Celebrating a Hidden Gem! The Avoyelles Community & Youth Coalition proudly congratulates our very own board member, Maria Trichell, for receiving the “Hidden Gem” Award from the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana! This special honor recognizes Maria’s unwavering moral character, leadership, and dedication to creating community-driven opportunities that continue to make a meaningful difference throughout Avoyelles Parish. Her heart for service and commitment to our mission trul

Thank you, St. Anthony School! The Avoyelles Community & Youth Coalition is so grateful for the opportunity to speak into the lives of your incredible students — the leaders of our next generation! A special thank you to the Louisiana Army National Guard for joining us and showing their unwavering support in this vital mission of prevention and education. Together, we delivered an entertaining and impactful learning experience on the dangers of performing daily functions whil

Big thanks to Marksville Elementary and Riverside Elementary! The Avoyelles Community & Youth Coalition (ACYC) extends our heartfelt gratitude for allowing us to speak into the lives of our youth — our next generation of leaders! Together, we provided students with an engaging and entertaining learning experience that highlights the importance of making safe choices and understanding the dangers of performing daily activities while impaired. Let’s continue working hand in han

Homecoming Spirit is in Full Swing at Bunkie High School! Our incredible ACYC Student Ambassadors were proud to take part in this year’s Homecoming game — sharing powerful messages of sobriety, strength, and self-respect with their peers. In 2025, our students are showing that real confidence comes from making healthy choices and celebrating safely! Let’s continue supporting their voices as they lead the way toward a brighter, drug-free future. #ACYC #BunkieHigh #Homecom

#Red #Ribbon #Week 2025 is soon to be kicking off across Avoyelles Parish! Our Executive Director, Donna Desoto, and coalition leader John Gagnard, hit the road this week delivering Red Ribbons to every local school in the Parish! Each ribbon is a symbol of unity, strength, and the commitment our community is making to live drug-free and empowered. From elementary halls to high school campuses, these ribbons will soon decorate classrooms, hallways, and student jackets —

We are so humbled and thrilled to see our young people get involved into the important messaging regarding sobriety for the youth of our community! We would like to thank, and command one of our student ambassadors for sending us these graphics to continually remind people that drugs are not the answer; life is so much more fulfilling sober! Stay safe, stay, healthy, stay sober, Avoyelles! #coalition #avoyellesparish #youth #community #underagedrinking #saveouryouth

Another successful class at Ready 2 Roll Driving Academy LLC! It is always a pleasure to connect with these students and teach them the crucial information regarding safe, driving making healthy choices! #coalition #avoyellesparish #youth #community #underagedrinking #saveouryouth #drugprevention #acyc #avoyelles

The Avoyelles Community & Youth Coalition gathered today to strengthen our mission of prevention, awareness, and youth empowerment across Avoyelles Parish! We welcomed our guest speaker, Wendy Roy, the MHA Executive Director of CMAP Express community partners, shared updates from the LaRuE Summit, and prepared for an exciting #RedRibbonWeek design contest for billboards! . Student Ambassadors are stepping up as leaders in their schools, and important discussions were held a

ACYC had an incredible time showcasing our mission at the Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit 2025 Health Fair at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville! We were honored to stand alongside so many amazing organizations dedicated to wellness, prevention, and education for our communities. Our team shared vital resources and conversations about the dangers of underage drinking, vaping, fentanyl, and opioids—because protecting our youth and promoting a culture of sobriety

We had an amazing time at the LSU Alexandria Health Expo! The Avoyelles Community & Youth Coalition brought all the energy, excitement, and some truly important discussions about staying substance-free and healthy. We loved chatting with everyone who stopped by our booth, and it was fantastic to see our community come together to talk about the importance of saying “no” to vaping, avoiding opioids and fentanyl, and making healthy choices. Thanks to everyone who joined us in

Big things are happening in Avoyelles Parish! Our Executive Director, Donna Desoto, proudly took the stage at Marksville’s very first TEDx Talk to share the powerful progress ACYC has made in our community. TEDxMarksville Women From empowering student ambassadors to raising awareness about underage drinking, vaping, and opioid dangers—together, we are creating real change and building a healthier future for our youth. We’re honored to see our mission represented on such a

Big thanks to AVAP! The Avoyelles Community & Youth Coalition (ACYC) extends our heartfelt gratitude for allowing us to speak into the lives of our youth — our next generation of leaders! Together, we provided students with an engaging and entertaining learning experience that highlights the importance of making safe choices and understanding the dangers of performing daily activities while impaired. Let’s continue working hand in hand as a community to educate, empower, and

Another successful class at Ready 2 Roll Driving Academy LLC! It is always a pleasure to connect with these students and teach them the crucial information regarding safe, driving making healthy choices! #coalition #avoyellesparish #youth #community #underagedrinking #saveouryouth #drugprevention #acyc #avoyelles

Big things are happening in Avoyelles Parish! At this month’s meeting, we set our sights on empowering youth and strengthening our community: Launching Student Ambassadors Clubs at every high school across Avoyelles Parish – giving students a powerful voice in the fight for healthy, drug-free choices! Planning an End-of-Year Digital Magazine to showcase the amazing events, achievements, and stories from each high school. Celebrating the huge success of the Back to School B

Kicking off the 2025–2026 school year with purpose and passion! ACYC was proud to host our Student Ambassador Orientation at the amazing Gator Grounds RV Resort & Waterpark —thank you so much for your generous hospitality and support! Our ambassadors are fired up and ready to lead the charge in keeping our youth committed to sobriety and healthy choices. With powerful messaging and impactful events ahead, we know this year is going to be one for the books. Let’s keep the mo

Another successful class at Ready 2 Roll Driving Academy LLC! It is always a pleasure to connect with these students and teach them the crucial information regarding safe, driving making healthy choices! #coalition #avoyellesparish #youth #community #underagedrinking #saveouryouth #drugprevention #acyc #avoyelles

ACYC was honored to participate in Bunkie General Hospital ’s Summer Camp for our local youth! This amazing event was more than just summer fun — it was a chance to build meaningful connections with the next generation. Through interactive activities and real conversations, we encouraged healthy choices, promoted sobriety, and empowered our youth to lead with purpose. When we come together as a community, we create a stronger, safer future for Avoyelles Parish. Thank you, Bun

Back to School Bash Highlights! ACYC was honored to be part of the incredible Back to School Bash organized by the Avoyelles Parish School Board and hosted by Avoyelles High School ! This event wasn’t just about free supplies or fun giveaways—it was about community. It was about connection. And most importantly, it was about building real relationships with our youth—relationships that can make a lasting impact. As the new school year kicks off, we’re reminded how vital it

Another successful class at Ready 2 Roll Driving Academy LLC! It is always a pleasure to connect with these students and teach them the crucial information regarding safe, driving making healthy choices! #coalition #avoyellesparish #youth #community #underagedrinking #saveouryouth #drugprevention #acyc https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Gjxj7UbtP/

ACYC was honored to participate in hosted by The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana —a powerful celebration of the incredible organizations...