“We’re not looking for excuses, we’re looking for results.” –– Roy Acker.

About 23-years ago, a group of concerned citizens in Picayune formed Community of Christians Helping Youth in an effort to deter young people from making unwise decisions.
CCHY Executive Director and Picayune native Roy Acker said working with youth is his purpose in life.
“At the time of the group’s creation, we noticed a criminal lifestyle that seemed to be prevalent and wanted to do something about it,” Acker said.
What they did was create an after school and summer youth program to help students excel academically.
CCHY’s targeted age group is students in first through seventh grade, Acker said. However, they do provide services to young adults as well. They serve children in Picayune and surrounding areas. Last year, the group had about 80 children in the program.
CCHY is staffed with volunteers. Maintaining a paid staff is contingent on funding, Acker said. The group is funded by donations from local businesses, churches, individuals and foundations.
Volunteers include former teachers, students, police officers and professors, Acker said.
For the past three years, CCHY has been offering a STEM program, which is funded by the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, Acker said. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math.
Programs are offered Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
A typical afternoon begins with exercise followed by instruction on hygiene and then a healthy snack, Acker said.
Volunteers then assist students with their homework assignments, Acker said. Other areas of instruction include performing arts, sewing, nutrition, environmental education, Bible study, reading, counseling, recreation, field trips and gardening.
During the group’s first three years, students were responsible for the beautification of Snyder Park on Beech Street for which they won the governor’s award from Chevron, Mississippi State and the 4-H in Poplarville, Acker said.
On some Fridays and Saturdays, officials plan special events such as field trips to Infinity Science Center, Audubon Zoo and Jones Park in Gulfport, Acker said. The children pay their own way for these field trips, but the CCHY provides the transportation.
There is no charge for students to attend the CCHY programs, however space is limited, Acker said.
“We are always seeing volunteers,” he said. “We always need them.”
Participating students who live either on the east side, south side or Goodyear Boulevard area of Picayune are transported by the CCHY’s bus from their home to the group’s facility.
Acker said his group deals with students, no matter their academic performance.
“We want to help all students excel,” he said.
CCHY programs will begin again on September 14.
CCHY is located at 120 Street A Suite C in Picayune’s Industrial Park.
For more information about CCHY, visit www.cchypicayune.org.
Contact Acker at 228-304-2396 and through email at cchy@att.net.