Renewal, Inc. - History

Renewal, through the Years...

The Renewal-sponsored Winter Youth/Adult Entrepreneurship Program (Y.A.E.P.) concluded on February 8, 2003. Mr. Clifton D. Avant, Manager of Economic Development, was the featured speaker for the event. The theme for the day was "Just Do It, Now!"
Avant, a 19-year Entergy veteran, has an extensive involvement in the community. His role is to serve as the catalyst for Entergy's BusinessLINC and New Market Initiatives Programs. He has served on Phillips County Chamber Board of Directors, Arkansas Delta Development, Inc. Board of Directors, and is a Lee County Chamber of Commerce Board Member.
University of Louisiana at Monroe professors Dr. Tammy Rapp-Parker, Dr. Mike Parker, and Dr. Bruce Walker facilitated the sessions. Guest Speakers such as Lorenzo Brown of Omar's Affiliates, financial consultant Steve Minz, and businessman Kelly Johnson inspired students to excel to their potential. Students toured Praizem Dance Company as well as viewed the work completed by F & R Construction and Masonry.
Sponsors of the Y.A.E.P. include Renewal, Inc., The W. K. Kellogg Foundation, The University of Louisiana at Monroe Small Business Development Center, The City of Monroe, Bank One, Community Trust Bank, The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, The Community Coordinating Council of Ruston LA, and the United Way of NELA.
For more information please contact Bishop Alvin Walker, Executive Director of Renewal, Inc., at (318) 387-2999. Send email inquiries to renewalempowerment@hotmail.com.
Youth Learn Financial Responsibility

