Welcoming America Certification Audit
The City of Champaign was recently selected as one of three communities nationwide to be a pilot site to beta test the Welcoming Standard 2.0 and the starred certification system for Certified Welcoming. The certification demonstrates our commitment to our values of welcoming everyone who chooses to call Champaign home, including immigrants and refugees. The […]
Equity and Engagement Helps Displaced Residents
On January 12th, the Equity and Engagement Department staff collaborated with CU Church to gather supplies for the displaced residents of Champaign Park Apartments. Families that are in need will be given essential necessities such as toiletries, hygiene products, covers/blankets, food, and more. Pictured right: Justice Victim Advocates Jarrel Young and Eric Toga gather […]
City Staff Member Attends Menorah Lighting
On December 8, Illini Chabad hosted a pre-Hanukkah program in downtown Champaign. City staff joined the Champaign Center Partnership and other community organizations for the lighting of the menorah.
Equity and Engagement Staff Tutor Youth
On December 1, Acting Community Relations Manager Mary Catherine Roberson (Equity and Engagement Department) played math games with first graders at Stratton Elementary to help them learn math facts. Mary Catherine has spent the semester assisting students biweekly as a part of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce’s “iRead. iCount.” mentoring program in partnership with […]
New Champaign Spotlight Features Rachel Joy
The City’s video magazine show, Champaign Spotlight, is back! Each episode of the show puts the spotlight on the people, programs, and events of the City of Champaign. The latest episode features Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton interviewing Equity and Engagement Director Rachel Joy. Rachel first shares how the department was formed to meet the needs […]
Welcoming Week Thank You Reception
On October 28th, Equity and Engagement staff member, April Faulkner, attended the Welcoming Week Thank-You Reception. This was social event for participants of Welcoming Week to come together and share what the week’s events meant to them. There was music from the Jasmine Field Orchestra, and more than a dozen organizations were in attendance.
E&E Staff Facilitates Youth Development Activities
On October 14, Justice Victim Advocate, Charles Young (Equity and Engagement Dept.) facilitated a STEM Academy Fab Friday activity with students at Booker T. Washington STEM Academy. This is part of an ongoing project to assist the youth in producing a hip hop anthem for their class by remixing the school’s pledge. Fab Fridays are an […]
Community Coalition Hosts Monthly Meeting
On Wednesday October 12, the Champaign Community Coalition held its monthly meeting and heard updates from community partners including the African American Heritage Trail, the League of Women Voters, and Victory Fest. Additional presenters included Unit 4 schools who spoke about importance of students attending school every day. Law enforcement leadership from Champaign, Urbana, the […]
Community Partner Open House
Friday, September 23rd, the Trauma & Resilience Initiative, First Followers, and the Youth & Family Peer Support Alliance held an open house for their brand-new location at 102 N State Street in Champaign. Community Relations Specialist, April Faulkner (E&E), attended the open house to support the community partners and discuss what plans they had for […]
Community Coalition Hosts Monthly Meeting
On Wednesday September 14th, the Champaign Community Coalition held its monthly meeting and heard from community organizations about initiatives to support our youth and families including Youth For Christ, Douglass Library, and the Youth Assessment Center. Additional presenters included the University YMCA New American Welcome Center who shared information about Welcoming Week 2022, and Uniting […]