Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth Celebrates 25 Years

Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth holds its annual Bottom Line for Kids Benefit Dinner and Auction on Tuesday, September 24 at the Country Club of Jackson. (See information on page 27.) Twenty-three individuals who have had a long-term impact on the Agency through their love, support and leadership positions will be honored and inducted into the 1988 Cornerstone Society.

SCSCY celebrates 25 years as it welcomes new Executive Director Jerry Jackson, LMFT. Retiring Executive Director Sue Cherney has led the agency since its beginning in 1988. Her legacy is one of hope and constant commitment to significantly improve the outcome for high-risk children and youth in Mississippi. SCSCY has provided long-term care and support for homeless youth. Services include independent living preparation to all teens in the foster care system, the only large annual training conference for individuals who work with children, youth, and families, and the only comprehensive post-adoption series program in the state.

Last year, SCSCY served 238 youths helping them work on educational goals, gain independent living skills, develop job skills, and participate in counseling to deal with past issues of abuse and neglect.

Reflecting on the rewards of her leadership at SCSCY, Sue says, “It is so hard to pick one thing that has been more rewarding than others. I have experienced God’s grace throughout the 25 years and been so blessed to lead this agency. There have been so many challenges and so many obstacles, but the goodness of God has surrounded me.”

Jerry, who comes from a 30-year career working with children and youth and families in various capacities, sees God’s hand in ordering each step of his journey to help prepare him to serve SCSCY. Serving churches in Mississippi, the Baptist Children’s Village, Mississippi Children’s Home Services and at Lake Forest Ranch Christian Camp, and teaching at Mississippi College and at Belhaven University have given him a broad understanding of the challenges confronting the children and youth served by SCSCY. He shares Sue’s warm heart and sincere commitment to tackle the tasks ahead.

“I am truly hopeful about the future for Mississippi’s vulnerable children and youth. There is a lot of work yet to be done and still far too many children that face what may seem to be insurmountable challenges.”

If you are interested in learning more about Southern Christian Service for Children and Youth ministry and programs or looking for ways to make a difference in someone’s life, visit www.scscy.org or call 601.354.0983.

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