The work of the LSU AgCenter relies on partnerships with individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make their communities healthier, more vibrant places to live, work, learn, pray and play. Nutrition and Community Health (NCH) agents would like to recognize these five Healthy Communities partners who have made a significant impact on their communities’ health and well-being.

Denise Breard

Monroe, Louisiana

Denise Breard with Well-Ahead Louisiana has been pivotal to the success of the Ouachita Parish Healthy Communities Coalition. From sharing "health hints" at meetings to rolling up her sleeves for hands-on projects, Breard exemplifies commitment to the community. Her efforts include creating a local walking trail brochure, painting playground stencils, installing sensory paths and even helping to build greenhouses and outdoor classrooms. Breard's work extends to promoting workplace wellness and inspiring others to join the coalition’s initiatives. Her passion and perseverance have made Ouachita Parish a healthier, more connected community.

Angela Walsworth

Jonesboro, Louisiana

Angela Walsworth has been a beacon of innovation and progress in Jackson Parish. Through her exceptional grant-writing skills, Walsworth secured funding to create an ADA-compliant park at the Jackson Parish Library. This unique space features a StoryWalk that encourages literacy and outdoor activity, as well as community fruit trees that promote healthy eating. Walsworth has also launched a homesteading project, including a seed library, to empower residents with sustainable living practices. Her work fosters community connection and self-reliance, leaving a profound and lasting impact.

Above: Healthy Communities partners came together to celebrate the grand opening of the Jackson Parish Library Park. Pictured left to right are Shannan Chevallier, associate extension agent for Nutrition and Community Health for Winn and Jackson parishes; Angela Walsworth and Cathy Judd, retired AgCenter Extension agent for Jackson Parish. Provided photo

The Friends of Crowville

Crowville, Louisiana

The Friends of Crowville, a passionate group of citizens, have tirelessly championed healthier living for their community. Their advocacy led to fresh fruits and vegetables being stocked at the local dollar store, and they’ve secured over $3 million in grants to fund community improvements. These funds have supported initiatives such as building sidewalks, creating a community garden and renovating a community center. This group has also fully funded youth programs like TeenChef and KidChef camps and continuously supports LSU AgCenter projects. Their dedication has transformed Crowville into a model for how grassroots efforts can drive lasting change.

The Friends of Crowville, a passionate group of citizens, have worked to have fruits and vegetables stocked at the local dollar store, and they’ve secured over $3 million in grants to fund community improvements. Provided photo

The Rev. Eric Price

Sicily Island, Louisiana

The Rev. Eric Price, local leader of the Sicily Island Healthy Communities Coalition, has been a force for positive change in his community. He has organized events like Family Fit Days and community health and resource fairs, all while leading efforts to restore an old high school into a community center. This future hub will serve as a safe, accessible learning space for residents of all ages. Price also champions healthy living within his congregation, distributing pedometers (step counters), hosting walking challenges and providing healthy snacks at meetings. His motto, “To lead people, you must walk beside them,” underscores his dedication to building a healthier Sicily Island.

Sara Wilson-Rogers & Nicole Carter-Harris

Solitude, Louisiana

Sara Wilson-Rogers and Nicole Carter-Harris played a critical role in completing a stalled parkette project in the town of Solitude. When key members of the project moved to other roles, important elements of the project were left incomplete, including the installation of playground equipment. Wilson-Rogers and Carter-Harris stepped in to provide coalition meeting notes, answer questions and reignite support for the initiative. Thanks to their efforts, the project to create mini parks known as parkettes was brought back to life, and the community finally received a much-needed recreational space. The parkettes now offer safe areas for children to play and for elderly residents to walk and relax. Their persistence turned a near-forgotten project into a celebrated community asset.

Sara Wilson-Rogers (left) and Nicole Carter-Harris pose in the park in the Solitude community. Photo by Kyle Peveto

Ruthie Losavio is the communications coordinator for the AgCenter Healthy Communities program.

This article appeared in the winter 2025 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.