Who We Are : History

A group of leaders at the Catholic Service League founded CYO in 1936 out of concern for area youth in the later years of the Depression. The program operated as a division of the Catholic Service League until 1967, when it was spun off as a separate corporation. CYO services now spans into seven primary areas: Adult Day Services, Athletics, Camping, Home Service Project, Recreational Respite and SumFun for persons with disabilities, Youth Enrichment and Youth Ministry. These programs are open to persons of all races, faiths and ethnic backgrounds.

1936

Akron CYO is founded and begins building the program on the twin foundations of athletics and camping. Early CYO activities includes leagues for baseball, softball, football, basketball and bowling, along with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, marble tournaments, track meets, model airplane competitions, pistol and rifle shooting teams, and leadership training courses. The staff worked with the Knights of Columbus to provide camping opportunities for needy young boys.

1954

In operation since 1924 (by the Knights of Columbus which later turned over the entire camp to the Catholic Service League), Camp Christopher relocates to its present location on Hametown Road in Bath, on land purchased by Catholic Charities.

1963

In conjunction with the Summit County Council for the Retarded, CYO organizes a day camp at Camp Christopher for people with mental disabilities.

1967

CYO becomes autonomous, making CYO and the Catholic Service League separate organizations.

1968

CYO sponsors its first Search for Christian Maturity retreat (Youth Ministry).

1977

With a funding award by the Area Office on Aging, CYO initiates the first adult day care program (Adult Day Services) in the Akron area.

1980

CYO of Summit County assumes responsibility for CYO programming in Medina, Wayne and Ashland Counties.

1984

Summer Recreation Program for Physically Disabled Youth (SumFun) begins in conjunction with the Summit County United Way, Catholic Charities and City of Akron Recreation Department.

1989

Recreational Respite started to provide weekend programs for persons with disabilities and respite for their caregivers

1993

In June, CYO changes its name to CYO & Community Services to better reflect the breadth of services offered.

1995

CYO & Community Services relocates its offices to the former St. Peter’s School building, breathing new life into the facility and creating a new presence in the community.

1998

CYO adds Neighborhood Services (Youth Enrichment) to its list of community services. The afterschool program begins by offering tutoring and recreation for 4th and 5th graders.

2000

CYO Adult Day Services on Biruta St. reaches capacity of the facility. A second CYO Adult Day Services opens in Cuyahoga Falls and remains open until February, 2003.

2002

CYO begins a pilot mentoring program with Summit County Juvenile Court.

2004

CYO accepts full responsibility for the diocesan Environmental Education program offered at Camp Christopher.

2005

CYO begins the Home Service Project to serve disabled older adults in their homes with yard work and light home maintenance.