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The Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting on April 9, where it hosted a special panel discussion focused on the critical issues of “Civility, Compassion, Climate Change, and Violent Crime”. The panel, comprised of Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone, Champaign Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler, TRI Director Karen Simms, and Community Relations Manager Jorge Elvir, was asked for their take on community needs, how to build bridges, and what to do to bring about community collaboration.

Collective responses highlighted the need for holistic support services that address both kids and families, as well as a major need to reduce work done in silos and increasing knowledge and resource sharing across the county. Lastly, there was a mutual call to action to get involved, emphasizing that change happens when everyone is involved and invested in making it happen. The second part of the meeting focused on sharing information about major programs in the works.

Members from Copper Creek Church shared information about some awesome upcoming tours to experience the African American Heritage Trail like never before  Sign up here!

News, Brews, and Beatz is coming back and better than ever..

High school students nationwide participate in ACT-SO, a year-long program where they develop projects and performances in various fields with community volunteers. This culminates in local and national competitions offering scholarships and rewards.

Women In Need (WIN) Recovery presented about their amazing program and services that provide life-changing support for women in the community. Two community members also shared their inspiring journeys of recovery and success.

The Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference will be back this fall on October 20, 2025. Registration will begin soon.

The Champaign Neighborhood Networking Conference is right around the corner on May 9. Registration is filling up!

Members from Copper Creek Church shared information about some awesome upcoming tours to experience the African American Heritage Trail like never before  Sign up here!
 

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On March 12, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. Below are some highlights: The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission reviewed their Employment Services and Job Training programs, which offer valuable assistance with job searches, resume preparation, and scholarship opportunities. They are well-equipped to support individuals in their career development. Additionally, the Commission highlighted key partnerships and explained the referral process for accessing these services.  The Race Relations Subcommittee of the Coalition is excited to announce plans for the third year of the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference. The event is tentatively scheduled for September 20, and will once again take place at Parkland College. Additional details will be shared at a later time. Youth Employment Services (YES) presented the recent updates to their program and encouraged potential employers to consider hiring high school students, offering them valuable opportunities to enter the workforce. They shared inspiring success stories of past YES participants, highlighted employers who have committed to providing opportunities for YES students, and outlined the key skills students will gain during the initial training course. During the information-sharing segment of the meeting, organizations came forward to share opportunities for collaboration. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office provided an overview of the programs and services they offer, explaining how they can assist both individuals and organizations protect themselves against scams.CU Trauma and Resilience discussed their upcoming summit, “Healing Solutions for Healing Communities,” and expressed gratitude to everyone who has signed up, as well as to the participants who have supported their efforts. Strides Shelter shared details about their services and informed participants about the referendum on April 1, which would help secure future funding for the shelter. The League of Women Voters provided information about the voting process in preparation for the upcoming elections on April 1. They also highlighted their Student Ambassadors, who have played a key role in helping high school students register to vote. The City of Champaign also announced that they are currently compiling a survey as part of their efforts to reshape the Downtown Plan.

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On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the Champaign County Community Coalition hosted its monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center from 3:30 to 5:00 PM.

The Healing Solutions for Healing Communities Conference planning committee had an opportunity to announce their upcoming conference, a two-day event aimed at fostering healing and growth within communities. Taking place on March 14th and 15th at the I Hotel, this interactive conference will bring together thought leaders, professionals, and community members to explore innovative solutions and strategies for healing. With collaboration, healing, and positive change at the forefront, participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, workshops, and activities designed to inspire and drive lasting impact in their communities.

The New American Welcome Center took a moment to share details about the programs and services they provide. In light of the increasing deportations nationwide, the Center is focused on finding ways to support immigrants and their families during this challenging time.

Local law enforcement agencies provided insight into recent crime activities and trends and shared information regarding upcoming events.

Steam Genius – Street College provided an update on the program’s recent developments following the passing of its founder, Dr. William Patterson. They highlighted key partners who have been supporting the program’s activities and shared inspiring success stories of students who have thrived through their initiatives.

YouthBuild, a youth-focused development program under the Housing Authority of Champaign County, also shared valuable information about their impactful initiatives and provided a deeper insight into their mission to empower and uplift young individuals.

