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On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition held it’s Monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. Some highlights of the meeting include:

In response to the youth panel discussions held during previous Coalition meetings this spring, a Youth Survey was developed in collaboration with United Way and the Campus-Community Compact to Accelerate Social Justice. The survey aims to gather valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of local youth, laying the groundwork for meaningful future engagement and activity.

A recap of the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, held on October 26th at Parkland College. Attendees received an in-depth overview of the conference, including highlights of the sessions, the involvement of local community partners who provided valuable resources and information, as well as key insights on attendance numbers and outcomes of the various sessions. Recaps of two sessions can be assessed on the City of Champaign’s website including Joe Omo-Osagie’s Pursuing Wellness and Karen Simms Understanding Racial Trauma.

A special tribute was held in honor of Chief of Police Timothy Tyler from A Cry for You, a foundation supporting mothers who have lost children to gun violence. This tribute acknowledged the exceptional efforts of the police in addressing gun violence within our community, as well as the invaluable support provided to those impacted by such tragic loss.

The Salvation Army also shared updates on the wide range of services they provide, highlighting key programs such as ESL classes, Canteen runs, youth initiatives, and support for veterans. They encouraged participating community members to get involved as the holiday season approaches, particularly by donating clothing and volunteering to ring bells for donations to the organization.

The Healing Project, a grassroots initiative born out of community organizing and the use of socially engaged art for healing and resistance, provided an overview of their work. They shared the organization’s history and mission, while also highlighting their current focus and ongoing projects aimed at fostering healing and social change.

A recap of the Homelessness Summit, held on Tuesday, November 12th, at the Champaign Public Library was also provided. The summit brought together local organizations working to address homelessness, with representatives from these groups delivering presentations on the services they offer and the strategies they are employing to tackle this growing issue in the community.

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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.

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On Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition convened for its monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center from 3:30 to 5 PM.

Local law enforcement agencies provided valuable insights into recent crime trends and shared updates on upcoming events and initiatives.

The Youth Assessment Center offered an overview of its services, detailing the program’s timeline, referral sources, and the activities youth must complete to successfully finish the program.

The meeting also highlighted the upcoming 2nd Annual Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, scheduled for October 26th, 2024, from 8 AM to 4 PM at Parkland College. This year’s conference will focus on deepening our understanding of mental health, expanding perspectives, and fostering advancements within the Black community.

In a collaborative effort, Champaign Unit 4 has partnered with the University of Illinois School of Social Work and Promise Healthcare to establish a school-based health center within local schools. They will be hosting a series of events in the coming months and gathering surveys from parents and youth to assess community needs.

During the information-sharing segment of the meeting, participants had the opportunity to announce updates on upcoming events and programs. Notably, the NAACP Champaign County branch will host the 87th Illinois State Conference and Freedom Fund Program from September 26-29th. This three-day event will feature inspiring keynote speakers and recognize local community members making a significant impact.

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On August 14, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center.

The 2nd Annual Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference was discussed as registration begins August 19th. The conference will be taking place on October 26th, 2024, from 8am – 4pm at Parkland College. This year’s conference is centered around deepening our understanding, expanding our perspectives, and contributing to the advancement of mental health in the Black community.

Champaign-Urbana Schools Foundation introduced their new Executive Director Michelle Gonzales. They also presented information related to their mission statement, 5-year strategic plan, and upcoming events they are hosting.

Operation Hope introduced their new ambassadors and discussed the idea behind their summer project to create peace poles. The purpose of peace poles is to provide students with an opportunity to channel their creativity and self-expression as a means of healing and recovery following traumatic experiences.

Vision to Succeed provided the audience with ways they could support students as they head back to school. Monitoring cell phone usage, accessing mental health resources, and fostering strong relationships are just a few of the ways discussed for providing support during this transitional period. They also spoke to some of their programming efforts and opportunities available to students.

During the information-sharing segment of the meeting, several upcoming events were highlighted, including the Scott Bennett Family Resource Day, Rosecrance Overdose Awareness Day, the Dispute Resolution Institute’s Open House, and the Healing Invisible Wounds Conference. Additionally, the Housing Authority of Champaign County provided an update on the reopening of their Housing Choice Voucher Program waitlist.

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July 10, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting. Local law enforcement agencies shared information related to recent crime activities and updates regarding upcoming events. During the information sharing portion of the meeting, CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative introduced their new Peer Ambassadors. This summer the Peer Ambassadors will be engaging in trauma informed community events, learning how to educate others about managing stress, and serving as youth leaders.

The Champaign Urbana Public Health District discussed the Community Health Needs Assessment, which is designed to provide necessary information to health care organizations to improve the quality of healthcare by assisting the organizations in creating strategic programs, access, and delivery.

The second annual Black Mental Health and Wellness conference was also discussed. This year’s conference, which will take place on October 26th, at Parkland College will be focused on hope and healing with Anjanette Young as the keynote speaker.

This month’s Coalition meeting also centered around the needs of the homeless population. The Champaign County Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless provided information along with their partner organizations that included presentations from the Regional Planning Commission, City of Champaign Township, and Hope Village. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the organizations intake processes and services provided.

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On June 12th, 2024, The Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center from 3:30 – 5 pm.

Local law enforcement agencies shared information related to recent crime activities and updates regarding upcoming events.

The Champaign Urbana Public Health District discussed the Community Health Needs Assessment, which is designed to provide necessary information to health care organizations to improve the quality of healthcare by assisting the organizations in creating strategic programs, access, and delivery.

The Champaign Fire Department had the opportunity to share that they are accepting applications for the Adult Explorers Program. This program is structured to provide job specific training, education and mentorship to local residents interested in a career in the fire service industry.

Illinois WorkNet also shared that their organization is accepting applications for the Better Job Scholarship. This scholarship provides eligible applicants a pathway to different careers by providing funds for training programs, schooling, or certificates.

Carlos Harvey, a Champaign resident discussed the opening of his new barber academy. A Cut Above the Rest is the first black owned barber academy in Champaign. Participants had the chance to hear Carlos’s personal story to becoming a barber and learn more about how they can get involved.

Act – So – 2024 a program through the NAACP, talked about a fundraising opportunity for local kids in the program. The program task high school students who are interested in a career in the arts with working with a community-based volunteer to develop programs or performances. The program concludes with students competing in local and national events for scholarships and other rewards.

The Illinois Broadband Lab shared a new initiative around digital equity. The lab provided participants with information for an upcoming grant that is aimed at distributing high speed internet access and ensuring that all people have the skills, technology, and capacity to be successful in our digital economy.

Multiple organizations were also able to announce upcoming events related to Juneteenth.

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