Renewal recently completed 2 seminars targeted to teens teaching the basics of entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Partnering with Louisiana State Representative Rick Gallot and his community organization, Community Coordinating Council, located in Ruston, Louisiana, Youth Financial Literacy seminars have been held in Arcadia and Gibsland, Louisiana. Students from 13 to 18 years old learned about the opportunities of owning their own business, team-building and leadership skills. Writing a check, balancing a budget, and proper usage of credit card were also topics taught. Motivational Speaker Greg Boxley closed the program by encouraging the students to stay in school and to stay focused on their goals. These seminars prepare students to be financially responsible adults and attempt to provide information on important economic topics.
FDIC Applauds Renewal, Inc. and Community Trust Bank at Recent Graduation
A graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, January 9, 2003 at 6:30 at Renewal/The Lighthouse Church for all participants that completed the Money Smart Program. This program has been offered over the last 5 months in conjunction with Community Trust Bank.
FDIC developed the Money Smart Financial Education Course to help people achieve the American Dream. Money Smart is a tool that helps people develop a more secure financial future and allows them to build a banking relationship with traditional financial institutions. Mike Powers of FDIC’s Regional Office in Memphis, Tennessee was on hand to celebrate the accomplishment. With over 70 participants enrolled in the program, the partnership of Renewal, Inc. and Community Trust Bank has made a big impact in the community.
Topics of the sessions taught included the learning the basics of personal finance, recognizing the difference between banks and check cashing services, and basic banking terms among others. Each person who attended at least 3 sessions of the Money Smart Program received a certificate of completion that will be honored by Community Trust Bank to open a free checking account.
Jonathan Williams, a local recording artist, concluded the evening with a special song entitled “There’s A Winner In You.” Key representatives from Community Trust Bank such as LaTonya Williams, Larry Emory, Danny Van, and Taylor Cagle were also on hand for the event.
This course is the first step in Renewal’s Housing Counseling and Credit Repair Program that is being offered to benefit our community. The free course will be offered again to the public beginning on March 13, 2003.
Senator Charles Jones was the keynote speaker at RENEWAL, Inc.'s 3rd Annual Banquet held on Saturday, November 16, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. The event concluded a year of successes for the organization.
Since 1997, RENEWAL has been dedicated to serving socially disadvantaged youth and economically depressed communities. Renewal's mission is to foster economic development by teaching entrepreneurial skills; assisting with small business start-ups; teaching employment and job service skills; personal financial management and counseling, personal responsibility and social etiquette; and utilizing the holistic principle to achieve self-sufficiency.
The banquet was a gathering of former and recent graduates from the Entrepreneurship Program, Small Business Support Group Members, and partners that celebrated the achievements for the year. Over 70 people attended the event that was held at the Lighthouse Church in Monroe. Many notables such as Clifton Avant and Brian Smith with Entergy as well as Wardell Coward of Southside Economic Development attended the banquet. The theme for the evening was "Determination is the Building Block for Success."
RENEWAL recently was awarded funding from the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation (MRBF) out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The funds will be used to build the capacity of the Board of Directors and the overall organization over the next 18 months. Mr. Williams Buster of the MRBF made a site visit in October 2002, which enabled the staff and Board of Directors of Renewal to learn the priorities of the foundation as well as other key information.
The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation's current focus is on grassroots leadership, community problem solving and enterprise and asset development in low-wealth communities. Renewal currently is a grass-roots organization that focuses on economic and social development in the Northeast Louisiana region.
Earlier in this month, Renewal Board President Damon Nailer and Board Secretary Necole Nailer attended and organizational development meeting held in Atlanta Georgia sponsored by MRBF. The event was held over 3 days and offered a wide array of networking opportunities as well as informative sessions.
Renewal is excited about working with the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation and looks forward to a long working relationship with them.
Renewal, Inc. has recently hosted FDIC’s Money Smart Program in collaboration with Community Trust Bank over the past two months. The sessions have helped over 40 participants learn about the basics of personal finance, recognize the difference between banks and check cashing services, and understand basic banking terms among other topics. Daycare, refreshments and door prizes were provided. This free course is a part of the FDIC Financial Education Curriculum and will be offered by Renewal and Community Trust Bank over the next eight months to the public. The next session will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2002 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Lighthouse Church Family Life Center. Pre-registration is required and the deadline is Monday, October 14, 2002. To register for this course, be added to the mailing list, or learn more about Renewal, please contact Bishop Alvin Walker at 387-0686 or 387-2999 or send email inquiries to renewalempowerment@hotmail.com.
