The SWEPCO Foundation awarded a $30,000 grant to Community Renewal International in continued support of its Friendship House program. This initiative plays a vital role in strengthening families and neighborhoods across Shreveport-Bossier City.
he SWEPCO Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Community Renewal, investing in its mission to build safe, caring communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive. For over 20 years, SWEPCO has partnered with Community Renewal to help expand the reach and impact of Friendship Houses—neighborhood hubs that offer after-school tutoring, GED courses, character development, computer training, and family events. Each house is staffed by Community Coordinators who live on-site, fostering trust and connection among neighbors.
“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.”
This year’s grant will help sustain and expand programming at Friendship Houses, ensuring continued access to mentorship, education, and emotional support for children and families in underserved neighborhoods.
The SWEPCO Foundation is proud to continue supporting the Friendship House program and the incredible impact it has on young lives and the future of our community. “The Friendship House is more than just a place to go after school. It’s like shelter from a terrible storm. I consider this House my second home,” said one teenage participant.
“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.”
For more information about Community Renewal and the Friendship House program, please visit communityrenewal.us.