Cenla Collective for Healthy Families

08/26/2026

In 1995, Dolly Parton started mailing books to children in her home county to inspire children to love reading in honor of her dad, who couldn’t read or write.

That idea lives here too. Every month, thousands of children in Rapides and LaSalle Parishes, along with countless others across Louisiana and so many places around the world, find a book in the mailbox — because of neighbors who fund it, volunteers who run it, and a woman from Sevier County, TN who started it all. We will continue to carry on her legacy, and are so proud to be given the opportunity to do so.

Thank you, Dolly. We will always love you.

08/13/2026

Ooh, Rapides Parish families near Ball with children 5 and under, another Math to Build On workshop is coming to you!

Math to Build On is coming to Rapides Parish! Please join literacy specialist, Angela Miller, at Ball Elementary School on Tuesdays beginning August 18. Through an interactive program centered around literacy, children and their caregivers will learn the importance of early math concepts. Program participants will bring home five new books each week. This is an excellent way to build at-home libraries. Register today! https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=GkKbiwTljk22Jnrc7CeQPIxK0fhomflPrfUTAhbjtfxUNlRHSFgxMFBZS0VRQzQxTEpRTFZONkFVNS4u&route=shorturl

08/13/2026

Don't forget to sign up for the 2026 Louisiana Maternal Mortality Prevention Symposium happening on August 21!

Registration closes at Noon on Tuesday, August 18. There is no cost to attend, and will be held virtually, making it easy to join from anywhere.

It’s almost time for the 2026 Louisiana Maternal Mortality Prevention Symposium!

On August 21, people from across the state will come together to discuss strategies to prevent pregnancy-associated mortality. Health care professionals, community organization members, policy makers, insurance payors, health agency employees, maternal health advocates, and families are all welcome to attend. Register here: partnersforfamilyhealth.org/2026-maternal-mortality-prevention-symposium

08/13/2026

08/06/2026

August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to recognize and support families on their infant feeding journey.

Breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but every family’s journey is unique. Some families breastfeed, some formula feed, and many do a combination of both.

Whatever your family’s path looks like, you deserve accurate information, encouragement, and support.

If breastfeeding is part of your journey, resources such as WIC, lactation consultants, healthcare providers, and local support groups can help answer questions and provide encouragement along the way.

08/06/2026

New chance to get a Cane's Kids Meal! Come in for this month's Scavenger Hunt themed to Artists in America!

08/06/2026

Happening Today at 11! Going to your child's IEP meeting soon? Check out Families Helping Families free IEP Overview webinar happening in 30 minutes. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vWFbrZawSVCKM22QAAbLew #/registration

08/04/2026

08/04/2026

Cenla schools and teachers, check it out!

🍎 NOW OPEN! 🍎

Calling all teachers and schools in Central Louisiana!

Have a classroom idea that could make a BIG difference? Apply now for a Junior League of Alexandria Teacher Mini-Grant and bring your ideas to life!

✔️ Open to any teacher or school in Central Louisiana
📅 Applications close September 1
🎉 Grant recipients will be celebrated during Find the Good Day on September 17
💛 Recipients will also be invited to our Empowerment Breakfast this spring to showcase how their grant made an impact.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/c7Da8bER5G4TMrYT8