During the meeting, representatives from local law enforcement agencies provided updates on recent criminal activity and shared information about upcoming community events in which they will be participating.

Additionally, the I Am Helen Strong chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America shared an overview of the foundation’s overall goals regarding diagnosis, treatment, and access to services. They also announced their Lupus Awareness Walk, which is slated to take place in August.

Following the I Am Helen Strong chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, the Campus Community Compact (CCC) provided an overview of current community partnerships and opportunities to create new partnerships. The CCC announced that UIUC’s TEACH Academy 2026 is now open for registration.

Next, the City of Champaign’s new Clinical Manager, Dr. Regina Parnell presented an overview of the Co-Responder Model and introduced the new Behavioral Health Advocates.

Lastly, Mamadou Tounkara provided an overview of CUPHD’s key priorities, their mission and vision, and what services are offered through the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.

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During the meeting, representatives from local law enforcement agencies provided updates on recent criminal activity and shared information about upcoming community events in which they will be participating.

The Youth Employment Services (YES) program also provided an update regarding enrollment for Summer 2026, noting that enrollment remains open for interested students. Program representatives explained that participants engage in structured training designed to equip them with essential workplace and professional development skills prior to job placement. Attendees were offered the opportunity to learn more about the program, and local organizations were encouraged to partner with YES to further enhance workforce exposure and employment opportunities for participating students.

Additionally, representatives from the Champaign County Executive’s Office provided participants with an overview of the various county departments and the services they offer, affording attendees the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of available resources and programs.

Next, representatives from the Healing, Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) initiative presented information regarding their street outreach program. They provided participants with an overview of the services offered, including direct community engagement, resource navigation, and support aimed at reducing violence and promoting safety. Representatives also outlined the qualifications for entry into the program and shared a brief overview of their 2025 program statistics, highlighting key outcomes and community impact.

Lastly, representatives from Courage Connection shared information about an upcoming event scheduled for February 25 titled Break the Cycle, held in recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. They provided an overview of the event’s purpose and encouraged community participation. Following the announcement, a panel discussion was held featuring Matthew Fletcher, Interim Executive Director, who offered insights into the organization’s work and the importance of raising awareness and prevention efforts related to domestic violence and its impact on the community.

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The meeting started with representatives from the MLK Advocacy for Justice Committee announced the 25th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration. Held each year on the Sunday preceding the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Observance, the celebration honors the life and legacy of Dr. King and recognizes three individuals or organizations whose work embodies the spirit of his message. The Unity Breakfast, held on the Day of Observance, was also highlighted as part of the weekend’s events. In addition, several past award recipients were recognized alongside this year’s honorees.

The “Every Student. Every Day.” initiative, a campaign designed to emphasize the importance of consistent school attendance for student success was introduced to participants. The initiative highlights the role that families, educators, and community members play in removing barriers to attendance and creating supportive environments where every student can thrive. The campaign calls for collective action to ensure that every child can fully participate in their education and reach their potential.

Additionally, representatives from local law enforcement agencies shared updates on recent criminal activity and upcoming community events they will be participating in.

Lastly, an interactive activity titled “Building Connections” provided participants with an opportunity to engage and get to know one another. During the activity, each participant had three minutes to respond to a prompt question, followed by three minutes listening to another participant’s response. Afterward, participants rotated seats and repeated the process with a new partner, fostering meaningful conversations and connections throughout the group.

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This month’s meeting focused on reviewing the survey results from the 2025 Coalition Priority Feedback Form. The survey provided community members with an opportunity to share feedback and insights to help guide the Coalition’s priority areas for 2026. Responses highlighted community needs, emerging concerns, and areas of continued focus, all of which will inform the Coalition’s planning and decision-making efforts moving forward.

Additionally, several organizations had the opportunity to highlight their successes from the past year, including Illinois Soul and Youth for Christ. Illinois Soul shared updates on the success of various programs, broadcasts, and events held throughout the year, emphasizing their positive impact on the community. Youth for Christ shared highlights from the wide range of programs they offer to youth, emphasizing initiatives that support personal growth, education, and community involvement. They showcased the positive outcomes of these programs, including increased engagement, skill development, and strengthened connections between young people and their community.

