“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.” ― Nelson Mandela

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson)

Molly Delaney invited everyone to attend the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation Adult Spelling Bee, 6-10 PM, November 7, at the Illinois Terminal in downtown Champaign.   She also encouraged us to form a three member team to participate in the Bee.

President Tod announced that November bucket money would go to the Veteran’s One on One event.   December’s bucket money goes to United Way and January’s will be directed to the Champaign Police Department Child Safety Program.

PROGRAM

Mary introduced Sue Grey, United Way CEO.   Sue has served the Champaign – Urbana Community for 25 years, first with the Champaign Park District, then the Green Meadows Girls Scouts.   She has been with the United Way since 2006.

United Way funds 51 programs and 35 organizations, plus special projects.  Undesignated donations to United Way are directed to the Community Impact Fund.  The Community Impact Committee decides how to use these funds.  United Way worked with Frances Nelson Health Center to start a dental clinic and now they are working on an emergency shelter for homeless families.

With an office next to West Side Park, Sue and her staff often see homeless people.   And sometimes, families walk in and ask for help getting immediate shelter.

Sue explained that although Courage Connection accepts women with children, it is not an emergency shelter.   Stepping Stones and the Times Center take single men but not single dads with children.   There are between 400-500 homeless children in Champaign County.  These children stay at a different place every night, sometimes with a friend or family member.  Often, homeless kids miss school.   So a place has long been needed that could provide emergency shelter to single moms or dads with children.

United Way is working with HUD to renovate a building near the Boys and Girls Club.  It will have eight units and an office for a case manager.  The Housing Authority will run and maintain the building.   They hope to have a ribbon cutting event in December.

Sue said they may have a need for furniture, supplies and games and books for the children.  They hope to provide welcome baskets with hygiene products and gift cards.

 

 

 

Oct 22nd Oct 29th Nov 5th Nov 12th
Introductions Cary Woolard Harold Adams Laura Auteberry Oktay Baran
Invocation Darrell Hoemann Mary Hodson Phillip Holthaus Larry Johnson
Greeters Cary Woolard Harold Adams Laura Auteberry Oktay Baran
Molly Delaney Ata Durukan Diana Dummitt Bruce Hatfield
Song Leader Alan Chalifoux Neal Chamberlain Paul Conforti Molly Delaney
Notetaker Lintner Chamberlain Perry Penwell

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

October 22nd – Mike DeLorenzo, Associate Chancellor, UIUC, will discuss Willard Airport

October 29th – TBD

November 5th – Brenda Koenig, Director of the C-U Folk & Roots Festival

November 12th – Guy Fraker, attorney and Lincoln scholar

November 19th – TBD

November 26th – Thanksgiving, no meeting

December 3rd – TBD

December 10th – TBD

December 17th – TBD

December 24th – Christmas Eve, no meeting

December 31st – New Year’s Eve, no meeting

January 7th – TBD

Feb 5 – Dr. Matthew Winters, Associate Professor of Political Science, UIUC, will present What Works in International Development: The Latest Evidence