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Shreveport Launches Friendship House Program

Community members enjoying activities together at the new Friendship House.

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.