The AEP Foundation, at the recommendation of SWEPCO, has donated $20,000 to Community Renewal’s Friendship House program, which helps strengthen families and neighborhoods of Shreveport-Bossier City.

Friendship Houses serve as neighborhood hubs, offering programs like after-school tutoring, GED courses, character development activities, computer training, and family events. These homes are staffed by Community Coordinators who live on-site with their families, fostering connections and encouraging neighbors to work together toward shared goals in safety, education, and overall well-being.

“This program is making a real difference in our community,” said Michael Corbin, External Affairs Manager at SWEPCO. “At SWEPCO, we’re committed to helping families thrive, and we’re proud to support an initiative that brings hope and opportunity to our neighborhoods.”

“The Friendship House program builds more than community centers—it builds connections and has real impact,” said William Bradford, Vice President of External Affairs at SWEPCO. “It’s about creating safe spaces where families feel supported and empowered. We’re honored to play a part in that.”

Community Renewal operates 10 Friendship Houses across six neighborhoods in Shreveport-Bossier. “The AEP Foundation and SWEPCO is like a ‘gold standard’ community partner, and Community Renewal is honored and grateful,” said Jimmy Graves, Director of Development at Community Renewal. “Their investments in our community have made a remarkable difference in many lives and in the very life of our community. This most recent grant helps strengthen the impact of our Friendship Houses, serving the most vulnerable children and youth in our community. Thank you to everyone on the AEP Foundation and SWEPCO team for caring, sharing and being a light of hope in our community.”

The AEP Foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organization funded through shareholder dollars by AEP and its operating subsidiaries.