The LSU AgCenter is dedicated to providing innovative research, information and education to improve people’s lives. Working in a statewide network of parish extension offices, research stations and academic departments, the LSU AgCenter helps Louisiana citizens make the best use of natural resources, protect the environment, enhance agricultural enterprises, and develop human and community resources.
Healthy communities are communities where people come together to make their communities better for everyone through collaboration, community ownership, inclusive approaches and long-term, positive commitment to healthy lifestyles.
Our Mission: To educate, to empower, and to motivate the residents of St. Helena by providing opportunities to develop a more accessible and healthier lifestyle.
Goals: Promote healthy eating and physical activity environments through a systemic, community-driven approach to reduce obesity.
Partnership: St. Helena Healthy Communities Coalition has partnered with several organizations in order to actualize our mission of transforming St. Helena Parish into a Healthier Community., Partnerships include St. Helena Parish School District, Southeast Community Health Systems, Council on Aging, St. Helena Police Jury, St. Helena Cattle Company., etc. Throughout partnerships we have made many positive impacts in the community.
The St. Helena 4-H program is an informal educational experience for youth. Boys and girls between the ages of nine and nineteen are given opportunities to make new friends, learn new things and possibly go to new places. Youth can develop life skills such as self-esteem, decision making and citizen responsibility to make them positive and contributing members in their communities. The Cloverbuds program reaches younger members from age four to eight. 4-H also has a dynamic volunteer system that reaches youth in many educational ways in St. Helena Parish. We have a total of 22 certified volunteers and overnight chaperons in St. Helena Parish. 90% of youth have expressed how 4-H has help to become a better person and to use the six pillars of character throughout life.
The St. Helena Forestry Association, organized over 20 years ago, is the ‘Voice of Forestry’ in St. Helena Parish. The $22 million industry accounts for approximately 48% of the parish’s Gross Domestic Product.Meeting was held to structure the new ordnance for timber harvesting. Also, St. Helena Cattleman Co., held monthly meeting for new farmers.
LSU AgCenter County Agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to St. Helena Parish clientele. The 2018 total dollar amounts from these commodities were:
Land area — 408.40 square miles; Population —10,912; Population under 18 years old — 20.8%; Population 65 years old and over— 19.9%; Median household income — $40,857; Persons below poverty— 25.3%
You are the local supporters and beneficiaries in the LSU AgCenter extension programs. Just 20% support keeps these programs in your community. Your parish extension office offers programs in:
LSU AgCenter State Appropriated Funds for FY 2022-2023: