On May 14, 2025, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting, where law enforcement officials shared updates regarding recent crime activity and upcoming community engagement events.
Also presenting at the meeting, Regina Crider (Senior Policy Analyst for Community and Parent Leadership) delivered key insights into the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, emphasizing the goals and impact of its “Blueprint for Transformation.” She also shared her personal journey, offering a powerful testament to resilience and leadership. Additionally, Regina discussed cross-organizational collaboration to better support children’s behavioral and mental health. She also highlighted key systemic challenges, such as service gaps, the complexities families encounter when navigating available resources, and the pressing need for more coordinated and accessible support networks to ensure that every child and family receives the care they need.
During the information-sharing segment of the meeting, the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) highlighted powerful testimonials from past participants, showcasing the program’s lasting impact. Current students also shared their own achievements and experiences, demonstrating the continued success and relevance of ACT-SO. The program is dedicated to inspiring and recognizing high academic, artistic, and cultural excellence among African American high school students. The CU Reparations Coalition also provided insights into their mission and ongoing initiatives, while also highlighting a series of upcoming events aimed at engaging the community and advancing advocacy efforts. Then, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 9 emphasized the critical role of the family voice in shaping early childhood education and care. They also shared important program updates, highlighting recent developments and ongoing efforts within the region.