On September 9, 2025, the Community Safety and Justice Division hosted a Community Gun Violence Response Meeting, bringing together local residents, community leaders, Blueprint Partners, and neighborhood organizations to brainstorm meaningful solutions to the urgent issue of gun violence in our community.
This meeting was organized in direct response to a recent incident at the Country Brook Apartments complex. Blueprint Partner and Director of Y on the Fly, Capricia Whittaker, generously offered her organization’s space to host the gathering, ensuring it was accessible and welcoming for nearby residents.
Representatives from Blueprint and partner organizations—including Y on the Fly, First Followers, Street College, R.A.C.E.S., A Cry for You, DREAAM, and LIFT—were present, alongside Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, Council Members Matthew Gladney, Vanna Pianfetti, Kathy Shannon, and Bob Pollett, as well as Champaign Police Chief Timothy Tyler. Together, they engaged in a powerful and candid conversation with community members, focusing on prevention strategies, support systems, and collaborative approaches to reducing violence.
The meeting created a vital space for open dialogue, the exchange of resources, and the development of community-driven ideas. Participants not only addressed immediate concerns but also reaffirmed their collective commitment to long-term solutions that promote safety, healing, and unity. By coming together, residents, leaders, and organizations strengthened the foundation for a safer, more connected community where every voice matters.