Local law enforcement agencies also shared updates from their departments. Highlights included community engagement hours, crime statistics, staffing, and initiatives aimed at improving public safety and building positive relationships with the community.

Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation, United Way of Champaign County, and Don Moyer Boys and Girls Clubs also shared highlights from their programs, including community outreach, youth engagement, and other efforts that support and strengthen the local community. 

During the information-sharing portion of the meeting, the Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment (CREA) team invited participants to take part in the Community Health Needs Assessment, which will help identify community health priorities, gaps in services, and opportunities for improving overall health and well-being in the area

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The meeting began with a recap of the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, which took place on September 20th at Parkland College. Donna Tanner-Harold, Chair of the event, led the presentation, highlighting the number of attendees and the impact of the various sessions offered. She also praised the outstanding quality of the presenters and expressed great appreciation to the conference sponsors, whose support was essential in making the event a success.

Additionally, representatives from local law enforcement agencies shared updates on recent criminal activity and upcoming community events they will be participating in.

The City of Champaign’s Equity and Engagement Department introduced a significant new partnership with Acclivus aimed at addressing community violence. Acclivus, a Chicago-based organization specializing in Street Outreach and violence-reduction strategies will be establishing a presence in Champaign to provide similar, specialized services, focusing on de-escalation, mediation, and connecting individuals with resources.

During the information sharing portion of the meeting, The City of Champaign’s Neighborhood Services Department promoted the Housing Needs Analysis and Strategy Survey to identify gaps in the local housing supply. The H.O.Y.C.E. Center provided an overview of their program and solicited donations for their Annual Season of Giving to help families during the Holidays. Parkland College and United Way introduced the Community Foundation Leadership Program to train emerging non-profit talent. Lastly, participants were asked to complete the Coalition Priorities Feedback Survey to guide the Coalition’s future direction.

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During the meeting, representatives from local law enforcement agencies shared updates on recent criminal activity, upcoming community events they will be participating in, and provided information related to National Crime Prevention Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Housing Authority of Champaign County provided an overview of their YouthBuild program, which focuses on basic education, career exploration, leadership development, community service, and the construction of affordable housing. They shared the program’s mission, outlined key activities, and discussed participation requirements and overall program structure.

Unit 4 provided a recap of the 2025 YES Program, highlighting the various job sites that hosted students over the summer. They also shared student testimonials from participants in the Youth Participatory Action and Research (YPAR) program, offering insight into their experiences and the impact of the initiative.

Illinois Public Media shared updates on the potential impact of federal funding cuts to public media stations. They also provided information on upcoming programming for Illinois Soul and highlighted an upcoming event at City Winery in Chicago featuring artist Freddie Jackson on October 26th.

The Champaign Park District highlighted several new programs and initiatives recently launched at the Douglas Center, reflecting their continued commitment to enhancing community engagement and access to services. These initiatives include expanded recreational opportunities, youth development programs, wellness activities, and culturally relevant events.

Rosecrance provided an overview of the veteran services they offer, highlighting a range of programs designed to support the mental health and well-being of military veterans. Their presentation emphasized the importance of accessible care, counseling, substance use treatment, and transitional support services tailored to meet the unique needs of veterans and their families.

During the information-sharing portion of the meeting, Courage Connection announced an upcoming event in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Additionally, the NAACP shared details about their upcoming Freedom Fund Banquet, scheduled for October 25th.

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The first panel featured Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz, who provided an overview of the juvenile justice process and shared insights into how cases are handled within the legal system.
 
The second panel brought together representatives from law enforcement, probation services, and the Juvenile Detention Center, who discussed the internal operations of the juvenile justice system, including how youth are processed, supervised, and supported once they enter the system.

The third panel focused on supporting services, with representatives from case management teams, and community-based programs highlighting the critical resources available to youth and families. These services play a vital role in intervention, rehabilitation, and long-term support.

