Remembering & Honoring Those Who Served CCYA

Bill Bechtel was a cherished friend, dedicated volunteer, and steadfast supporter of CCYA. Over the years, he built meaningful relationships with many of our residents, offering kindness, encouragement, and genuine care.

For many years, Bill and his wife, Martha, welcomed CCYA youth into their home to celebrate Easter. Through their generosity, many young people experienced the joy of dyeing Easter eggs and participating in an Easter egg hunt for the very first time. These special memories are a lasting part of Bill's legacy.

Bill was always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether employing youth for odd jobs around his home, sharing a meal, or offering guidance and mentorship, he invested his time and heart in helping young people succeed. His compassion and belief in the potential of every youth made a profound difference in countless lives.

A passionate advocate for support of foster care youth in Cobb County, Bill was also a long-time sustaining donor and a generous annual sponsor of CCYA's annual PaJammin' event. His unwavering commitment to our mission helped strengthen our organization and expand opportunities for the youth we serve.

As a valued member of CCYA's Emeritus Trustee Board, Bill's leadership, generosity, and friendship left an enduring mark on our community. His legacy of compassion, service, and care will continue to inspire us for years to come.

CCYA will deeply miss Bill Bechtel and will forever be grateful for the many lives he touched. Today, Martha Bechtel continues to be a lead Guardian Angel and generous donor to CCYA.

Jim Newman joined the CCYA Board of Directors in 1999 as he began looking ahead to retirement from BellSouth and searching for a meaningful way to serve the Cobb County community. His desire was simple yet profound: to dedicate his time and talents to an organization that supported children and youth.

A fellow BellSouth colleague who was serving on the CCYA board introduced Jim to The Center and invited him to become involved. What began as an opportunity to give back quickly became a lifelong commitment. As Jim often said, CCYA "fit the bill" perfectly, providing exactly the kind of service opportunity he had hoped to find.

Over nearly two decades of dedicated leadership, Jim served CCYA in countless capacities. He held the offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary—many times over—and became known for his meticulous attention to detail, particularly in recording board meeting minutes. In 2009, he served on the search committee that selected CEO Kim Borna, helping shape the organization's future. He also led the board nominations subcommittee for many years, recruiting and mentoring new leaders who would carry CCYA's mission forward.

Jim played a pivotal role in some of the most significant milestones in CCYA's history. He helped guide the organization through the development of the Open Gate and Life Works facilities and supported the strategic transition from serving children of all ages to focusing exclusively on teens, allowing CCYA to address a growing and critical community need.

Throughout his tenure, Jim was a steadfast champion of CCYA's fundraising efforts and community partnerships. He represented the board at numerous site visits conducted by organizations such as the United Way, Managing for Excellence, and the Cobb Collaborative. His thoughtful leadership, steady presence, and ability to navigate complex challenges helped strengthen the organization through times of growth as well as periods of uncertainty.

Those who served alongside Jim found comfort in his wisdom, experience, and unwavering commitment to the mission. His leadership was marked by humility, integrity, and a genuine concern for the young people CCYA serves.

As a recipient of CCYA's 2016 Legacy Award, Jim earned a lifetime seat as a CCYA Legacy Trustee—a fitting recognition of his extraordinary service. Although Jim passed away in 2018, his impact continues to be felt throughout the organization. His legacy lives on in the programs he helped build, the leaders he mentored, and the countless young lives touched by CCYA's work.

Jim will always remain an important part of the CCYA family, and we are deeply grateful for the years of service, guidance, and friendship he shared with us. His memory continues to inspire our mission and our commitment to the youth of our community.