbors to collaborate on shared goals in areas like safety, education, and overall well-being.
“This program is making a real difference in our community,” said Michael Corbin, External Affairs Manager at SWEPCO. “At SWEPCO, we’re committed to helping families thrive, and we’re proud to support an initiative that brings hope and opportunity to our neighborhoods.”
William Bradford, Vice President of External Affairs at SWEPCO, echoed Corbin’s sentiments. “The Friendship House program builds more than community centers—it builds connections and has real impact. It’s about creating safe spaces where families feel supported and empowered. We’re honored to play a part in that.”
Community Renewal operates 10 Friendship Houses across six neighborhoods in Shreveport-Bossier City. These houses are pivotal in providing resources and support for vulnerable children and families.
Jimmy Graves, Director of Development at Community Renewal, expressed gratitude for the donation. “The AEP Foundation and SWEPCO are like a ‘gold standard’ community partner, and Community Renewal is honored and grateful,” he said. “Their investments in our community have made a remarkable difference in many lives and in the very life of our community. This most recent grant helps strengthen the impact of our Friendship Houses, serving the most vulnerable children and youth in our community. Thank you to everyone on the AEP Foundation and SWEPCO team for caring, sharing, and being a light of hope in our community.”
About SWEPCO and the AEP Foundation
The AEP Foundation is a philanthropic organization funded through shareholder dollars by American Electric Power (AEP) and its subsidiaries, including SWEPCO. SWEPCO provides reliable power to more than 500,000 customers in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas. The company has been recognized for its energy efficiency efforts, environmental conservation, and workforce development initiatives.
For more information on SWEPCO’s community initiatives, visit SWEPCO.com or follow them on social media:
- Facebook: Facebook.com/SWEPCO
- Twitter: Twitter.com/SWEPCOnews
- Instagram: Instagram.com/swepco
- YouTube: YouTube.com/SWEPCOtv
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/swepco
This partnership highlights SWEPCO’s commitment to improving the communities it serves and ensuring sustainable growth and development across the region.