Representative Willie Hunter spoke at the Graduation Banquet of the Annual Summer Youth/Adult Entrepreneurship Program (Y.A.E.P.) hosted by Renewal, Inc. in south Monroe. The graduation of the participants was held on Saturday, July 27, 2002. The occasion ended another motivating entrepreneurship camp that teaches ordinary people skills on how to start a business. Graduates received certificates for completing 4 weeks of positive reinforcement in business ownership. The graduates of the Program were: Weldon Shoulders, Ramona Reed, Gloria Hill, Doris Casey, Monica Brown, Mary Rucks, Verna Martin, Vertanuka Gaines, Lorenzo Brown, Mae Cook, Shawn Hadley, Miro Davis, Eddie Brown, and Regina Harris. A $500.00 cash award, sponsored by Bank One, was given away to Mrs. Florida McSwain of Florida’s Creations & Designs on Wheels for submitting the Best Business Plan for February 2002. The next Y.A.E.P. will be held on October 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2002. Applications are available now.
The following sponsors are responsible for making this event possible: Renewal, Inc., The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The University of Louisiana at Monroe Small Business Development Center, The Gannett Foundation, The City of Monroe, Bank One, and Community Trust Bank. Renewal is an Equal Opportunity Organization.
Renewal staff went to Johnson Recreation Center on July 22, 2002 to hold a Youth Day Camp. This session was targeted to youth ages 14 to 18. The session was made of two modules. The first was Introduction to Entrepreneurship which included team building skills and in depth discussions on business ideas that youth can start now. Participants were grouped together and given the opportunity to come up with a business concept. Each group had to design a logo, pick a location for the business. price their product or service, and describe their target market.
The second module was Introduction to Checking. Participants learned the benefits of having a checking account, how to write a check and basic budgeting. Participants were given dummy checks, donated by Community Trust Bank, and were allowed to fill out the check registers. They were also given monthly budgets that they then had to balance with their fictitious monthly living expenses. Participants learned the importance of handling money and living within a budget.
At the end of the sessions, local entrepreneurs Felix Thompson (F& R Construction and Masonry) and Damon Nailer (Divine Records) came and spoke to the youth about owning their own businesses and being successful in life. Many of the youth said they really enjoyed the course and had never been exposed to a program like that. Renewal will be holding more sessions throughout the upcoming year.
Renewal staff recently went to local recreation centers here in Monroe to recruit youth ages 14 to 18 for the Youth/Adult Entrepreneurship Program. The areas of the city where these centers are located work with some of the poorest families in the city.
Community Trust Bank recently donated $1,000.00 to Renewal to help further our efforts in economic development. They will also be partnering with us to start a Money Smart Program here. This is a 10 module program that helps adults outside the financial mainstream enhance their money skills and create positive banking relationships.
Ms. Stephanie Harden was recently named the $500.00 winner for the Best Business Plan during the closing ceremonies at the Renewal sponsored Level-2 Youth/Adult Entrepreneurship Program. Bank One donated the funds and Mrs. Charlita Cloman was on hand to award Ms. Harden her winnings. "The camp has really helped me in more ways than one! I am very thankful for the help of Bishop Walker and Renewal. This money will help with the purchasing of supplies for my candles. And, I thank Bank One for the award!" Ms. Harden is the owner of Stephanie's Wax Creations, which makes creative wax candles for all occasions. Of all the participants in the October 2001 camp, Ms. Harden presented the best and most comprehensive business plan. Stephanie Harden of "Stephanie's Wax Creations" was our $500.00 prize winner.
Renewal has just ended the level-2 Y.A.E.P., which was held from January 19-February 16, 2002. The camp was especially devoted to persons that have attended a previous camp or own their own business. Participants were taught by ULM professors, Dr. Tammy Rapp- Parker, Dr. Mike Parker, and Dr. Bruce Walker. Marvin Smith of the Marketing Exchange and Faye Williams of Williams & Associates of Shreveport, LA also lectured. Participants heard from Tito Davis of Legalized Records, Credit Counselor Jenny Hodge, Robert McNeil of R&S Janitorial Services, and Frank Kelley, Jr. of Creative Paintings. Participants also toured the facilities of Winter Smith Personalized Computers and Mayo Tours, Inc. during the 5-day sessions. Sponsors for this program were Renewal, Inc., W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Bank One. The next Y.A.E.P. camp will be open to anyone who wants to attend. It will be held on July 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2002.
November 14th, 2001 -- "Taking Entrepreneurs to a Higher Level": Monroe, LA -- Dr. Edward Pringle from the Department of HUD in Shreveport Louisiana will be the guest speaker at RENEWAL, Inc.'s Annual Banquet on Saturday, November 17, 2001 at 5:30 p.m. The event will conclude a year of successes for the organization. The Banquet will be a gathering of former and recent graduates from the Entrepreneurship Program, Small Business Support Group Members, and partners to help celebrate that success. For more information, contact Ericka Kelly at (318) 387-2999.
November 2nd, 2001: Renewal, Inc., in collaboration with Ouachita Enterprise Community and ULM-Entrepreneurial Studies center recently concluded its recent "Youth / Adult Entrepreneurship Camp" (Y.A.E.P.) for Fall 2001 with a Celebration Banquet. The keynote speaker of the event was Monroe City Chairman Red Stevens.

