SHREVEPORT, La., July 21, 2021 – Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) announced today that the AEP Foundation has awarded The Arc Caddo-Bossier with a two-year grant totaling $30,000 for security upgrades to its Supported Independent Living (SIL) apartments.
The Arc Caddo-Bossier has been “Building Unlimited Opportunities for People with Disabilities,” in our community, since 1954. Serving individuals with disabilities from the beginning of life until old age, in various programs, is paramount in helping them to realize their full potential.
SIL provides apartments for men and women with disabilities, along with as much or as little care/supervision as they need. Grant dollars will fund:
- Full-fledged camera systems with the ability for 24/7 monitoring for the two SIL apartment complexes
- Installation of updated alarm systems for both buildings that connect to a fall-alert system, which is vital to providing timely assistance to fallen or hurt individuals
- Soffit, fascia and gutter replacements needed for one complex
“We were thrilled with the news that the AEP Foundation had selected The Arc Caddo-Bossier to be a recipient of this generous two-year grant,” said Kristen Powers, Executive Director for The Arc Caddo-Bossier. “Those who live in the apartments and are served through our Supported Independent Living program will directly benefit from the added safety and security made possible by these funds. In addition to improving the exterior construction of the buildings, we will also be able to install a high-tech camera system so that the grounds can be monitored around the clock in real time. Our plan includes expanding the capabilities of our existing alarm system. These renovations are very important, as they will help us continue to provide a safe, attractive and high-quality living environment for the people we serve.”
"On behalf of the AEP Foundation and SWEPCO, we are pleased to support the programs of The Arc Caddo-Bossier," said Michael Corbin, SWEPCO External Affairs manager, Shreveport. "We recognize the need to protect our most vulnerable citizens and assist with ensuring they are able to live in a safe, encouraging environment."
The AEP Foundation, based in Columbus, Ohio, provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area.
The foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math and the environment and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger. Other foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, support healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage. .
About Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO)
SWEPCO, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, serves more than 543,000 customers in northwest and central Louisiana, northeast Texas and the Texas Panhandle, and western Arkansas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at SWEPCO.com. Connect with us at Facebook.com/SWEPCO, Twitter.com/SWEPCOnews, Instagram.com/swepco, Youtube.com/SWEPCOtv, LinkedIn.com/company/swepco and SWEPCOConnections.com.
About American Electric Power (AEP)
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions to our customers. AEP’s approximately 16,800 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 223,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 5,500 megawatts of renewable energy. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, AEP Energy Partners, AEP OnSite Partners, and AEP Renewables, which provide innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.