Page 19 - Catholic Extension Magazine Winter 2019

Winter 2019 19

based, holistic program that offers Pam Morgan leads
job training, educational opportu- the children in the
nities and counseling. The acad- after-school program
emy has served nearly 2,000 peo- in prayer at Allendale
Friendship House.
ple. “We help adults dream again
and become what God intended
them to be, without giving into
their limitations," she said.
In an ironic twist, McCarter’s
renewal plans have also taken
root in a wealthy neighborhood,
far from the poor areas where he
started working.
Paige Hoffpauir, a realtor in
the gated community of South-
ern Trace in Shreveport, was look-
ing for a charity to support and
found McCarter. Listening to him
describe the critical role of rela-
tionships, she realized they were
missing from her very own life.“I
was the charity,” she said. “I could
see the loneliness and isolation in ABOVE When
my own community.” Michael Jackson
(right) was a young
“We’re not meant to be iso- boy, McCarter
lated.” she added. “We’re inspired him to stay
intended to reflect God’s love to out of trouble and
each other. We have a moral obli- become a leader in
gation to love our neighbor — that’s his community.
our highest calling.” Now as a LEFT Paige
Haven House leader, she meets Hoffpauir, at
with neighbors, plans coffee gath- home in her gated
Southern Trace
erings and organizes block parties. neighborhood,
Emmitt and Sharpel Welch live which is part of the
and work at another Friendship Community Renewal
House in the Allendale neighbor- movement.
hood. As retired Army veterans, LEFT McCarter
they provide a disciplined, orga- relies on Gloria
nized and safe environment for Millender, director
children and young adults. “Their of the Adult Renewal
parents need some support,” said Acacemy, who was
one of his original
Sharpel. “We give their children partners at CRI.
special attention to help them
become successful.”
Emmitt teaches welding and
other professional skills to the
adults. “We want to enhance their