Skip to main content

August 7 National Night Out

Have you ever wondered what makes you have pride in your community, a sense of belonging, a moment when you think this is my community, and I am proud of this community?  One of my ah ha moments and favorite events of the year happens the first Tuesday in August each year, National Night Out.  On that night, as we pull up to each of the neighborhoods on the caravan, and meet the individuals that live and support that community, my goose bumps form, and I see the pride that each of these individuals have for their neighborhood.  You see the pride that they have for their neighborhoods on their faces and in their actions, and you see them passing the importance of giving back to their community to the youth.  It is so much fun to see young and old, greet and meet the caravan, and show the pride that they have for their neighborhood with all of us.  You find that food, fun, and games, break down the barriers, and allow everyone to co-exist for the greater good of the event, helping promote neighborhood spirit and grow police and community partnerships in a fight for safer communities and a safer Decatur.  Without money, of course, we know that this event would not be successful, so we are so lucky to have Target be the National Sponsor of the event, embracing the community in which they are a part of.  Although they are the National Sponsor, countless others commit, time, money, resources, and talents, to make this event successful, and we are so lucky to have them on board.  The greatest gift that you can give anyone is giving back to your community, and what a way to showcase the best we have in each of our neighborhoods.  Kudos to them!  And oh, by the way, would you like to support this great event, but you can’t make it?  Why not show your support by “keeping your porch light on” and creating a safer community.  What a simple and visible way to show your support!

Mindy Peterson-Lindsey, U of I Ex. CED Program Coordinator
 and National Night Out Committee Member

Thanks to our guest blogger, Mindy and active volunteer with the Community Services / Decatur Area Project Program.

Tuesday, August 7
If you would like to join in the festivities that evening and be at a site when the Caravan arrives, here is the schedule:
5:00 to 5:15 p.m. Press Conference at the Civic Center, the Caravan will form from there
5:30 to 5:45 p.m. Nelson Park Parking Lot below the large pavilion
6:00 to 6:15 p.m. Galloway Park, East Wood Street
6:30 to 6:45 p.m. Park City Neighborhood, Community Building, 32oo Delta Ave. 
7:00 to 7:15 p.m. GM Square Neighborhood in Monroe Park, Harrison and Monroe
7:30 to 7:45 p.m. Old Kings Orchard Community Center, 815 N. Church St.
8:00 to 8:15 p.m. Neighborhood United Neighborhood, parking lot of Durfee School on Garfield street

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CoC Funds Available

CoC Funds Available The Decatur/Macon County CoC announces approved Consolidated Application for the FY 2024 CoC Program Competition. Review the Approved Consolidated Application and Approved Priority Listings and all New and Referral Project Listings at the link above. For Comments or Questions about the Approved Application, email fredspannaus@gmail.com.
Post a Comment
Read more

A Woman of Dove's History

 March is Women’s History Month and during this month I want to acknowledge a woman who assisted Ray Batman in molding Dove, Inc. Not only was she a founder and volunteer, but her passion, dedication, and drive were so vital to building the stellar foundation that the organization stands on today. She may have been tiny in stature, but her presence was vast. She was eventually hired as the Program Director in 1974 and remained an active and avid supporter of Dove after retirement and up until her passing in 2014. Her “never take no for an answer” attitude assisted with building collaborations that are still matched today.  She was extremely instrumental in the organization of a multitude of community-related programs throughout the city of Decatur. This includes the Nationally Renowned Mother-to-Mother program, a programming concept that has been widely adopted across the country. Sue’s presence still shines through those of us who have come along beside her. Her commitment to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Understanding Homelessness

Understanding homelessness means to know what some of the issues are pertaining to the social issues causing homelessness: poverty, affordable housing, disabilities, and others. Homelessness occurs when people or households can no longer afford to maintain housing. While circumstances can vary, the main reason people experience homelessness is because they cannot find housing they can afford. Typically, families become homeless as a result of some unforeseen financial crisis - a medical emergency, a car accident, a death in the family - that prevents them from being able to hold on to housing. Young people often become homeless due to family conflict, including divorce, neglect, or abuse. (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2015) A lot of young people who become homeless, they either return home or move in with friends or family. Veterans often become homeless due to war-related disabilities. For many different reasons, whether it is physical disabilities, post-traumatic stres...
25 comments
Read more