Manhattan Institute Awards $10,000 Civil Society Fellowship to Community Renewal’s Sharpel Welch

The Manhattan Institute of New York City has chosen Community Renewal’s Sharpel Welch as one of three fellows for its 2019 Civil Society Fellows Program. The honor comes with a $10,000 fellowship for her work at Community Renewal, where she serves as a community coordinator with her husband, Emmitt Welch, in an Allendale neighborhood Friendship House.

“Sharpel and her husband are bringing hope to a neighborhood where for many years people were just struggling to survive,” said Annie Dwyer, the director of the Manhattan Institute’s Civil Society Fellows Program. “The Welches know these people—they are like family—and they are helping kids finish high school, get jobs, plan for the future, while also offering a safe, positive place to come after school.”

The Manhattan Institute’s Civil Society Fellows Program recognizes nonprofit leaders who are developing innovative solutions to America’s most pressing social problems. Welch is one of three fellows who will participate in the 10-month program that increases the visibility of nonprofit leaders nationwide, so others can see what is possible in their own communities.

Organizations like Community Renewal fill the gaps in the fabric of our local communities by providing programs or services that encourage healthy social norms, revitalize disadvantaged neighborhoods, help struggling individuals regain their confidence and livelihood, and more, the Manhattan Institute said.

As a Civil Society Fellow, program participants will gain the tools needed to enhance their organization’s overall communications capability, including the skills and relationships necessary to become an effective spokesperson for their community, organization, and the issue that they work on. Fellows will receive training and assistance to complete monthly promotional activities that include writing op-eds, media interviews, speaking engagements, and more.

America has a long tradition of civil-society organizations and leaders who, with the help of volunteers and private philanthropy, have come together to solve public problems at home. Using their real-world experience and stories, Civil Society Fellows will highlight the benefits of having a strong civil society and the important role that these nonprofit organizations play in lifting people out of poverty, challenging circumstances, or dangerous environments.

“Relationships matter. Allendale used to be one of the worst areas in the city, but today, you’re safe living next door to me because it’s hard to rob someone you know, respect, and love,” said Welch. “We’re excited to partner with the Manhattan Institute, so that we can get the word out about this model to other distressed neighborhoods across the country.”

With 10 houses in five Shreveport-Bossier City neighborhoods, Community Renewal Friendship Houses are beacons of hope in low-income, high-crime areas. The Allendale Friendship House, which is also Sharpel and Emmitt Welch’s home, offers a place for after-school education programs, character building, computer training, art and music lessons, family nights, and much more. By building trust and relationships in their community, the Welches’ Friendship House has made an immediate impact on youth education levels, and crime has fallen 60 percent in the neighborhood since 2001.

The Civil Society Fellows Program is a part of the Manhattan Institute’s Tocqueville Project that seeks to advance America’s tradition of nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and private philanthropists working together to develop solutions to our most pressing social problems. Based in New York City, the Manhattan Institute serves as a leading voice of free-market ideas, shaping political culture since 1977. Learn more at The Manhattan Institute »

For more information, contact:

Annie Dwyer, Manhattan Institute, 202 776-2033

Sharpel Welch, Community Renewal, 318 540-4477