​Our Executive Director

Clara McGinnis
​Founder & CEO 
Cedar Hill Action Team

​Clara McGinnis is one of the hardest working women in Cedar Hill, working diligently for anything dealing with the youth.  Clara has always had a passion for the youth. This passion began at age14 when her grandmother Lizzie age 75 started a Head Start Program in McComb Mississippi. Clara began working in the program and she loved it. She knew this was her gift and her purpose in life. 
​
​In 2006, this purpose was brought to reality when Clara first moved to Cedar Hill. It was 1030 one night, when a 10 year old boy rang Clara’s doorbell looking for food. She was devastated. She knew she had to do something. The boy’s mother was a single parent working multiple jobs to keep a roof over her kids head, but she had to leave them home alone. This situation woke up a tragedy from Clara’s past. Clara too was a single parent trying to make it as well. Her only son was an at risk youth who lost his life due to an accident at the age of 17. Clara felt that if she had had help back then, then maybe her son would not have lost his life.

This 10:30 p.m. incident gave birth to the Cedar Hill Action Team, affectionately known as CHAT. Clara started organizing her neighbors to provide meals for the neighborhood kids after school. The tipping point came when the city had an ordinance that the kids could not play basketball in the streets. Clara went to then Mayor Franke and the City Council to petition for a park to be built in the empty lot in her neighborhood. The park was approved and is still there today.

The Cedar Hill Action Team has evolved from those humble beginnings. It now includes the Summer Camp that is in its 6th year, the Spring Break Camp, Youth Empowerment Program and Community Closet. 

Clara doesn’t believe in giving up, no matter how tough it gets. She will always remember her Grandmother Lizzie who taught her that “Life will knock you down, but make sure you get up.”