Van Buren County Prevention Coalition

06/13/2026

This week, Kelly Lewis and Ashley Al-Hasan, two members of our coalition’s Executive Board, and Stephanie Hankins attended Tennessee Teen Institute at the University of Tennessee @ Martin with eleven awesome SLT4 members: Aubrey Miller, Jetta Kilgore, Anya Brewer, Cy Deweese, Kaylor Kersh, Lyla McCoy, Bethany Cunningham, Bella McCauseland, Noah Moore, Raylee Lowery & Reighlan Hankins.

At TTI, students participate in:

* Leadership development workshops
* Team-building activities
* Prevention education related to alcohol, to***co, drugs, bullying, mental health, su***de prevention, and safe driving
* Small-group discussions and peer-led activities
* Community Action Team planning, where students create projects to address issues in their hometowns and schools

The program is hosted annually at University of Tennessee at Martin and typically serves around 500 teen leaders, adult advisors, and staff from across the state. Students return home with action plans and leadership skills to implement prevention and wellness initiatives in their communities.

06/09/2026

Don't forget to mark your calendars for our monthly Healing Canvas Art Class! This Saturday, June 13th at 1 p.m.!

A new month means another Healing Canvas Art Class!

Make plans to join us on June 13th at 1 p.m. for our June class!

We supply all materials needed. Just grab a friend and paint with us!

06/03/2026

🔥SAVE THE DATE! 🍖

The Van Buren County Prevention Coalition is excited to announce our 2nd Annual Ribs for Recovery at the Van Buren Co. Farmers Market on Saturday, September 19!

This year, we’re thrilled to welcome talented local entertainment from Lyla McCoy! 🎶

Calling all grill masters and smokers — it’s time to fire up those smokers and bring your BEST, finger-lickin’ smoked ribs to share! 🐖🔥 Whether you’re competing, cooking for fun, or just coming hungry, this is a day you won’t want to miss.

And to all our Van Buren County folks — come out, enjoy great food, amazing music, and support an event that celebrates and encourages recovery, hope, and community ❤️

Mark those calendars, invite your friends, and get ready for a smokin’ good time! 🍖🎶🙌

06/03/2026

A new month means another Healing Canvas Art Class!

Make plans to join us on June 13th at 1 p.m. for our June class!

We supply all materials needed. Just grab a friend and paint with us!

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

The Van Buren Prevention Coalition is seeking sponsors for our upcoming Ribs for Recovery event—a day dedicated to bringing our community together, raising awareness, and supporting recovery efforts right here in Van Buren County.

Your sponsorship helps us continue providing prevention, recovery support, youth programs, and community outreach that make a real difference in the lives of local families.

Whether you’re a business, organization, or individual looking to give back, we’d love to partner with you. Every sponsorship level helps us create an impactful event while supporting a healthier, stronger community.

For sponsorship information, please see the flyer below or contact us today.

06/02/2026

🥔🏃‍♀️ No matter your age, shape, size, or activity level — YOU belong here!

The Couch Potato to 5K Walk/Run Group is one size fits all! We loved welcoming even more recovering couch potatoes tonight! 🎉

Walking, talking, laughing — and sometimes even laying in mud puddles — is the kind of therapy we all need! 💪❤️ Every pace is welcome, every step counts, and we hope our crew keeps growing all summer long!

06/01/2026

Today, the Van Buren Prevention Coalition would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jason Hees and the Hees Family Foundation for their incredibly generous donation to the Van Buren Prevention Coalition.

Support like this makes a meaningful difference in our ability to continue serving the people of Van Buren County through prevention, recovery support, youth programs, mental health initiatives, and community outreach efforts.

We are truly humbled by your kindness and commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Your generosity will help us continue building a healthier, stronger, and more hopeful future for those we serve.

Thank you, Jason Hees and the Hees Family Foundation, for believing in our mission and investing in the well-being of our community. We are deeply grateful for your support.

06/01/2026

June is .

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people, including veterans, first responders, survivors of abuse, individuals who have experienced accidents, natural disasters, and other traumatic events. PTSD is not a sign of weakness—it is a human response to overwhelming experiences.

At the Van Buren County Prevention Coalition, we believe that healing begins with understanding, compassion, and support. By raising awareness, we can help break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage those who are struggling to seek help.

If you or someone you know is living with PTSD, please remember:
💚 You are not alone.
💚 Your experiences are valid.
💚 Recovery is possible.
💚 Help is available.

This month, take time to learn the signs, start conversations, and support those on their journey toward healing.

Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community.

05/31/2026

🚶‍♀️🏃‍♂️ It’s NOT too late to join the Couch Potato to 5K Walk/Run Summer Series! 🥔➡️🏅

Join us every Monday & Thursday at 6 PM at Spencer City Park for a fun, supportive walk or run with a whole crew of fellow recovering couch potatoes! 💪😄

The next official meet up is tomorrow, Monday, June 1, @ 6 p.m.

Your couch will understand! 😉