E&E Staff Attends Early Childhood Graduation of Blueprint Client
On May 22, Justice Victim Advocate Angela Worthey and Intern Elise Gratz (Equity & Engagement) attended the Pre-K graduation at the Regional Planning Commission’s Early Childhood Program. They were there to support the family member of a Blueprint client who is currently receiving wraparound services. The room was filled with joy and celebration as families, […]
Blueprint Partner Meeting
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the Equity & Engagement Department, Community Safety & Justice Division hosted a Blueprint partner meeting. Blueprint partners are a diverse group of more than 20 entities committed to addressing the root causes of gun violence within the City of Champaign. These leaders were introduced to the new Justice Victim Advocates, […]
Performance Showcase
On August 31, 2023, Blueprint Partner DJ Silkee, Entertainment LLC held their performance showcase at Douglass Library. DJ Silkee hosts a “She Spins” program designed to provide an educational and creative experience for middle and high school girls. The 12-week program provides access for participants to the world of becoming a DJ through recording sessions, […]
Summer Kickoff Celebration at Hedge Pop Park
On May 26, 2023, the City of Champaign came together to host a Summer Kickoff Celebration at Hedge Pop Park. The City’s Equity and Engagement Department, with the assistance and support of the Police, Planning, Public Works, and Neighborhood Services Departments were there to make sure this was the best event possible. Multiple Blueprint partners, community organizations, […]
City Council to Consider $2 Million State Grant for Community Development and Violence Prevention
On May 16, 2023, the Champaign City Council will consider approving an agreement to accept $2,000,000 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Community Development, Violence Prevention and Administrative Costs Grant. This grant funding was appropriated for the City of Champaign by the late State Senator Scott Bennett. If the […]
City Staff Present Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint at Social Science Club
On February 15, Deputy City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director/Chief Equity Officer Rachel Joy presented information on the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint during a meeting of the Social Science Club of Champaign and Urbana. The presentation was part of the Club’s 135th year of events. The presentation provided an overview and […]
Community Safety and Justice Meeting
On November 21st, staff from the Community Safety and Justice Division (Equity & Engagement) hosted a community meeting at The Champaign Public Library in response to recent shooting incidents in the Champaign area. Residents were informed about the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint resources to help address these issues and find solutions to acts of […]
City Funds On-Site Programming for Area Youth
On October 18, 2022, the City Council approved an agreement with Stephen’s Family YMCA for onsite “Y on the Fly” youth programming in the Countrybrook and Champaign Park Apartments neighborhood. This is part of the City’s Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint initiative to improve community safety. This space will also be available for Blueprint and […]
City Hosts Community Violence Response Meeting with Eisner Park Residents
On July 9, 2022, community members and City staff came together for a Community Violence Response Meeting at the Hays Recreation Center. CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative provided mental support, resources, and attendees received information about the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint and the Neighborhood Ambassadors Program.