Category: Equity & Engagement News

Neighborhood Services and Equity and Engagement Departments Relocating to New Offices

On February 27, 2023, the City of Champaign’s Neighborhood Services and Equity and Engagement Departments will begin serving the public from a new location in Downtown Champaign. The new offices are located at 205 W. Park Avenue, just west of the Virginia Theatre and a short walk from their current home in the City Building. […]


Justice Victim Advocate Accompanies High School Students on Community College Tour

On February 22nd, Justice Victim Advocate, Charles Jarrel Young was a chaperone for Champaign Central and Centennial’s (Goal Getters Program) college visit/tour at Danville Area Community College (DACC). The high school students went on a campus tour to learn about what DACC has to offer academically. They also learned about the history of the institution, […]


Staff Attend Family Resiliency Center Strategic Plan Launch

On Friday, February 17, Equity and Engagement staff Rachel Joy and Jorge Elvir attended the Family Resiliency Center (FRC) strategic plan launch held at Doris Kelley Christopher Hall on the UIUC campus. The theme of the launch was “Make Thriving the Norm.” The mission of FRC is to “wrap around wicked public health and social […]


City Council to Consider Use of Grant Funds for Violence Prevention and Reduction

On February 21, 2023, the Champaign City Council will consider an agreement to accept a $334,440 grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) through the federal Violence Prevention and Reduction Program. The grant funding was appropriated for the City of Champaign by State Representative Carol Ammons. If the agreement is approved, the grant […]


Equity and Engagement Assists Displaced Residents

On February 14, the Equity and Engagement staff provided bus pass vouchers to displaced residents of Champaign Park Apartments.  Families that are in need will be given essential necessities like transportation and food vouchers, hygiene products, covers/blankets, food., etc. Above:  Justice Victim Advocates Jarrel Young and Eric Toga with residents


National African American Parent Involvement Day

On February 13, 2023 communities across the country celebrated National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) and the City of Champaign was no exception. The focus of this day is for parents to get involved with their children’s schools to see what their children experience day-to-day and support their educational futures. The Equity and Engagement […]


Cyntoia Brown Long Book Signing

On February 15, 2023, the Trauma and Resilience Initiative, in partnership with the Champaign County Community Coalition, set up a private discussion and book signing with Cyntoia Brown Long at the Illinois Terminal. The goal of the discussion was for transitional youth and community resource staff to have the opportunity to learn about Cyntoia’s journey […]


City Staff Member Presents to Central Illinois Human Resources Group

On Tuesday, February 14th, Jorge Elvir, Community Relations Manager for E&E, spoke at the Central Illinois Human Resources Group presenting on: You are welcome here! – Fostering an environment of inclusion. The presentation focused on the importance of welcoming environments when defining diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. This included an overview of what […]