Community Coalition February Meeting

On February 14, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting at Holiday Inn Conference Center (101 Trade Center Dr., Champaign, IL 61820).

This month’s meeting included updates from local law enforcement regarding crime statistics, upcoming engagement efforts, and partnership opportunities.

Operation Hope, a college and career readiness program through Unit 4 held a panel discussion with participants of the program. Through this discussion, the participants were able to talk about their recent career exploration trip to AMC Salon where they learned valuable tools for paths and careers that do not require college degrees. The participants also spoke of their need for spaces and activities in Champaign, that center around their interest and are appropriate for their age group.

Lunch Crew, a program through Youth for Christ spoke regarding their initiative of bringing University of Illinois students and programs to local high school and middle school students. They were able to collaborate with university graduate students to teach local kids about STEM through projects and activities.

Rosecrance shared with audience members their programs and services. They were also able to speak about their collaboration efforts with local law enforcement agencies on the Crisis Co-Response team and highlight their Criminal Justice program. They were also able to promote their upcoming Therapeutic Recreation Workshop set to take place on March 7, 2024.

The Justice Coalition at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District promoted their Black Health, Wealth, Wellness event set to be held on February 22nd from 6 pm – 7:30 pm in the main conference room of their building (201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL 61820). They were also able to discuss the formation of the coalition and their goals as they move forward.

During the information sharing portion of the meeting, Illinois Soul was highlighted as they continue their series of events for Black History Month.