Former Natchez resident Mike Schuchs, now of Fulton, will receive the 2007 Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence Award for Achievement in Volunteer Service by Adults.

Schuchs was honored at the 15th annual GIVE Awards Ceremony Wednesday at the Jackson Marriott for his commitment to the youth in his community.

The awards were presented by the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service, Gov. Haley Barbour and First Lady Marsha Barbour.

Since 2003, Schuchs has dedicated his time and energy to the youth of Fulton.

Following the loss of his daughter in an automobile accident, he created a nonprofit organization in her memory called Carrie’s Coffee House. For months, he worked evenings and weekends to renovate the facility, building a performance space, television and game areas, coffee tables and counter, bathrooms, kitchen and more.

Carrie’s Coffee House is open weekend nights and is run by volunteers. Schuchs has volunteered every weekend for three years. Called Mr. Mike, he has become an adopted dad to many young people. Through the creation of Carrie’s Coffee House, Schuchs used innovation, personal effort and determination to turn the personal loss of his daughter into an ongoing gift to the youth and families of his community.