News Summary
Shreveport has introduced the Friendship House program, thanks to a $20,000 donation from the AEP Foundation. This initiative aims to strengthen community bonds through various educational and support programs. The latest Friendship House opened in the MLK neighborhood, providing safe spaces for families and combating local crime. With dedicated community coordinators, the program fosters positive relationships and personal growth, representing a hopeful resource for local residents.
Shreveport Welcomes a New Beacon of Hope with Friendship House Program
Shreveport is buzzing with good news as the AEP Foundation just handed over a generous donation of $20,000 to the Community Renewal group’s Friendship House program. This exciting initiative is all about strengthening the bonds among families and neighborhoods in Shreveport-Bossier City, creating a safer and more nurturing environment for everyone.
What is the Friendship House Program?
So, what exactly does the Friendship House program offer? These welcoming hubs serve as neighborhood gathering spots where residents can access a variety of programs including after-school tutoring for kids, GED courses for adults, character development workshops, computer training, and fun family events that bring everyone together. It’s all about fostering connections and creating opportunities for community members.
A key feature of the Friendship Houses is the Community Coordinators who reside on-site with their families, making it even easier to build relationships and support among neighbors. This approach helps create a tight-knit neighborhood atmosphere where people look out for one another.
Shaping a Brighter Future Together
With a focus on community improvement, the program’s initiatives help address pressing issues such as crime and violence. In response to a recent mass shooting in the area, the newest Friendship House stands as a hopeful new resource for local residents. This community-led project aims to create safe spaces where families can come together, feel secure, and engage in personal growth.
Community Renewal operates ten Friendship Houses across six neighborhoods in the Shreveport-Bossier area. The latest addition, which brings the total to eleven, recently opened its doors in the MLK neighborhood. The grand opening was an event to remember, celebrated on September 6, 2023, at 2320 Legardy St, with local leaders and residents coming together to mark this important occasion.
A Great Partnership for Growth
The Friendship House program thrives thanks to the strong partnership between the AEP Foundation and SWEPCO. Both organizations are dedicated to helping families thrive and improving the quality of life in their communities. The newest Friendship House was made possible through collaboration with CPKC (formerly known as Kansas City Southern), showcasing how powerful partnerships can lead to positive outcomes.
Pat Drew and Caronda Drew are the dynamic duo managing the new Friendship House, and their mission is to inspire positive change within the MLK neighborhood. They actively engage with the local community, offering programs tailored to meet the needs of both children and adults. For kids, there are after-school mentoring and recreational activities, while adults have access to various educational opportunities.
Creating Connections and Support
The Friendship House initiative is more than just a building; it is a movement aimed at fostering connections and supporting vulnerable children and youth. With a range of free resources available to the community, this initiative plays a pivotal role in elevating personal growth and strengthening bonds among residents. The variety of programs helps to ensure that every member of the community, regardless of age, can benefit and flourish.
As Shreveport continues to face its challenges, the Friendship House initiative represents a beacon of hope and connection. By providing safe spaces and engaging resources for community members, it aims to bring lasting change and improve the overall quality of life in neighborhoods that need it the most.
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Additional Resources
- Bossier Press: SWEPCO Donates $20,000 to Community Renewal’s Friendship House Program
- KSLA: New Friendship House Opens in MLK Neighborhood
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Husband and Wife to Lead New Friendship House in MLK Area
- Google Search: Friendship House Shreveport
- KTAL: Community Leaders Coaching Kickball Teams to Spread Awareness of Domestic Violence
- Wikipedia: Community Renewal
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
