KANKAKEE, IL -  (October 23, 2020) – Strong Neighborhoods (SN) hosted a block party outside their Elm House this past Saturday for local residents in the second and sixth wards. Families and friends gathered across the block of 500 Elm Avenue enjoying food, games, vendors, a DJ, and more. This was the Strong Neighborhood’s first community event and the program is still developing while opening its doors to residents in that community. The block party was well-attended with a mix of residents, city officials and staff, Kankakee School District 111 (KSD) and United Way board and staff members. Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong and Senator Patrick Joyce stopped by to show their support.

“As we work together to address public safety, we aimed to have a strong presence where majority of the gun violence is taking place. The block party was a great opportunity for our community to come together safely and have fun. I would like to thank the City’s team, United Way, Kankakee School District 111 and everyone who contributed to this event,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

Strong Neighborhoods is a collaborative, community-led approach to neighborhood change that aligns investments and resources to support residents’ aspirations, and its vision is that SN residents live within safe, stable environments enabling them to achieve their fullest potential. Strong Neighborhoods is a partnership between United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, Kankakee School District 111, and the City of Kankakee with its first house located in the second ward of Kankakee. Through this house, direct assistance and programming will be available to residents for easy access within their neighborhood.

“The positive feedback from residents and Kankakee School District 111 staff who attended was exciting for me to see from the many posts on social media. I am grateful for the Project Manager, Gloria Kennedy, who effectively led the work on behalf of the Kankakee School District to ensure the block party was a success,” said Dr. Genevra Walters, Kankakee School District 111 Superintendent. “I am positive that the Elm House will have a positive impact on the second and sixth wards through the support and services that will be provided.”

"It was great to see residents enjoy food, fun and games this last weekend,” said Kerstin Rust, Executive Director United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. “We are grateful for the partners, event sponsors and many volunteers for making this event a success."

We’d like to thank the following sponsors for helping to make this block party possible:

• Norman Gaskin - Realtor Coldwell Banker • Deb Baron - Riverview Neighborhood • Mr. Harold Terrell of Kankakee • Dollar General - Mgr Stacey Baker Whalum East Court • Riverview Grocery Store - (Joe) • McDonald's - Evert at East Court St.  • Arak Auto Sales - Jessie • Trends Beauty Supply - Mr. Han • K3 Fashion & Wireless - Alex • Domino's Pizza - Matt Pradzinski -Maple St.

• Karen Johnston • Wulff Farms • Officer Marisha Costello • Shavaria "Shay" Hale • Gloria Kennedy • Kerstin Rust • Dr. Genevra Walters • Jackie Haas • Lia Schilling • The City of Kankakee

 

You can find photos from the block party on the City of Kankakee’s website at https://citykankakee-il.gov/album.php?s=strong-neighborhoods-block-party-oct-2020. For more information on Strong Neighborhoods, visit https://www.myunitedway.org/strongneighborhoods.

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About Strong Neighborhoods:

Strong Neighborhoods is a collaborative, community-led approach to neighborhood change that aligns investments and resources to support residents’ aspirations. Its vision is that its residents live within safe, stable environments enabling them to achieve their fullest potential. Strong Neighborhoods is a partnership between United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, Kankakee School District 111, and the City of Kankakee. For more information, visit https://www.myunitedway.org/strongneighborhoods.

 

About the Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA):

The Kankakee Economic and Community Development (ECDA) is a local government agency whose mission is to improve the lives of Kankakee residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing, economic development and community development. The ECDA administers programs that serve the neighborhoods and residents of the City of Kankakee provided by federal, state and local funding. For more information, contact ECDA at 815-933-0506, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit our website at https://ecda.citykankakee-il.gov/.

 

About the City of Kankakee, Illinois:

The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

About United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties:

Through our extensive network of multi-sector partners, we address issues around health equity, early childhood development and economic mobility. We mobilize the caring power of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties by investing in over 40 partner agency programs, convening key collaborative networks such as the Success By 6 coalition, focusing on neighborhood-level engagement and direct impact through the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, raising awareness of community needs and aspirations by sharing important community-level data. Through these collective efforts, 1 in 4 local residents receive support from United Way funded programs. For more information, visit https://www.myunitedway.org/.

 

About Kankakee School District 111:

Kankakee School District #111 will be recognized as being progressive, innovative and creative.  We work together to build ONE community with strong partnerships.  We are ONE district committed to increasing student achievement. We have ONE vision of producing globally productive citizens.  We do this for the diverse needs of ALL children. Kankakee School District 111 has a wonderful rich, architectural heritage. The District has an enrollment of 5,800 students. Our staff is dedicated to making the classroom environment positive and engaging, while taking great pride in the daily restoration and maintenance of these facilities. For more information, visit https://www.ksd111.org/Kankakee.

 

Download the Press Release - Strong Neighborhoods Elm House Hosts Block Party for Community

View all photos from the Strong Neighborhoods Block Party