SHREVEPORT, La. — The SWEPCO Foundation awarded a $30,000 grant to Community Renewal International to support its Friendship House program, which provides educational and community services to families across Shreveport-Bossier City.
The funding will help sustain and expand programming at the Friendship Houses, which serve as neighborhood centers offering after-school tutoring, GED courses, character development, computer training, and family events. Each location is staffed by Community Coordinators who live on-site to foster stronger community relationships.
SWEPCO has partnered with Community Renewal for more than 20 years, investing in efforts to build safe and connected neighborhoods.
“To me, SWEPCO is like a model community partner,” said Jimmy Graves, director of development at Community Renewal. “They are keenly aware of the acute community needs and are devoted to investing in young lives and in the future of our community. We are honored and privileged to call SWEPCO ‘partners’ in this mission to create a safe, caring community where all our children can live into their full God-given potential.”
The Friendship House initiative currently operates 10 homes across Shreveport-Bossier, providing mentorship, education, and emotional support to children and families in underserved neighborhoods.
“It has been an honor to watch the Friendship House program grow to what is now 10 houses across Shreveport-Bossier,” said Michael Corbin, external affairs manager at SWEPCO. “These homes are transforming vulnerable neighborhoods into places of safety, hope, and opportunity. We’re proud to continue supporting this mission and the lives it touches every day.”
A teenage participant described the Friendship House as “more than just a place to go after school. It’s like shelter from a terrible storm. I consider this House my second home.”
More information about Community Renewal and the Friendship House program is available at communityrenewal.us.