On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, representatives from the City of Champaign’s Equity and Engagement Department, Janel Gomez and April Rosché, accompanied Karen Muchin of the Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus (MMC) on site visits to subrecipients of the Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seekers Services (SMASS) III grant. These visits aimed to observe the impact of the grant, which enables these organizations to enhance stability and inclusion for asylum seekers. The MMC plays a crucial role in distributing state funds that support these local initiatives.
Local organizations receiving funding from this program include; The City of Champaign Township, Cunningham Township, The New American Welcome Center, and The Refugee Center. During these visits, the organizations showcased the robust and life-changing programs made possible by the allocated funds. Additionally, the visits fostered open and honest dialogue. Our partners shared both the triumphs and the challenges they face, offering invaluable insights into the real-world impact of their efforts. This exchange serves to strengthen our collaborative approach, ensuring that we are continuously refining and improving the support provided to our most vulnerable populations.