Pictured (L to R): Cynthia Markstahler, UYMCA; Gloria Yen, UYMCA; Koeli Goel, Dharitree Ecosphere; Rachel Joy, City of Champaign; Karen Olowu, UYMCA; and Lisa Wilson, Refugee Center.
Rachel Joy, Community Relations Manager/Compliance Officer, attended the Census 2020 IL “Count Me in” Summit in Springfield. The April 3 summit announced 42 grantees across the State of Illinois who will receive funds to target hard to count populations by increasing marketing and outreach and developing creative strategies to ensure the removal of barriers to census counting. The New American Welcome Center through the University YMCA (UYMCA), was the only Champaign County recipient. For the grant initiative, they will partner with the Cities of Champaign and Urbana, CU Immigration Forum, Refugee Center, and Dharitree Ecosphere. The keynote speaker for the summit was Maria Teresa Kumar, President and CEO of Voto Latino and additional remarks were provided by Sol Flores, Deputy Governor of Illinois.