The Christian Youth Center of Morris has not had it easy this year with the departure of director Nick Marcoux, who had led the group from its infancy, and his wife Amy. But it has survived and, according to its new director, Pete Vienne, the youth center is even thriving.

“I see God using this ministry in so many ways,” Vienne told the packed White Oak Elementary gymnasium at Saturday’s CYCM 11th annual banquet. “This organization has gone through so many difficult decisions in many directions, and no decision has been light. ... I miss my friends and their leadership so much, but their legacy is being carried on here.”

Vienne said the relationships developed by the Marcouxs are continuing to grow and new ones are forming every day. One new relationship has been forged among several area ministers and the CYCM. Pastors such as Rick Barnard, who began CYCM, and Roy Backus have been affiliated with the CYC for a while, but a new program begun recently is uniting the program’s kids to even more ministers.