Shreveport, La. – In a clear demonstration of private‑sector stewardship, the SWEPCO Foundation announced a $110,000 grant to Volunteers of America North Louisiana. The funds will strengthen the organization’s Communities In Schools program, which places a dedicated site coordinator on each campus to connect students and families with essential resources such as academic tutoring, food assistance, clothing, hygiene items, school supplies and mentorship.
Local Impact on Students and Families
The grant directly supports a model that has already helped more than 5,300 Caddo Parish students during the last school year. Of those, 848 students facing significant challenges received intensive case management. According to the nonprofit, every student enrolled in the intensive program remained in school, with most showing measurable improvements in attendance, behavior, academics or social‑emotional skills.
One success story is Cristal, a former Woodlawn High School student who struggled with attendance, suspensions and low grades in her freshman year. After receiving individualized guidance through Communities In Schools, she turned her academic trajectory around, graduating with straight A’s and a perfect attendance record.
Volunteer Leadership Praises the Investment
“We are incredibly grateful to SWEPCO for investing in the success of students across Caddo Parish,” said Carolyn Hammond, president and CEO of Volunteers of America North Louisiana. “This generous grant strengthens our Communities In Schools program, allowing us to provide critical resources, individualized support, and meaningful connections that help students overcome barriers and stay on the path to graduation.”
Power for Good Initiative
The funding comes from SWEPCO’s Power for Good initiative, a community‑focused effort that targets education, workforce preparation, essential services and local resilience. By directing resources toward schools, the foundation is reinforcing the traditional family unit and empowering parents to secure a brighter future for their children.
Local leaders have welcomed the partnership, noting that private philanthropy complements public education efforts without imposing bureaucratic red tape. The grant aligns with the broader goal of fostering self‑reliance and personal responsibility among youth, values that resonate deeply with families throughout the ArkLaTex region.
Looking Ahead
Volunteers of America North Louisiana plans to use the grant to hire additional coordinators, expand mentorship programs, and increase the availability of basic necessities for students in need. The organization hopes that the enhanced services will continue to reduce dropout rates and improve overall academic performance across the parish.
As the grant takes effect, community members are encouraged to support the program through volunteer hours, donations of school supplies, and mentorship opportunities. The collaborative effort between a regional utility foundation and a faith‑based nonprofit underscores the power of local partnerships to uplift families and strengthen the fabric of the community.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
