On October 9, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting. Organizations from around the community shared information:
The 2nd Annual Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference is set for October 26 from 8 am – 4 pm at Parkland College. This year’s conference will delve into a deeper understanding of mental health in the Black community, expand perspectives, and foster advancements in mental wellness. Registration is required and participants are encouraged to sign up soon. Registration deadline is October 18.
A Summit on Homelessness, scheduled for November 12 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Champaign Public Library, will focus on current services for unhoused individuals, identify gaps in care, and plan next steps to improve housing and support for the homeless in the region.
Habitat for Humanity presented an insightful overview of the organization’s work, emphasizing the impact of inadequate housing on health and well-being. They also addressed disparities in homeownership among different demographics in Champaign County. They discussed opportunities for community members to get involved in providing more affordable housing options.
The League of Women Voters shared important information on voter registration, the voting process, and how to confirm voting districts. They also highlighted the valuable work their student ambassadors have done to register eligible high school students, which encourages civic engagement and participation.
Local law enforcement agencies provided updates on recent crime trends and upcoming events and initiatives aimed at improving public safety and community relations.
In response to previous youth panel discussions held in the spring, the Campus-Community Compact to Accelerate Social Justice introduced their Youth Survey, created for teens in high school in the Champaign-Urbana area. Developed in collaboration with community partners, the survey aims to better understand the experiences and perspectives of local youth, providing a solid foundation for future engagement and action.
During the meeting’s information-sharing segment, The Salvation Army provided updates on their upcoming Christmas Drive. Rosecrance also shared news about their “Stories of Resilience” fundraiser, featuring special guest Ryan Leaf. Both organizations encouraged the community to participate and support their efforts.
