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Antiochian Christian Arch
Orthodox Christianity
The Department of Youth
OCCHY Executive Director
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Coalition Specialists
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Info@HealthyYouth.com

About Us

 

What is OCCHY?

 

OCCHY stands for Orthodox Christian Coalition for Healthy Youth. This youth initiative is a national effort to strengthen our Orthodox Christian youth and the people who surround them. Under the supervision of Metropolitan PHILIP, Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, and that of the leadership of the Department of Youth and Parish Ministries, OCCHY works with Antiochian Orthodox Christian parishes to develop local coalitions to serve the geographic area of each parish and each diocese.

Since Congress enacted the Drug Free Communities program (DFC) in 1997, Federal grants have been provided on a competitive basis (through SAMHSA) to community-based coalitions serving as facilitators to reduce substance use and abuse.

 

Coalitions:

  • Address factors that increase the dangers associated with underage drinking, binge drinking, prescription medication abuse, tobacco use, illegal drug use, and other substance use and abuse.
  • Establish and maintain collaborative efforts among community members within local, state, government and non-profit agencies to address the issues of drug use and actively work to reduce problems associated with substance abuse.

 

In addition, Orthodox Christian Coalitions:

  • Address Righteous Living
  • Promote Healthy Sexuality
  • Address the Issue of Bullying
  • Encourage Respect for the Sanctity of the Human Body
  • Work to Build Strong Leaders in Body, Mind and Spirit

 

Orthodox Christian Coalitions interested in DFC funding must engage at least one member from each of the following 12 sectors:

  • Youth (SOYO member)
  • Youth-serving organizations (SOYO advisor)
  • Parents
  • Media
  • Business community
  • Schools
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Religious organizations
  • Civic groups (Order of St. Ignatius)
  • Healthcare professionals
  • State or local agencies in the field of substance abuse
  • Other organizations involved in reducing substance abuse  

 

Ask questions at:

Info@HealthyYouth.com

Kathleen A Purpura

OCCHY Executive Director

or

Fr. Joseph Purpura

Chairman of the Department of Youth and Parish Ministries

2012 HealthyYouth.com Disclaimer

The information and resources provided by HealthyYouth.com, the Orthodox Christian Coalition for Healthy Youth, or the Directors of the OCCHY Initiative are not a substitute for receiving professional medical or psychological counseling or advice, diagnosis or treatment. All links posted on this site appear to be authentic, informational websites; however, the OCCHY team recommends parent vigilance whenever underage children access the internet.

 

All materials posted on this website are copyright of the Orthodox Christian Coalition for Healthy Youth. Reproduction and distribution of any document is permissible and encouraged, provided that the Orthodox Christian Coalition for Healthy Youth is credited as the source. The names, service symbols, and logos of HealthyYouth.com, the Orthodox Christian Coalition for Healthy Youth, and the OCCHY Initiative may not be used in any advertising or affiliation with any product or service without written permission from the National Office of the Orthodox Christian Coalition for Healthy Youth.