The fourth panel elevated youth voice, featuring young people who have been impacted by the juvenile justice system. This panel offered an honest and powerful look into the mindset of today’s youth, their experiences, and their perspectives on what changes are needed to support their growth and success.

The meeting served as a vital platform for education and open dialogue aimed at developing effective and sustainable solutions to support youth in our community.

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During the meeting, representatives from local law enforcement agencies provided updates on recent criminal activity and shared information about upcoming community engagement events they are hosting or participating in.

Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network highlighted National Minority Donor Awareness Month and welcomed a special guest who shared a powerful personal testimony about his experience receiving a life-saving organ transplant.

Promise Healthcare provided participants with an overview of its mission, history, and current initiatives, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to improving access to quality healthcare in the community.

iRead – iCount provided an overview of their program, which is designed to build a strong foundation in math and literacy for children in grades K–1. They also issued a call for volunteers to support their next two program cohorts.

Champaign Unit 4 Schools emphasized the importance of consistent attendance as students return for the new school year, noting its impact on academic success and student engagement.

During the information-sharing portion of the meeting, Family and Community Engaged STEAMM provided an overview of their program, highlighting key initiatives and the diverse range of programming they offer. Participants were also reminded about the upcoming Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, scheduled for September 20th. Additionally, the City of Champaign shared highlights from the second round of its Small Business Program, which offers grants to eligible businesses based on specific criteria. Lastly, Rosecrance shared insights in recognition of Overdose Awareness Month and outlined a preliminary walk they will be offering on August 28th.

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The meeting included an update from Project Success – Rise-Up Gun Violence Prevention based in Danville, where representatives showcased a powerful student-produced video aimed at raising awareness and encouraging an end to gun violence in their community. 

A key highlight of the meeting was the update on the upcoming Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, scheduled for September 20, 2025. The event will feature Dr. Tiffany Gholson of Breaking Barriers International as the keynote speaker and will offer eight dynamic sessions exploring topics like trauma-informed care, youth mental health, the role of the Black church, domestic violence, navigating difficult conversations, addiction, racialized trauma, and building emotional resilience.  Register for the conference.

Then representatives from the Champaign County Firearm Safety Program delivered a presentation to raise awareness about their initiative and encourage community members to actively participate in promoting responsible firearm safety. Learn more about this program.

Joy Academics, supported by the Champaign County Community Coalition’s summer initiatives, shared an overview of their program and highlighted the range of academic and enrichment services they offer students across the Champaign-Urbana area.

Local law enforcement agencies provided updates on recent crime trends and shared details about upcoming community engagement initiatives designed to strengthen public safety and trust.

And the Justice Victim Advocates (JVAs) from the Equity and Engagement Department provided an update on the support services they offer to victims and their families following incidents of gun violence. Their presentation offered an overview of the JVA team structure, how Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint partners are integrated into the response process, and the range of direct services provided to those impacted. 

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A key highlight of the meeting was the update on the upcoming Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, scheduled for September 20, 2025. The event will feature Dr. Tiffany Gholson of Breaking Barriers International as the keynote speaker and will offer eight dynamic sessions exploring topics such as trauma-informed care, youth mental health, the role of the Black church, domestic violence, navigating difficult conversations, addiction, racialized trauma, and building emotional resilience.

The Champaign–Urbana Public Health District also provided an update on the development of the Community Health Plan, which will guide public health priorities over the next five years. The plan will focus on four key areas: access to health care, promoting healthy behaviors, violence prevention, and behavioral health.

Additionally, local law enforcement agencies provided updates on recent crime trends and shared details about upcoming community engagement initiatives designed to strengthen public safety and trust.

During the Information Sharing segment, Juneteenth celebrations were highlighted. Events included celebrations by CU Trauma & Resilience Initiative, The Well Experience, Illinois Soul, Champaign Public Library and Champaign Park District, the City of Urbana, Urbana Park District, and Bethel AME Church. Additionally, an update was shared highlighting a recent event hosted by the CU Reparations Coalition, offering participants insight into the coalition’s ongoing efforts and community engagement.

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