On May 10, the Champaign County Community Coalition hosted a wide variety of speakers highlighting work being done in the community. Participants heard from local law enforcement that were excited to share news about the steady downward trend for community gun violence. They also discussed a few community engagement events like Touch-a-Truck, Coffee with a Cop, and CPD’s Open House.
Joe Wiemelt from Freedom School (USD 116) highlighted the robust programming from the alternative school to help youth that are struggling to succeed. He also brought a panel of middle schooler’s to talk about their experience with Freedom School and why it was important to them. Following that, Amy Brown from the Don Moyer Boy’s and Girls Club talked about new programs and initiatives being implemented as they move into their new space at the Martins Center and continue to hire passionate staff.
Capricia Whittaker, Y on the Fly Director, covered the conception and implementation of Y on the Fly and how they continue to grow today. Then Taren Nance introduced the Anti-Violence Collective and proposed a calendar for collective community use to make sure that community resources are being utilized in the best way. Finally, the C-U Public Health District discussed the dangers of fentanyl and how to help someone in crisis. The two things that need to happen are for someone to see something and someone to do something. That can save a person’s life.