The Strong Communities Project initiative presented information on the rise of hate-motivated violence affecting local communities. Through public health strategies and community engagement efforts, the initiative aims to foster emotional wellness, promote flexible thinking, reduce problematic internet use, enhance safety and fairness, and create a greater sense of belonging for all. The group is actively working to identify ways to reduce violence within the community and ensure that early warning signs are addressed.

The African American Heritage Trail took the opportunity to share exciting details about the upcoming tours they will be hosting. By showcasing significant cultural sites, offering immersive storytelling experiences, and providing both customized guided tours and digital self-guided options, their goal is to strengthen regional tourism and drive economic growth. Through cultural preservation, they aim to enhance brand equity, while fostering greater community engagement and promoting historical awareness.

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Champaign County Young Lives shared details about their program, which supports expecting and parenting adolescents in developing leadership, life skills, and faith. Young Lives provides mentorship and a range of services, including residential housing options for young parents in need of safe and stable accommodations. The group also organizes a variety of events for young parents who may not be able to participate in traditional programs or activities.

CU One to One Mentoring shared information with participants about their program and opportunities for getting involved. This included sharing their mission statement, providing details about upcoming training opportunities, and offering information on scholarship funds available to students who partake in the program.

CU Schools Foundation provided a brief overview of their organization, unveiled their new strategic plan, and highlighted upcoming initiatives. They also announced a new grant cycle for the spring, aimed at supporting teachers with essential classroom supplies. They will also host various events throughout the winter and spring months.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration will be held on January 19, at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts from 5-7 PM. A Unity Breakfast will also be held at Vineyard Church on January 20, at 8:30 AM. During the Countywide Celebration, three distinguished community members will be honored with prestigious awards. The 2025 award recipients are:

Tracy Dace – Susan Freiburg Humanitarian Award – James R. Burgess, Jr.

Donna Tanner-Harold – Prestigious Community Service Award

Terry Townsend – Martin Luther King, Jr. Outstanding Achievement Award

H3 recently announced a revamping of their services with an exciting relaunch. During their presentation, they provided an insightful overview of the new changes and initiatives they plan to implement, while also sharing the background and vision behind this transformative initiative.

During the information-sharing segment of the meeting, community members highlighted the importance of supporting the City of Champaign Township referendum on April 1 to advance the efforts of the low-barrier shelter. The City of Urbana provided updates on several key initiatives, including the opening of a new grocery store, a grant to combat food insecurity, and the upcoming launch of a health and wellness center. Additionally, Illinois Soul will celebrate its one-year anniversary with a special event on February 1 at the Tyron Festival Theatre. Participants also promoted an event on January 15 where service providers could learn more about the Illinois TRUST Act.

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

Coalition attendees had the opportunity to celebrate local law enforcement agencies as they showcased key achievements from 2024. Highlights included the introduction of innovative initiatives, the deployment of advanced equipment, departmental promotions, advancements in education, and a range of specialized trainings.

The Coalition also took a moment to recognize and honor several distinguished members of partner agencies during the “Recognitions and Acknowledgements” segment of the meeting. Among those celebrated were Beverly Baker, Chief Impact Officer of the United Way, Minnie Pearson, President of the NAACP Champaign County, and Dorothy David, City Manager of the City of Champaign, along with several other notable individuals.

The 2024 Year-End Review offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the Coalition’s involvement in a range of impactful initiatives and programs throughout the year. Key highlights included the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, Rising Stars, the Campus-Community Compact to Accelerate Social Justice Networking Events, the Sons in Heaven Gala hosted by A Cry for You, and enhanced Police-Community Engagement efforts.

Key initiatives the Coalition will prioritize in 2025 include fostering a trauma-informed community, hosting a Youth-Led and Focused Conference, continuing collaboration with Illinois Soul, supporting targeted police-community dialogue, promoting attendance and academic achievement, and strengthening efforts to support Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs).

During the information-sharing portion of the meeting, the Chamber of Commerce provided updates on the National Civic Bee in Champaign County. Additionally, CU Tri introduced their new initiative, “Healing Solutions for Healing Communities,” offering insights and updates on an upcoming conference they are planning for Spring 2025.

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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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