Saving The Youth - STY

10/19/2026

🚀 3… 2… 1… LIFTOFF!

From building their own rockets to watching them take flight! 🚀🔥

Our Youth Forward participants put their rocket science skills to the test during this week’s STREAM experience with the Columbus Arts Council and City of Columbus, MS, Parks and Recreation Department.

Rocket Scientists for a Day! 🚀

10/19/2026

🚀 YOUTH FORWARD | Rocket Scientists for a Day!

Our Youth Forward participants traded their pencils for rockets this weekend! 🚀

Through our continued partnership with the Columbus Arts Council and Columbus Recreation Department, our young people got hands-on experience assembling and launching their very own model rockets!
From learning how rockets work to watching their creations take flight, it was a day filled with curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
Experiences like these remind us why exposure matters. Sometimes all it takes is one new experience to spark a lifelong interest!
Today's curiosity could become tomorrow's career. 🚀

10/15/2026

Our STY athletes are making an impact on the court, on the field, and in the work of building God’s Kingdom. 🙌🏾

We’re celebrating Minister Timarion “Tim” Bush, a Columbus High School senior and one of our own STY basketball athletes, who recently preached his first sermon at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church!

Coach D was there to support Tim as he took this meaningful step in answering the call to ministry. Showing up for our young people means celebrating their gifts, their growth, and the purpose they’re pursuing in every area of life.

Tim, your STY family is proud of you! Keep growing in faith, walking in your calling, and allowing God to use your voice. We’re cheering you on every step of the way. ❤️

Help us congratulate Minister Timarion Bush! 👏🏾

10/15/2026

YOUTH FORWARD | P.A.U.S.E. ⏸️

Choices. Consequences. Self-Control.

This past Saturday, Coach D led our young men in an important conversation about managing emotions, recognizing triggers, and understanding how one decision can impact their future.

Through real-life scenarios and honest dialogue, they explored the power of P.A.U.S.E., Pause, Assess, Understand, Select, and Exit.. learning that while we can’t always control what happens around us, we can control how we respond.

The takeaway: Don’t give somebody else enough control over you to make decisions about your future.

💛 COMMUNITY APPRECIATION

A special thank you to Delores Cunnie and her fiancé, Farris, for providing this week’s meal for our young men! Your generosity and willingness to invest in these young people are greatly appreciated.

Another week of learning, growing, and moving FORWARD!

10/08/2026

“Your name enters the room before you.” What are your actions saying? 💭
This week, our Youth Forward crew gathered at Sweet Peppers Deli Columbus for food, fellowship, and a conversation about identity, character, reputation, and representation. We talked about how our everyday choices reflect who we are, who we’re becoming, and how we represent our families, schools, and community.
General Manager Aaron Sanders gave us a real example of what it means to show up for others. Thank you, Aaron, for discounting our meals in support of the Youth Forward initiative. Whenever we’ve needed you, you’ve never turned us away. Your continued support helps us keep doing this work for our young people. 💙
Please support Sweet Peppers Deli as they support our community. Stop by, enjoy a meal, and show some love to a business that keeps showing up for our youth!

10/01/2026

Okayyyy, STY got a little Soul Train in us! 😂🕺🏾💃🏾

We spend a lot of time doing the work, showing up for our youth, and making things happen in the community… but every now and then, you gotta cut loose and have some FUN with the people who help make it all possible!

Our Hustle Tournament Appreciation Kickback was all about showing love to the volunteers and supporters who give their time, energy, and heart to STY all year long.

And clearly… somebody decided a Soul Train line was necessary. 😂🙌🏾

Thank y’all for showing up, showing out, and continuing to believe in the mission.

We appreciate you more than you know!

Now the real question is… WHO WON THE SOUL TRAIN LINE?! 👀😂

09/29/2026

New experiences. New possibilities. 🚀

This week, some of our Youth Forward kids joined the STREAM program at Hunt Intermediate School through our partnership with the Columbus Arts Council and Columbus Recreation Department!

This is one of four weeks we’ll participate throughout Youth Forward this year, giving our kids opportunities to explore engineering, rockets, fire safety, and public service while learning from professionals in our community.

We’re grateful to partner with people who are expanding our kids’ access to knowledge, resources, and mentorship. Helping them see what’s possible is part of helping them move forward.

Interested in the STREAM program? Contact the Columbus Arts Council for registration information!

09/28/2026

Some lessons shouldn’t have to be learned the hard way. 💛

What’s ONE thing you wish someone had taught you as a teenager?

It could be about money, friendships, confidence, work, or asking for help.

Share your lesson in the comments. 👇 Your experience could help us start an important conversation with the next generation.

06/29/2026

💪🏾💪🏾

06/29/2026