Equity & Engagement Joins Community for “Sons and Daughters in Heaven” Gala
On September 28, 2025, members of the City of Champaign’s Equity & Engagement Department joined Champaign Police Chief Timothy Tyler, Council Member Shauna Clayborn, Senator Paul Faraci, officials from the City of Urbana, and Blueprint partner First Followers to attend and present at the Sons and Daughters in Heaven Gala, hosted by the community organization […]
Voices through Vision
On April 25, 2025, Justice Victim Advocate Angela Worthy (E&E) joined members of the Urbana City Council, the Regional Planning Commission (RPC), and representatives from both Champaign and Urbana, to support “Voices through Vision” at Rape, Advocacy, Counseling, and Education Services (RACES). This event showcased artwork by survivors and provided a supportive open mic forum […]
Sharing Stories of Hope
On April 24, 2025 the Lived Experience Subcommittee hosted a Women’s Focus Group at Strides Shelter. During this session, subcommittee members facilitated discussions to understand the factors contributing to homelessness, identify helpful services, and explore how service providers can improve their support. The evening fostered positive feedback, highlighting the significant impact of services provided by […]
One Hope United | Open House
On April 23, 2025, City staff from both the Champaign Police Department and the Equity & Engagement Department were present at an open house hosted by One Hope United. This Illinois-based non-profit organization provides crucial support to approximately 10,000 children each year through educational programs, family and youth assistance, and mental health services. The event […]
Champaign County Community Coalition
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting. The Coalition was excited to host a special panel discussion focused on the critical issues of Civility, Compassion, Climate Change, and Violent Crime. The panel, comprised of Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone, Champaign Police Chief Timothy Tyler, TRI Director Karen Simms, […]
2024 Pride Fest and Parade!
Uniting Pride of Champaign County (UP Center) is hosting their 14th annual Pride Fest and Parade this September 13-22. The City is proud to be a sponsor and promote the fantastic schedule of events. On Wednesday, Sept 4, April Faulkner, Community Relations Specialist in the Equity & Engagement Department sat down with Nicole Frydman, Director of the […]
Back to School Give Away Event
On August 6, 2024 Champaign Unit 4 School District held their school supply giveaway at Market Place Mall. From 11 AM – 1 PM, over 30 partnering agencies gathered to give away various school supplies to families. The Equity & Engagement Department took part in the school giveaway to offer families information about community resources […]
Day of Forgiveness
On December 13, 2023 community members were invited to participate in the first ever ‘Day of Forgiveness’ in Champaign County. This Day of Forgiveness began the night before when families impacted by gun violence were able to have a meal with Dr. Tony Davis, a gun violence survivor himself, to discuss grief and the journey of forgiveness. The following […]
Citizenship Fast Track Program
On December 9, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department assisted the New American Welcome Center (NAWC) in the final steps of their first Citizenship Fast-Track program. This intensive 10-day program was designed for community member seeking citizenship who were confident in their English skills. Through this program they learned about American history and […]
Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment Conference
October 3-6, 2023, Mikal Washington from the Equity and Engagement Department attended the 7th annual Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment (CREA) Conference hosted by the University of Illinois. The goal of CREA is to promote an equitable stance in all forms of systematic inquires and advocate the use of culturally responsive policies and practices. This […]