Vicksburg’s Carla Younger honored for 30 years at Children’s Shelter

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg native Carla Younger was honored last week for three decades of service at the Warren County Children’s Shelter, a milestone recognized in a public tribute shared on social media. Younger, who serves as a Child and Youth Advisor with Canopy Children’s Solutions, has become a steady presence for hundreds of young people who have passed through the shelter’s doors over the past 30 years.

The organization praised her longtime commitment in a post that highlighted her impact on the community. “We’re proud to spotlight Carla Younger, Child and Youth Advisor at Canopy’s Warren County Children’s Shelter, whose 30 years of dedicated service have shaped countless young lives and reflected the very heart of Canopy’s mission to help children thrive,” the post read.

Younger also reflected on her journey, sharing how the work transformed her understanding of the world and deepened her compassion for youth in crisis.

“Thirty years of working at Canopy have truly been a wake-up call for me,” she said. “When I first came here, I realized that not everyone grew up the way I did. I began to see the world through the eyes of our youth, their challenges, their stories, and their incredible resilience.”

She said the experience has taught her how to connect with each child individually and support them in ways that matter. “Through the years, I’ve learned so much; not only about the children we serve, but also about how to meet them where they are. Each youth is unique, and every story is different.”

Younger said some of the most meaningful moments were simple acts—cooking meals, planning outings and helping children learn everyday skills. “Knowing that these lessons and moments of care will stay with them long after they leave is one of the greatest rewards of my work,” she said.

“Canopy has given me the privilege to grow, to serve, and to love deeply, and for that, I am truly grateful,” she said.