For four weeks in the month of October, 29 participants in the program were taught various skills and lessons on owning their own businesses. Participants had the opportunity to hear from local entrepreneurs such as Brod Kennedy (State Farm Agent) and Tito Davis (Legalized Records).

During the November 2001 banquet, Faye Williams was recognized for her outstanding efforts.
In Oct. 2001, Y.A.E.P. participant Audie McSwain won the Bayou Internet Prize. The prize was awarded by Paul Vingello of Bayou Internet.
On Aug. 15, 2001 the graduates of the July 2001 Youth / Adult Entrepreneurship Camp were recognized at a Monroe City Council Meeting. The mayor spoke of the exciting things that are happening at Renewal, Inc. to the council and the audience. Bishop Walker addressed the council along with the graduates and thanked the City of Monroe for all they have done.
On Aug. 7, 2001- Ouachita Enterprise Community sponsored a Community Outreach Seminar at the Emily P. Robinson Center. This forum allowed citizens to come and learn more about OEC and the programs they offer. Ericka Kelly, Renewal, Inc. Program Director, spoke to the crowd about Renewal and their upcoming events. It was a great opportunity to meet the citizens of the community and inform them on the programs Renewal has to offer.
July 19, 2001 -Bishop Walker and Eric Loewe were the lunch time speakers at the Rotary Club of Monroe, LA. They gave a PowerPoint presentation of their organizations, which included a short film from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation on Renewal and the personal testimony of Mr. Felix Thompson, a recent graduate of the Y.A.E.P. program.
July 10, 2001- Freddye Webb-Petett presented the Renewal Core Team with a check for $100,000.00, the first installment of a grant for $300,000.00 that will be given over 3 years. The presentation was attended by many notable figures such as Senator Charles Jones and Representative Willie Hunter.
Entrepreneurship Camp Graduates 17!

Renewal, Inc., in collaboration with Ouachita Enterprise Community and ULM-Entrepreneurial Studies Center held it's Youth/Adult Entrepreneurship Camp ( Y.A.E.P.) on July 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2001. The camp consisted of 4 Saturday sessions. Students listened to lectures from professors at ULM College of Business, toured local businesses, and heard testimonies from local entrepreneurs. Some of the subjects taught by the ULM College of Business professors were :
- Preparing a business plan
- Pricing your product or service
- Marketing
- Preparing financial statements
The Graduation Banquet was held on Saturday July 28, 2001. The camp graduated 17 participants. The guest speaker for the event was Mayor Jamie Mayo, Mayor of the City of Monroe. Other guests were in attendance throughout the camp, which made it a success.

Sponsored by: Renewal, Inc., Ouachita Enterprise Community, University of Louisiana at Monroe Small Business Development Center, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Guide Corporation, Bank One, Gannett Foundation, Hibernia Bank, and CenturyTel

MSDI Regional Coordinator, Freddye Webb-Petett accepts a plaque of recognition from the MSDI Ouachita Parish / RENEWAL Team.
June 26, 2001- The Renewal Core Team awarded Freddye Webb-Petett a plaque for her Outstanding Efforts in Our Community at the Core Team Celebration in Mississippi.
RENEWAL is currently working to set up its Business Resource Center, hire personnel and schedule events. We are working on reviewing our goals and implementation procedures, and we recently made a presentation to the OEC Board, focusing on our MSDI work.
A Steering Committee site visit for the YouthBuild program is scheduled for June 12th.
We met with a representative from Entergy on May 22nd to discuss the possibility of Entergy becoming a collaborative partner with RENEWAL.
In April, 2001, 1999 Y.A.E.P. graduate, James Francois, was named Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for the State of Louisiana.
Other Events:

June 11-13, 2001-
Mid South Delta Consortium Conference -Dr. Tammy Parker and Ericka Kelly-Display Presentation
July 19, 2001-
Next Rotary Club Meeting- Bishop Walker and Eric Loewe will make a presentation

(Fall 2000) Currently, 15 individuals and couples are enrolled in the entrepreneurial training provided by RENEWAL and Rivers of Joy.
OEC continues to work to leverage MSDI grant money provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as a part of the MSDI.
OEC held its Youth Entrepreneurship camps January 29th, February 5th, Feb 12th, and Feb 19th, 2000 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at RENEWAL, located at 513 Sunnyside Drive in Monroe, LA. Of the sixteen people who graduated from the camps held in 1999, eight have started successful business.
In January 2000, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development recognized RENEWAL's Reverend Alvin B. Walker as the Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year. RENEWAL graduates and owners of R & S Janitorial and Maid Service, Robert and Surena McNeal were recognized as the Welfare to Work Small Business Owners of the Year, and Renewal graduate Austin Jones (of Austin's Pins) was recognized as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. The winners were honored April 18th at the Department of Economic Development.